Review Summary: A bold reinvention that helped shape the future of stoner metal!
Released in 1993, The Ethereal Mirror marked a dramatic shift for Cathedral. While their debut, Forest of Equilibrium, was a landmark of oppressive and funereal doom, this second album embraced a far more dynamic, rock-oriented and ultimately more enjoyable approach. The doom foundations remained intact, but they were now blended with groove, hard rock energy, proto-stoner (or directly stoner) riffs and even occasional progressive touches. The result was a record that felt fresh, adventurous and surprisingly influential.
The opening sequence is simply magnificent. Violet Vortex acts as a brief introduction to the new sound before Ride explodes with a rhythmic, crushing riff that recalls Black Sabbath while establishing Cathedral's new identity. Enter the Worms initially disguises itself as a doom track before transforming into a memorable stoner anthem with a fantastic chorus. Midnight Mountain may be the album's defining moment: a glorious blast of heavy rock and stoner metal, complete with a superb bass solo and enough groove to carry an entire record. Fountain of Innocence continues the streak, mixing progressive ideas, an almost brilliant acoustic interlude and a spectacular closing riff section. Together, these first five tracks form one of the strongest opening runs in early stoner metal.
The second half adopts a darker tone. Grim Luxuria remains interesting thanks to its many tempo changes, while Jaded Entity and Ashes You Leave bring back some of the cemetery atmosphere associated with the band's earlier work, albeit without returning to the suffocating heaviness of Forest of Equilibrium. Phantasmagoria feels somewhat repetitive at this stage and is one of the few tracks that slightly weakens the album's momentum. Fortunately, Imprisoned in Flesh closes the record beautifully with an acoustic, almost Pink Floyd-like piece in which Lee Dorrian delivers one of his most melodic vocal performances.
Conclusion: what makes The Ethereal Mirror so compelling is the balance between its two personalities. The first half is energetic, groovy and distinctly stoner, while the second explores darker territory without becoming overwhelmingly doom laden. For my taste, this change of direction was a clear improvement. It gave Cathedral a broader palette and transformed them from a great doom band into something far more unique.
Best Tracks: Midnight Mountain, Ride, Fountain of Innocence, Enter the Worms.
