Onyx

Ava Inferi's fourth album doesn't stand out from the crowded glut of doom goth releases of its time, but that doesn't mean it's without merit. Rune Eriksen's songs plod along morbidly, striving more for dark atmosphere than memorable choruses. Really, no track registers as a memorable, distinctive entity, except perhaps "The Heathen Island" with its horror film samples, though it is a welcome moment when Eriksen lends his brooding Andrew Eldritch-like voice to "The Living End." Lead singer Carmen Simões is no slouch, but when she lingers in high octaves, as she's prone, some listeners will likely reach for the skip or delete button. The band's theatrical moody approach to goth rock isn't original by any stretch, but Onyx is a likable and listenable — yet tame — offering.