Echos cover

Echos

Lacrimosa · 2003

72 min · 8 tracks · gothic rock

A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and dark, theatrical vocals that evoke a sense of melancholic grandeur.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Kyrie (Overture) — This extended opening track sets a dramatic tone for the album with its orchestral richness and dynamic vocal delivery, establishing the overarching themes of longing and spirituality.
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    Durch Nacht und Flut (Suche, Part 1) — The blend of haunting melodies and powerful lyrics in this track encapsulates Lacrimosa's gothic essence, showcasing their ability to merge emotional intensity with sophisticated composition.
  • →
    Die Schreie sind verstummt (Requiem für drei Gamben und Klavier) — At nearly 24 minutes long, this closing piece serves as an epic culmination of the album's themes, featuring intricate arrangements that highlight the band's symphonic aspirations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious orchestration and a strong narrative flow, marking a peak in Lacrimosa's artistic expression.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a symphonic overture that sets a dramatic tone, followed by tracks that blend orchestral elements with heavy guitar riffs.
  • Each track features complex arrangements, often layering multiple vocal harmonies over intricate instrumental backdrops.
  • The thematic structure is divided into parts, creating a narrative flow that connects the songs while maintaining distinct musical identities.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive orchestral storytelling experience
  • patient unfolding of themes
  • haunting melodies for deep reflection
  • cathartic emotional release moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, catchy songs
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 27, 2003, 'Echos' is Lacrimosa's sixth studio album, following their acclaimed work 'Fassade'. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation within the gothic metal scene, expanding their sound towards more symphonic elements while maintaining their signature dark themes.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sacrifice (Hingabe, Part 1)

    A pivotal section shifts from first-person introspection to a broader commentary on love and loss using vivid imagery of nature.

    This transition not only deepens the emotional weight but also reflects a shift in perspective that enriches the narrative complexity throughout the album.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Kyrie (Overture) 12:44
  • 2 Durch Nacht und Flut (Suche, Part 1) 6:05
  • 3 Sacrifice (Hingabe, Part 1) 9:30
  • 4 Apart (Bittruf, Part 1) 4:18
  • 5 Ein Hauch von Menschlichkeit (Suche, Part 2) 5:07
  • 6 Eine Nacht in Ewigkeit (Hingabe, Part 2) 5:54
  • 7 Malina (Bittruf, Part 2) 4:50
  • 8 Die Schreie sind verstummt (Requiem für drei Gamben und Klavier) 23:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata