Tears cover

Tears

The Crüxshadows · 2001

41 min · 7 tracks · gothic rock

Ethereal synths and haunting vocals intertwine to create a melancholic soundscape that defines the gothic rock aesthetic.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tears — The title track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its blend of emotive lyrics and lush melodies, making it an anthem for their followers.
  • →
    Heaven's Gaze (acoustic Tears edit) — This acoustic version highlights the raw emotional depth of the original song, offering a contrast to the electronic elements prevalent in much of their work.
  • →
    Jabberwocky — With its playful lyrics and engaging rhythm, this track showcases the band's ability to merge whimsical themes with darker undertones, exemplifying their unique style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong melodies and varied arrangements, solidifying its place in the gothic rock scene.

What we noticed

  • The title track features layered synths that build a dense atmosphere, while the vocals float above, creating a sense of longing.
  • The EP includes multiple remixes of 'Tears', each offering a different interpretation while maintaining the core melody.
  • Tracks like 'Within' and 'Jabberwocky' introduce varied tempos and instrumentation, shifting from ethereal to more driving beats.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • haunting vocals for introspection
  • melancholic soundscapes for solitude
  • remixes that deepen emotional layers
  • short tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of upbeat energy
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in December 2001, 'Tears' marked The Crüxshadows' third studio album, following their breakthrough with 'Astromythology.' At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the darkwave scene, further expanding their fanbase and musical experimentation.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Tears 4:53
  • 2 Tears (Apoptygma Berzerk remix) 5:40
  • 3 Within 5:24
  • 4 Tears (Robbie Tronco/Knobhead remix) 9:14
  • 5 Jabberwocky 2:46
  • 6 Tears (Fictional remix) 7:17
  • 7 Heaven's Gaze (acoustic Tears edit) 5:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata