Most of us will remember Trail Of Tears as the band who made a conspicuous entree with 'Disclosure In Red', with the flamboyant Helena Iren Michaelsen as signboard. But external ostentation leads to shallow success, that is was the band experienced after one more quarrel with the wilful vocalist. It was a case of working hard to regain the fans. After the failing of cooperation with a next singer Cathrine Paulsen, the band decided to forge forth without replacing her. In the meantime, the imposing figure of Kjetil Nordhus had joined the band on a permanent base and with this also in Green Carnation and Chain Collector active vocalist, they get gold (and a schoolmate) inside. \\n\\nIt was indeed with growing curiosity I put this new album in my installation. It seems like another band I am listening to. What an improvement! As opener act of the recent Therion tour I could suspect something ?C also there the band made a very positive impression ?C but on their fourth piece of work 'Free Fall Into Fear' it all comes better to expression. Except for the vocals Trail Of Tears consists of exactly the same musicians as those who made 'Disclosure In Red', but one can hear obviously that they have grown enormously. The songs are not only heavier, that would be easy, but also more complicated technically and much more challenging. This is the new approach they were talking about and I have to admit it hugely pleases me. \\n\\nChunky, podgy riffs, close to thrash, and grunts are the main components of 'Joyless Trance Of Winter', but as a red thread the instant recognizable voice of Kjetil Nordhus runs through it all as unctuous factor. Loads of pace and mood changes, but in general tremendous heavy. Although 'Frail Expectations' opens with some choirs, soon we are blown away in another direction by blastbeats. Talking about surprises: in the midst of this brutality a classical guitar solo and atmospheric piano follow. One understands this is no simple kind of music. Most touching favourite on this album is 'Carrier Of The Scars Of Life'. Magnificent how Kjetil sings here in a beseeching way: "Take me away from Illusion" and Ronny (grunts) repeats screaming "Illusion" right after. A cute violin is passing by for a moment and all this surrounded by ruthless riffs. 'Cold Hand Of Retribution' switches to a higher speed. Strange enough it is here that some female vocals loom up. Just for a minute. Luckily. For 'Watch You Fall' goes more in the direction of Age Of Silence and Winds, mostly thanks to Kjetil's clean vocals. This is something for those who want to discover new things in music with every turn. In 'The Architect Of My Downfall' dominate black metal elements, but most of the other songs have all some progressive, fickle moments. 'The Face Of Jealousy' is a nice sample of that. The recordings were done at the Norwegian Dub Studio while the mastering took place at the renowned Finnvox Studios. One can be sure it rocks like hell! \\n\\nTrail Of Tears have thrown off their gothic yoke and have made their best record until now. The CD is a brilliant amalgam of extreme metal (death, thrash and black) where progressive parts demand a bit more time to fathom. Recommended for those who want more than only sonic wallpaper.