When it comes to naming both famous and distinguished gothic metal groups, bands like Paradise Lost, Type O Negative and Tiamat spring to mind. Last of these has actually just released their first DVD release titled as the Church of Tiamat. In addition to the main feature showcasing their gig in Poland, there's also additional bonus material on this disc featuring the history of Tiamat (namely commentary tracks and promotional videos alongside some rare live footage). As one may assume, the promotional videos are better sounding than the live gig and give this release more value.

The quality of song material on this release is rather good, and I readily acknowledge the Church of Tiamat as being kind of a "best of" record (just take a look at the tracklist, and you'll soon start thinking likewise). The performances are tight, which isn't that surprising as all the guys on stage are professionals. The Tiamat members Edlund, Sköld and Iwers are supported by Martin Brändtröm (Dark Tranquility) and Fredrik Åkesson (Arch Enemy) on their set.

Unfortunately the production on this record isn't quite up to my standards... though the picture quality is good (the whole gig has been actually shooted widescreen), the sound quality doesn't quite match to that of picture's. Especially the low-end seems to be problematic, since it's crowded and distorts frequently. If the sound quality would be higher I would warmly recommend this DVD to all the fans, but unfortunately it isn't - therefore I can only recommend The Church of Tiamat for the hardcore fans who don't care that much about the quality of the sound. If you regard yourself in this group go ahead and check this DVD out.

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- MAGE (June 7th, 2006)

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LINE-UP:
Edlund, Johan: Guitars & Vocals Iwers, Anders: Bass Sköld, Lars: Drums Brändström, Martin: Keys Åkesson, Fredrik: Lead Guitars also the following appear on bonus feature: Thullberg, Jörgen: Bass Petersson, Thomas: Lead Guitars Ekstrand, Niklas: Drums Hagel, Johnny: Bass Sahlgren, Magnus: Lead Guitars Danielson, Pär Anders: Keys
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Bemm, Siggi
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	Main Feature: Live in Poland, 2005 01. Vote for Love 02. Children of the Underworld 03. Cain 04. Brighter Than the Sun 05. To Have and Have Not 06. Whatever That Hurts 07. I Am in Love with Myself 08. In a Dream 09. Wings of Heaven 10. Cold Seed 11. Clovenhoof 12. As Long as You're Mine 13. Love Is as Good as Soma 14. The Sleeping Beauty 15. Gaia 15. Interview [25:44] Bonus Feature: The History of Tiamat 16. Where the Serpents Ever Dwell [7:00] 17. Whatever That Hurts [4:50] 18. Gaia [3:41] 19. Undressed [6:15] 20. The Ar [2:53] 21. Alteration X [5:08] 22. Cold Seed [4:38] 23. Brighter Than the Sun [4:28] 24. Vote for Love [4:15] 25. Phantasma De Luxe [5:52] 26. Angel Holograms [3:59] 27. Cain [5:03] 28. Do You Dream of Me? [3:23] 29. Photo Gallery [1:20] 30. Art Gallery [1:20] 31. Desktop Images 32. Websites 33. Logo Length: 166:08