Maybe it could be useful to tell as well on which points you find similarity.
For example, in early Tristania, is it maybe the combination of a clear female vocal, a grunting male, a perfect violin and the whole thing which is very musical that reminds on TSOTB?
Or is it maybe just the atmosphere in general that is more important?
Tell please a bit more about SMoG, I don't know this band.
Sweet Mother of God, I think the thing that reminds me of TSOTB is the entire atmosphere, each song paints such a musical landscape, although TSOTB is MUCH MUCH heavy sounding. Clear female vocals, and not a deep grunt like that of Glenn and Arild but a "sharper" sound, if that makes sense? I highly recomend "Deepest Pain" by SMoG, it is fre fo download at there web site, http://home.online.no/~dostby/ they also seem all but dead with no news in a LONG time
As for early Tristania, nothing could sum my thoughts up better, but perhapes also there lyrical themes reminds one of especially Lake of Sorrow?
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Another day will go astray, another tear is this life so grey, if you ever saw me smile, you should know I felt sick inside
Well i must agree with razorblade romance totally.There is definately not another band like TSOTB.I ve searched all over the world to find similar atmosphere and close details but my efforts so far are in vain.Reccomendations....many but with great differences from TSOTB.Eeriness with good atmosfere but no violin,Ashes you leave with violin and similar atmosfere but less quality in keyboards,How Like A Winter with many things but lack in melancholic atmosfere.
As for the Sweet Mother Of God its good but lacking in general atmosfere and quality.
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Ångra Aldrig Dina Synder.....Prisa Dem,Omfamna Dem