Most of us never saw Sabine, never heard her live. We have only those few in Europe and elsewhere who experienced her voice to remember her by. That and the few recordings available, the one in review here being among the most memorable. We will experience no more. But, we have this production to remember her by.

So what is Griefshire? Who is Sabrine? What do we have to experience?

Elis, it is written, began life as the Swiss / Liechtenstein (yea, I know, look it up, get a map of Europe and look hard) based group Erben Der Schopfung. The band has been relatively consistent in terms of performers. In addition to Dunser, the line up here includes Pete Streit, Jurgen Broger and Chris Gruber on guitars, Tom Saxer on bass (and grunts), Max Naescher on drums. The name Elis appeared in 2003. Much of the Elis sound originated during this period and was influenced during a time spent with Alexander Krull, a force known to many with an interest in this music from his work with Atrocity and Leaves Eyes. The influence is recognizable.

Griefshire was the 3d planned release of the group, an event planned for late 2006, early 2007. There was a rush in the production since the group planned to tour with the aforementioned Atrocity and leaves Eyes during that period. Events took a turn for the worse on July 9, 2006 when Sabine died during rehearsal of a cerebral hemorrhage. The album was subsequently released in Europe in November with a North American release following.

Griefshire is defined as a "concept" album and is largely the result of a creative effort by Dunser. It is an undeniable dark album, one that could be described as hauntingly beautiful. Following her death, the group dedicated the effort to Dunser. However, listeners can be forgiven for experiencing an existential feeling of loss, the lyrics forecasting the fate of the beautiful voice presenting them. The concept presented, loosely, covers the story of two brothers attempting to deal with religious fanaticism in a small town. It’s a gothic topic, covered with a gothic sound. At points, the band utilizes stringed instruments to enhance the sound, but, for the most part, this is metal, gothic metal in all its finery.

So what does the music do? It’s a 12 song set with a certain range of styles and themes. For the most part, it is largely typical of the gothic metal style, if a little light on the operatic and symphonic components often found in this genre. The opening song, Tales from Heaven or Hell sets the tone with a guitar driven lead over the strong vocal performance by Dunser. At some points, Dunser’s voice is overlaid, sounding like an angelic choir. It should be noted that several of the songs are done in German. . . yea, that’s the language in Liechtenstein. Several of these are among the best on the album, especially the hauntingly beautiful Die Stadt, the second song presented. Arguably, the most popular song is the third recording, Show Me the Way. It is certainly the best video and has a large number of clips on YouTube.

As is always the case in this genre, lyrics are not to be taken lightly. And, maybe unfortunately, lyrics cannot be overlooked here. They are beautiful, but the direct connection to the death of Dunser cannot be overlooked. In A New Decade, Dunsar hauntingly sings:

This is not the end of this story

This is just the beginning of a new decade of solutions

What you started is not lost now

What you started is the beginning of a new decade of solutions

I’ll never never never let you down

I’ll never let you down

Loving souls meet again in silent winds

Ashes to ashes - once divided now united again

Loving souls meet again in silent winds

Ashes to ashes - a promise made in past

this promise will unite you again

If you can get through that without a tear, you’re a tougher man than most of us.

Griefshire is, at heart, a significant gothic presentation by a significant gothic musical talent. Dunser’s place has been taken by Sandra Schleret, from the band Dreams of Sanity. The band will continue, but the talent that is lost will be long remembered. As the band wrote on their tribute to Sabrine on their website:

Goodbye Sabine. Now you sing with the Angels. Her voice will be sorely missed.

9 / 10