Clouds (Tiamat album)

Clouds is the third studio album by the Swedish metal band Tiamat, released in 1992. It is considered a pivotal album in the development of gothic metal and atmospheric doom metal.

The album marks a significant departure from Tiamat's earlier death metal sound, incorporating more melodic elements, clean vocals (used sparingly), and atmospheric keyboards. This shift in style solidified Tiamat's place within the burgeoning gothic metal scene of the early 1990s.

Key features of Clouds include its melancholic atmosphere, lyrical themes focusing on darkness, despair, and introspection, and the use of soundscapes to create a sense of vastness and isolation. Johan Edlund's vocal performance ranges from harsh growls to spoken-word passages, further enhancing the album's emotional depth.

The songwriting on Clouds is characterized by its use of slow tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and layered keyboard arrangements. The album's production, while somewhat raw compared to Tiamat's later work, contributes to its overall atmosphere and sense of unease.

Clouds is often cited as an influence by other gothic metal bands and remains a highly regarded album within the genre. Notable tracks include "In a Dream," "Clouds," and "The Sleeping Beauty." The album is generally considered a classic of early gothic metal and a landmark release for Tiamat.