So, let´s speak about Melodic Death Metal. The opener "into illusion" is actually quite usual for this genre.  A bloodcurdling scream opens the song which is lead by powerful and fast guitars. Fast drumming and the heavy  nagging and growling of the frontman should awe the listener, and the guitarists live up to their names. A song, which deserves the title "particular Death". 

The transition to the second song "Killing What Can´t Be Handled" tells the listener what Melodic means, as  the beginning of the song is enriched with keyboard sounds. After a short and fast introduction the singer  growls in a midtempo part, before he starts to sing a clean vocals part with a little shivering and insecure sounding voice. All right, this is Melodic Death Metal. A contrast of feelings is presented to the listener. A bit strange but not bad at all. "No Place Darker" starts with an atmospheric keyboard storm and a dark scream, which enlightens the scenery. The following slower part, performed with clean vocals, fits not too well into the overall picture, but is soon replaced by heavy tunes. 

Although Eventide´s musical direction is not my favorite genre, I have to admit that "Diaries From The  Gallows" contains ingenious song structures. The band members handle their instruments, and the combination  between fast guitars, hard drumming and melodic keyboard sounds is quite nice. The variation of the voice  gives the listener time to breath, and makes the songs more interesting and unpredictable. With "Diaries From The Gallows" Eventide created a solid, well balanced piece of music, which can definately keep up with the big ones in this genre. Now Eventide just need a little luck which a band needs to get commercial success as well. 

Rating: 7/10 

Original review: burnyourears.de

Translated by Torsten Maibohm