The Sham Mirrors

The Sham Mirrors
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 22, 2002
Recorded2000–2001
GenreAvant-garde metal, progressive black metal
Length43:13
LabelAd Astra Enterprises
Arcturus chronology
La Masquerade Infernale
(1997)
The Sham Mirrors
(2002)
Sideshow Symphonies
(2005)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Chronicles of Chaos9.5/10[2]

The Sham Mirrors is the third studio album by Norwegian avant-garde metal band Arcturus. It was released on April 9, 2002.

The Sham Mirrors is a departure from the band's previous albums, featuring a much more modern, space-influenced sound, as opposed to the layered, classical melodies of 1997's La Masquerade Infernale. The album contains elements of trip hop, ambient music and electronica in addition to the band's usual progressive black metal sound. Lyrically, the album deals with abstract science fiction-themed subjects, a stark contrast to the theatrical and Satanic lyrics of the band's earlier work. The album cover depicts a model drawing of the upper part of the Apollo spaceship.

This is the last album to feature Kristoffer Rygg on vocals.

  1. ^ York, William. "The Sham Mirrors - Arcturus : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards : AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  2. ^ Kalis, Quentin (7 April 2003). "CoC : Arcturus - The Sham Mirrors : Review". Chronicles of Chaos. Retrieved 8 September 2012.