Gothic metal may tend to get a lot of negative reactions these days, mainly because the acts that have popularized the genre among the mainstream have been far from the best. But there are plenty of noteworthy bands out there, such as Belarus based Diathra. Formed in 1995, the group hasn’t been the most active but has always managed to make up for it with well written doom/gothic metal riffs. After a near six year break, Diathra has returned with their sophomore release My Endless Sorrow. And if you enjoy any form of female fronted gothic metal, you will find this album to be a great addition to your collection.
The instrumentals on My Endless Sorrow primarily stay in the realm of gothic metal/rock through the use of somber melodies and prominent keyboard use, but at times Diathra also throws in some doom metal styles by slowing down the tempo and adding in some much heavier riffs. However, the tempo is never as slow as a traditional doom metal group, ensuring that listeners who typically have found themselves unable to get into regular doom will still be able to appreciate this band. But what really helps to set this group apart is through the use of some really well placed and technically competent guitar solos. I really can’t remember the last time I heard a guitar solo on a gothic metal rock release, and the fact that Diathra has a great one on almost every song certainly makes them even more memorable.
Diathra’s vocalist Marina Volovik has a beautiful voice that fits perfectly with the instrumentals. Like many of the other female singers in this genre, she has a voice that is very melodic and if often sounds as though she has been classically trained. While Marina’s vocals certainly steal the spotlight, the band has also decided to throw in a few other elements on some of the songs. On some tracks Diathra adds some male vocals into the mix in the form of growling and the occasional voice over. While the growling does fit in, the voice over used on the song “I Am Sorry” seems to overlay Marina’s singing and create a jumbled mess, and its inclusion is questionable.
My Endless Sorrow is a stand out album which should help to put Diathra up there with many of the classic gothic metal acts out there. In fact, I’m willing to bet that the only reason more people aren’t aware of this band is because they have released so little material in their thirteen plus years of existence. And as long as you can appreciate the style of singing offered on this release, you will likely find that this group has some well written material and some standout solos that give them an edge over what much of the genre has to offer right now.
Chris Dahlberg - Cosmos Gaming zine

DIATHRA is an old Belarusian band, was formed back in the year of 1995, and now we have their second stuff so far. Well, to be honest I was very impressed by their music since very first listening… If I didn’t knew they are from ex-USSR I never didn’t thought they coming from ex-USSR! Musicians are skilled persons, which made really great and power stuff in gothic-doom metal genre. First of all – record quality is very good, all instruments are recorded well and professional, as well as the whole sound is great too. Then let’s see into musical structure, the whole stuff is filled with great melodies and really interesting and catching for attention atmosphere, such emotional and deep… Album structure have also various tempos, such like slow and mid ones (means without any fast obscure chords), and two vocals – good growl and really amazing and emotional female vocals (dominated). Then this album doesn’t have any weak or uninteresting parts or tunes, and made with good passion. I like the whole band’s music and conception, and I can dare to say that “My Endless Sorrow” not just best gothic-doom metal album here on CIS’ territory, but even one of the best upon worldwide scene! As a whole I remembered early album of WITHIN TEMPTATION during listening to DIATHRA. And if you are into such type gothic-doom metal (made in not very modern way and still just great!) – you SHOULD have this CD in your collection, then I promise this CD will be pretty enough guest there in your stereo! Not unique but pretty EXCELLENT stuff!
5/5 Alexander Maximov- ANTICHRIST ´zine

Ok, it’s competition time again on PullTheChain webzine, prize for anyone who can guess what kind of music this Belarus female fronted band play from reading only the title of their second full-length. Nobody? Just take a look to the art-work of the album and to some titles such as «Autumn», «My Autumnal Images» or «Mysterious Season»… indeed this is gothic metal played in the traditional manner. And after having listened to this for a while I have come to the natural conclusion that «My Endless Sorrow» is actually bloody good gothic metal. Of course, I’m still no big fan of this quite formatted genre but that notwithstanding I’m able to understand Diathra’s musicians are pretty good at what they do. To compose and to arrange is also something those guys and girl are able to do. Superior female melodic vocals that don’t go over the top with the soprano screams….nothing modern or innovative here but ten tracks of gothic atmospheres (quite reminiscent of Unshine’s works) with heavy metal influenced guitar lines. Good work.
Georges - Pull the Chain zine

What do you think of calm and relaxing music? If you are into it and you like your metal music to have thick, impressive orchestrations, melancholy themes and enchanting melodies, then one of the best bands I´ve listened to recently is definitely DIATHRA from Belarus and undoubtedly applies to your taste. "My Endless Sorrow" is their sophomore studio work and I have to say that if you like majestic, dark melodies with a gothic touch and all this interntwined with death/doom metal themes, then your search for good music is over! DIATHRA´s compositions are mesmerizing with amazing, elaborate melodies that will calm your soul and mind travel you to dreamy landscapes. The beautiful ethereal vocals of Marina are a big advantage for the band, elevating the end result even further. The production is also very good and clear, allowing you to listen to everything that´s going on in the songs and the cover artwork is extremely beautiful and fitting to the band´s sound.
7,5/10 Christine Parastatidou - Behind the Veil zine