Below are selected reviews for Scholomance's 'A Treatise On Love' 1998 cd on The End Records!

Scholomance “A Treatise on Love” (The End Records)
Scholomance’s first full-length CD, “A Treatise on Love,” is truly a mind-boggling work. I need to state one thing before I even attempt to analyze this deep and complex work: Scholomance’s music is not for “collective listening.” It is simply too multilayered and twisted to be understood momentarily, too personal to be shared with anybody... Scholomance’s last demo, “I Am That Which Is,” made me turn my head and take a closer look at the band’s music and the themes they took on, and “A Treatise on Love” continues in the same manner. Soaked with classical influences, the music is often chaotic and ever emotional. This must be felt, and not merely listened to, if you can understand what I mean by saying that. Purists of any kind — be it death, black, power, whatever-metal — are advised to stay away from this album. You will not get it, it will go over your head, and it will only be your personal loss. As with the demo, I am tempted to draw similarities between Scholomance and Arcturus; and — again — those similarities do not pertain to the music of the two bands. It goes deeper than that: the ability to take the building blocks of classical music and adorn them with a “metallized” sound and space-time-like atmosphere. Just like the aforementioned Norwegian outfit, Scholomance does not concern itself with silly quests for the title of being “the most hateful” or “the most brutal” band out there. They simply do what they want to do: create amazing, deeply emotional landscapes, labyrinths of feelings and passion, with personal lyrics and an untraditional way of executing the music. The guitar and synthesizer are the two main instruments on this CD, and they are intertwined and wrapped around each other, always together, inseparable. One minute they are like lovers connected in a mad and frenzied dance of passion, the other — two dueling enemies, filled with anger and frustration, unable to overcome the opponent... This is exhausting to even attempt to express the feelings this CD arouses within me. One has to feel it for him/herself. I have heard many people describe this band as weird and not give the attention it deserves, and I know exactly why this happens. In order to understand the music this band creates, you must drill it into your head that this band is not metal — it might have “metal” elements and fit in better with the genre, but in all fairness, it is so much more than that. An experience. That was one mistake I made when reviewing the band’s demo (the aforementioned “I Am That Which Is”): I remember bitching about the drum machine. But by unlearning everything that you know, by taking this band for what they are — and not what they should or should not be — by closing your eyes and opening your mind, you will know exactly what I mean. Scholomance is in a category of their own, and if you are feeling even a little adventurous, you should experience and get lost in their madness. Avant-garde metal with classical and gothic influences would be the easiest way to describe “A Treatise on Love,” but — my god! — does it do this brilliancy any justice? It’s like describing the beauty of a sunset in the driest, most scientific terms. The End Records, 556 S. Fair Oaks #101-111, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA. Rating: 5/5 — Julia, from Arrows of Malice (Usa)

"With their debut full-length, A Treatise On Love, Missouri's Scholomance
deliver an unbelievable platter full of the best symphonic dark/black metal
you may hear this year. Aided by a clear production, this album is loaded
with exquisite keyboard work and melodic guitar assaults that rank right up
there with the best of their European counterparts. Perhaps the most
noticeable quality that you will hear when listening to Scholomance is that
they are not just another American black metal band trying to sound like, or
clone, European bands. Instead, they are original and fresh, composing
songs that feature elements of black, death, progressive, avant garde,
ethnic, and classical stylings. Each of the songs stand out from one
another, but it is not until the fourth of fifth spin when the listener will
fully be able to appreciate the release as all of the songs are complicated
and involved with consistently changing tempos, somewhat odd
song-structures, and various keyboard sounds. The vocals are mostly a black
metal rasp throughout the material, but at times you'll hear them expelled
in a deeper death metal fashion. If you are a fan of original black metal
that is on the dark side of things with extensive keyboard tinkling and
complex arrangements, then A Treatise On Love deserves a place in your
collection." -Scott Breeden Ill Literature USA

"SCHOLOMANCE pushes the envelope of dark metal and in doing so creates a
distinctive sound unlike anything the scene has to offer. Progressive
keyboards dominate their music furnishing everything from rhythm to
melody lines to solos. And we’re not talking watered down keyboard
interludes, we’re talking full on solos not too dissimilar to the organ
work that is the trademark of late 60's and early seventies prog rock.
The guitar adds to the melodic structure of the songs and ties
everything together. There are several accomplished solos from the
guitar as well. Subtlety is not a word often used in connection with
black metal but it is appropriate for this CD. The music is rich with
nuances and textures that keep the listener intrigued throughout the
album and allow for new discoveries with each subsequent spin. The
vocals are, for the most part, blackened screeches and counterbalance
the music. Overall this is a striking band that does marvelous things
for the dark metal scene as a whole by opening new doors with their bold
and innovative sound." The Crass Menagerie USA

SCHOLOMANCE-A TREATISE ON LOVE
Scott Crinklaw (guit./key./piano/percussion) and Jimmy Pitts (voc./key./piano), two over-talented musicians from Missouri, USA, created SCHOLOMANCE in order to fight what they call 'simplicity and nonsense' in today's music. Together with session bass player Jerry Twyford, they finally recorded their first official release A Treatise On Love. And believe it or not, they have actually created their amazing very own style, which in an exciting way combines both feeling and technical abilities with read-worthy lyrics, inspired by writers and philosophers like Rimbaud and Nietzsche. The band itself claims DREAM THEATER, IRON MAIDEN (well, they've actually inspired almost every Metal band in the world), CYNIC, MESHUGGAH, ARCTURUS, IN FLAMES, BEETHOVEN, LISZT and RACHMANINOFF, among others. as musical influences. In fact, if you can imagine an mixture of the opulent sound of the earlier DREAM THEATER releases, intelligent songs structures, the atmosphere of the old ARCTURUS stuff, some MESHUGGAH-like drums parts (I mean, fast and brutal but technically perfect), strong keyboards orchestrations, long but mostly wonderful guitar and piano solos and a Blackish, screamy voice, then you'll get an approach to the art of SCHOLOMANCE. This one belong to the kind of albums that you can listen to a lot of times, and every time you will always discover some new details in the songs. No doubt, the guys of SCHOLOMANCE really achieved their goal, namely to make an 'intelligent' Metal album full of virtuosity and passion. The excellent production allows the listener to appreciate the great instrumental performances as its best. But beware, before you start thinking this CD is a kind of "easy listening hits collection", I must tell you that certain songs parts are rather bizarre and you have to listen to them more than twice before you can really appreciate them. Considered as a whole, A Treatise On Love can only be the first great step of this original band on its richly deserved way to success and acknowledgement .
8.5 out of 10 Points: Dennis from INVADER (Germany)

SCHOLOMANCE - A Treatise on Love (1998),bR> The End Records TE007
Melodic black metal band, Scholomance, draws its influences from the likes of Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Voivod, Beethoven, Bjork and In Flames. The consequential result is the intricately carved product entitled "A Treatise on Love" (which is a rather unusual name for a black metal album by the way). Song structures and rhythmic passages are complex and entwined in a web of classical variations and black metal aggression. Keyboards provide a sound backing to the chaotic fray and justifies the album's ominous descent. Production is not exactly ideal I'm afraid and it's a shame for parts of the music could really shine if given the proper treatment. The inlays and artwork are beautiful and that's a consolation if any.

The band opens with the self-titled track "A Treatise on Love" a four-parter that comprises "The Liars and Those who would see their Blood", "End", "The Psychology of Demons and the Bitterness of Winter" and "Toy : A Primrose Path to the Second Circle". They are actually four separate tracks that doesn't seem to bare a connection with each other somehow, except maybe for the concept involved. But they are very cool tracks nevertheless, and you just have to check out Part III "The Psychology of Demons..." which showcases some very complicated rhythms and soloing. It does take a while to familiarise oneself with the seemingly frenzied playing style of the band but it doesn't take long to realise that very competent musicianship (albeit a little twisted) is involved. Part IV "Toy : A Primrose..." provides an epic finale to the series and it's on this track that the keyboards really prove itself an asset to the band.

For more lovely keyboard playing, check out the next track, "Snowfall : A Serenade for Aurora, the Unearthly Angel of Dawn" (oh yeah, why do black metal bands have such long names for their song titles?). A welcome relief from all that notes that were thrown in from so many different directions. The rest of the tracks run in pretty much the same complicated vein. I do particularly like "Pride of the Serpent Winds" (which tears away in black metal glory) and the final track "Exotica Sequence" that exudes a very powerful riff and rhythm mix.

For all its complexity, this release is not as messy as it initially sounds. And a good thing too, for I'm sure "A Treatise on Love" would enjoy a long playing lifetime. Fans of Dark Tranquility and In Flames, get interested in this band.
Black Metal Chart Rating : 8.0 Review by Jason Goh of ARTIFACT (?)

SCHOLOMANCE-A Treatise On Love-The End
Scholomance are the sort of people who buy Steve Vai albums and 'Guitar' magazine. 'A Treatise On Love' displays impressive, if showy musicianship and a willful complexity to its song structures. That said, this isn't simply aimless guitar wankery. Scholomance are a progressive Death Metal band who haven't quite left behind the brutality and darkness in their quest for musical sophistication. Alongside such influences as Dream Theater and Edge of Sanity, there are elements of Swedish melodic Death Metal with its often driving guitar hooks and savage vocals. It's almost as though there were two bands fighting for supremacy here. One that wants to lose itself in musical experimentation and the other just wants to Metal out. When it doesn't work it all seems a little empty but when it does (as on the bizarrely named 'Toy: A Primrose Path to the Second Circle') 'A Treatise On Love' is tremendously exciting. If they cut down on their more convoluted ideas Scholomance could do great things. 7.5 - Keith Harris from Terrorizer Magazine #66 (England)

With their first cd, these three Americans immediately prove that they exceed a
lot of other bands in the muical-technical domain. After two promos and a demo in
’97, they are releasing in ’98 a very apart and well-constructed cd. And this in
the field of music as well as in the field of lyrics and themes. Their main
influences are Iron Maiden, Cynic, Meshuggah, Voivod, Arcturus, In Flames,
Beethoven… Furthermore they are inspired by the works of Rimbaud, Dickinson and Nietzsche. They are also fond of our own Breughel and some other painters. Their dream is that society again should be dominated by art, music, poetry and culture. To rise themselves above the masses, they integrate all of this inside their
music. The music really consists all kinds of things: moody, stunning keyboard
lines, beautiful guitar solos, orchestral parts, well-built rhythms and sometimes
seventies-influenced effects (guitars and keyboards). And all of this is played
purely and clearly. The voices are mostly black-influenced, which gives the music
nevertheless a raw touch. Every now and then, they make me think of Covenant or
Cradle Of Filth. It is necessary to listen to the nine songs with attention to
discover all their beautiful aspects and this several times. Just listen to songs
as “The Liars And Those Who Would See Their Blood (Part I and II)”, “Toy: A
Primrose Path To The Second Circle” and “I Am That Which Is”. Not very everyday,
but thoroughly elaborated music made by exellent musicians. The only negative
aspect is that it becomes difficult to keep listening attentively after a couple
of songs, but for the rest this is a first class-cd. -Mario, Crush Mag (BEL)

If you have been keeping up within the last few issues, you’d notice a Scholomance demo review for each issue. If so, you’d know for sure that I have been into this band from the beginning and they have always had my support. It is now great to see that they have been signed to the mighty The End Records, which has made a great name for itself only within the past year. With this album being released, Scholomance’s superb music will be able to be heard by many more people and will be more accessible. It seems that these guys only get better with everything they do, and have added a keyboardist this time around. They still manage to keep a drum machine, and I make it known that I am not a fan of drum machines. But this fine band is an exception. In fact, the drum machine does nothing but add to the sound with it’s complex arrangements. So complex that I’m almost positive that half the drummers out there cannot even play. The programming on the drum machine is absolutely incredible. For those who are new to Scholomance, the best way to describe them would be neo-Classical, Black Metal influenced, Metal. Picture influence ranging from Nocturnus’ "Thresholds" to Arcturus’ "Aspera Heims Symphonia" to Dream Theater, and mix that with awe-inspiring musical ingenuity. If you decide not to get this release, you are passing up something completely vital for your collection! -Neptune Mag

But first, Scholomance. Their CD on The End Records is just as
impressive as Epoch of Unlight, but for very different reasons. "A
Treatise on Love" is more of an artistic, technical masterpiece. While
incorporating elements of Death Metal, they are more of a pure Metal
band, with a heavy edge. This is very progressive, with rasped vocals,
and lots of interesting stuff going on in each song. The keyboards
remind me a touch of Amorphis' latest work, and the musicianship on a
whole is fantastic. The spoken parts, samples maybe, that are
interspersed here and there work very nicely and the concept that the
first 4 tracks deal with, that being the title, fit very well together.
And the rest of the CD doesn't let you down for a moment. Each song is
very unique and memorable, and the melodies are quite complex, as are
the song structures in general. Scholomance are akin to a much heavier
version of a band like Dream Theater, where the concentration is very
much on the progressive and artistic style of the music. The production
is excellent. I do have one gripe with this CD, though, and that's the
packaging. It looks great, but it's very hard to read some of the song
titles and some of the lyrics. Other than that, this is damn near a
perfect work of art. www.scoopscentral.com

Scholomance are going to overwhelm you with their technical ability and
they make no bones about it, both in their bio and their CD. Standing
on twin peaks of  black metal influence and old school over-the-top
metal  hijinks, this group of musicians actually succeed in creating a
very intricate and dominating style. These boys know their musical
scales--and then some--as the songs are all filled with blistering and
perplexing solos, both on keyboards and guitars. Usually I'm not the
biggest fan of wild solos, but Scholomance has the ability to actually
craft them into the songs in a coherent and satisfying manner. Yes,
they're flexing their talent but they do it with style. Another notable
point: the keyboards do not play a minor role or weaken the music one
iota. Instead, they are just as aggressive as the guitars and vocals
(for example, the piano parts in  "End" make the song entirely too
enjoyable). The instrumental track "Snowfall..."  is truly top caliber.
Some may have quibbles with the use of a drum machine  (probably the
band hasn't been able to secure a drummer with the talent required), 
but as with other bands who have utilized them well--namely Samael--they
are used intelligently throughout. A demanding and challenging listen,
Scholomance shows remarkable ability and well worth the time spent
playing the CD. -Satan Stole My Teddy Bear USA

I... feel... dizzy....  But that's probably to be expected, given how
many styles of music SCHOLOMANCE try to incorporate on their debut
album.  Trying to pigeonhole these guys is just as difficult as trying
to do the same with SCULPTURED.  You'd be better off trying to catch
moonbeams with a butterfly net.  But here goes...  SCHOLOMANCE are kind
of a mix of power metal, prog rock, black metal, and everything else you
can think of.  There.  That should do it.  Well, maybe there's no
romantic goth rock in there.  Yep, all nine songs are there to challenge
you, and they'll probably win out. -Metal Nightmare USA

Here's a interesting band that creates a hybrid of mixes from
progressive/black/death/and tradtional metal. America's answer to Opeth,
Scholomance explore all the avenues and is a refreshing affair for the
adventurous!  -Neckbreaker

A TREATISE ON LOVE by SCHOLOMANCE (The End Records)
Those guys in Scholomance are a mad and inventive lot! For A TREASTISE
ON LOVE is probably the most bizarre metal album you'll hear this year.
Dramatic, dazzling and campy, Scholomance thrill with their technical
brilliance. Hailing from someplace called Willard in Missouri,
Scholomance perform as if they are from a whole other galaxy! Combining
elements of classical music and doom metal, the band spews forth an
unforgettable collage of sound. Their four part title track is a real
treat for the ears, a mind blowing composition that will leave you
wanting more -- and how fortunate for us all that five songs of
shimmering brilliance follow. Scholomance take the listener on an epic
journey through madness,leaving them breathless. Once again, The End
Records has found a band to really get behind. Find your own copy of A
TREASTISE ON LOVE by Scholomance and prepare to be launched into a heavy
metal orbit -- trust me, you'll not believe your ears! -Highwire Daze USA

·SCHOLOMANCE - A Treatise On Love
REVIEW: by Carnage Chris
Most bands emerging from The End records seem to be very artistic and
avant garde. That is such with Scholomance. Here we have a fine display of
creativity and technicality blending plenty of keyboard use ( very up
front at times ), shape shifting song structures and an over all dark and
classical atmosphere. Not to mention the best drum programming that I
have since encountered ! Misanthrope on Holy Records is a perfect reference
point for this CD, as this sounds much like a darker version of
"Visionarre". Virtuoso musicianship is in your face quite a bit
throughout the listening experience as the keys trade off solos with the guitar
quite a bit. Excellent lyrics are present as well. The only drawback here is
that the vocals are not too varied (just using typical "black metal" vocals).
I am surprised that there are no clean ones at all ! Not bad for a 2 man
band (plus session bassist) from the states ! This might be tough for some to
comprehend but is recommended highly to the curious and adventurous. NADMP/PBM http://members.tripod.com/~deathcrush

SCHOLOMANCE 
A Treatise On Love 
Yet, another fine release from The End records. The End Records is
fairly a new label, and although, they don't have many bands yet, that
will soon be changing because of the high quality metal that they do put
out. Scholomance is the perfect example. Scholomance is the answer to
Samael. This is symphonic death/black metal with a very progressive
sound to it that will put you in trance from the beginning to end. A
very poetic and moving concept. Simply said,this a very well crafted
album with only three members that use a drum machine. This is what
Samael's "Passage" album failed to conceive. -www.Glensmetal.com USA

Dark atmospheric death metal, the music on "A Treatise on Love," does
not really correspond to the inspirations of Scholomance, such as Iron
Maiden, Cynic, Dream Theater, Meshuggah, Voivod, Bjork, and In Flames.
The fact is that the band is highly willing to experiment and innovate,
that is why their songs rarely follow some usual structure, they always
evolve in a romantic and eclectic way. The vocals are harsh, and this is
perhaps the only component which is not very diverse in the album. Apart
from that, the music is quite interesting and enjoyable, if you are
willing to explore something a little bit out of ordinary. It would not
be surprising if such album would have been released by Holy Records
back in 1994, it would fit their style (Misanthrope, Nightfall, On
Thorns I Lay) rather well. But now The End Records seem to carry a
similar flag... (GS) Edge of Time

SCHOLOMANCE ****
A Treatise On Love - The End Records
A Treatise On Love, is a dark/black metal album with an amazing keyboard performance, magnificent melodic guitar and acid vocals. This band is very unique, with clear influences of death, black, progressive and classical music. All the songs are pretty complex and very well arranged. You have to hear the album more than once to capture everything in the songs. Different from anything on the dark metal scene. [T.B. - Signal To Noise 'Zine]