“Ceremonials” a dark vocal powerhouse

   Florence Welch's trademark pale skin and devilish hair haunt the cover of Florence and the Machine's ghostly sophomore album, "Ceremonials," released Nov. 1.

   With a lot less twinkling harps and a lot more sad piano than the band's debut album, "Lungs," the new album has a much darker sound. But, it's still driven by the rattling drum lines and Welch's thundering voice, which propelled the band's first album to the top of charts in 2010. This album, inspired by Welch's obsession with the gothic and gray Jack-the-Ripper Victorian era, soared to No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 6 on Billboard 200 the week after its release.

  The 25-year-old British singer said she wanted the album to sound like a soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet." She definitely encompassed the drama of the movie, but left no room for humor.

   In the songs "What the Water Gave Me" and "Seven Devils," Welch chants about suicide, an old lover and burning down a kingdom of devils, with unwaveringly catchy choruses. She uses this violent and depressing imagery throughout the album to tell of her struggle with love.

   Even with all of these gothic images, Welch has confessed in past interviews that she is very much afraid of death.

   Who would have thought? Not fans who watched Florence and the Machine's latest music video for "No Light, No Light," in which Welch throws herself off a skyscraper.

   Welch reaches new heights with vocals in songs such as "Strangeness And Charm," where she squeaks out high notes against a buzzing bass. It's strangely charming.

   Although the songs are soulful and passionate, echoing female pop artists such as Adele, the dreariness that floods almost every inch of the album becomes monotonous during the second half. 

  The album is well worth the price as many of its gems start with Welch singing softly and soothingly, then break into roaring, upbeat notes. "Spectrum" is no exception as she sings about her and her lover's dullness, building into a hearty and colorful depiction of the life the lovers are able to create together, accompanied by heavenly harps.

   Florence and the Machine's "Ceremonials" may leave you a bit depressed, but its sing-along choruses and tightly crafted verses will haunt your thoughts and leave you coming back for more.