A Virgin and a Whore

Released in 2001, A Virgin and a Whore is the fourth studio album by the Finnish melodic death metal band Eternal Tears of Sorrow. Produced during a period of transition for the band, the album reflects their movement toward a more polished and symphonic sound, building upon the established tropes of late-nineties Scandinavian metal. The record was originally released in Russia through the label Фоно, highlighting the band's growing international distribution efforts at the turn of the millennium.

The album's sonic direction was driven by the band’s ambition to incorporate more atmospheric synthesizers alongside their aggressive guitar work. While the critical reception was focused primarily within the niche metal community, the release is often cited as a pivotal moment in the band's discography, marking the last record before an extended hiatus. It remains a notable example of the era's melodic death metal aesthetic, balancing aggressive riffing with the somber, melancholic tone that characterized their regional sound.