A Virgin and a Whore

Released in 2002 on Drakkar Records, A Virgin and a Whore serves as the fourth studio album by the Finnish symphonic death metal band Eternal Tears of Sorrow. The record emerged during a pivotal period for the group, following their shift from a more traditional death metal sound toward the lush, keyboard-heavy melodic death metal aesthetic that became their signature. This album captures the band at a high point of technical refinement, blending melancholy atmosphere with aggressive guitar work, and it stood as their final studio effort before a multi-year hiatus.

The album was produced with an emphasis on the cinematic, atmospheric qualities inherent in the Finnish metal scene of the early 2000s. While the band members themselves oversaw the core composition, the design and aesthetic direction were intended to complement the dark, introspective lyrical themes of the tracks. Upon its release, it was well-received by the European metal underground for its maturity and production value, solidifying the band's reputation as key figures in the melodic death metal subgenre before their temporary departure from the music scene.