A Virgin and a Whore

Released in 2001, A Virgin and a Whore serves as the fourth studio album by the Finnish symphonic death metal band Eternal Tears of Sorrow. Produced during a period of evolution for the group, the record represents a shift toward a more polished, keyboard-heavy sound that bridged the gap between their earlier melodic death metal roots and the grander, atmospheric arrangements that would characterize their later career. It was released under the Metal Frontier label, helping to solidify their presence within the European metal scene at the turn of the millennium.

The album's conceptual and aesthetic direction reflects the band's intent to marry aggressive, driving riffs with haunting, melodic textures. The lyrical themes explore melancholic and dark motifs typical of the genre, while the composition emphasizes a tight integration of synthesizers with traditional guitar work. Upon its release, the album was well-received by fans of the symphonic metal subgenre, earning recognition for its technical execution and the band's ability to maintain a cohesive, somber mood throughout the tracklist.