In essence, Melodic Death Metal began at some point in the early nineties when the Gothenburg scene laid a foundation for the subgenre to flourish. A lot of bands took flight later in the decade and pushed the boundaries of this newly formed category. Insomnium is known for taking its heavy, melodious riffs beyond the norm and conjuring a truly inventive tone full of dreamy dismalness and gripping gloom. Their ninth studio album, Anno 1696 (Century Media Records) is coming to light soon on which they share the perplexing horrors of humanity in vehement ways.
Carried in the hand of a short story written by frontman Niilo Sevänen, this release explores some very dark themes in very expressive ways. The late 17th century was a bleak time when witch trials and famine overshadowed much of Europe. Sevänen and the band capture these tragedies by delivering a potent dollop of pain, hope, and much more.
A calm before the storm begins on the opening track, ‘1696’ with an alluring acoustic introduction that quickly solidifies into a fast-paced and exuberant turbulence. The proficiency and provoking playing from each attentive member is instantly felt. The drums and bass rumble with authority while the vocals capture the chaos. Sevänen’s growls are more decipherable, varying, and grandiose than in previous works. Each guitar carries a weighty emotion as they soar and grind. The intricacies in their seamless harmonies immerse the listener into the trying times they are attempting to expose.
The intensity continues on ‘White Christ’ because the lent vocals from well-known skeptic, Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ) adds to the crushing seriousness of the album’s themes. To counteract some of this primal rage are the thoughtful guitar solos from Markus Vanhala who creates passages full of care and vibrancy. ‘Godforsaken’ deals with the struggle of difficult questions so it is filled with thick riffs and ethereal vocals. The mixture of Sevänen’s venom plus featured singer Johanna Kurkela’s transcendent artistry is elegantly distressing and captivating. The moving melodies march on in a way where the listener understands the importance of seeking light even in desperate times.
Their more classic sound is felt with the acoustics on ‘Lilian’ and ‘The Unrest’. The clean vocals provided by Jani Liimatainen on these numbers and ‘The Witch Hunter’ give off a thoughtful fragrance and enforces the catchy melodies that these guys master so well. ‘Starless Paths’ and the last number, ‘The Rapids’ thrusts you forward into an invigorating ride full of spunk and spirit derived from strings. The guitars and keys sing with a gusto that each member complements by providing their own zest.
Markus Hirvonen’s double bass work adds a tasty complexity to the already elaborate numbers. There is real momentum, ardent emotions, and a tinge of black metal that perpetuates the intense content of this album.
This is a sincere presentation of grit, heart, and fortitude. The variations of tones and emotions are perplexing and massively enjoyable. The deluxe edition includes a brand new EP, Songs Of The Dusk featuring three more songs. You cannot have too much of this next-level Insomnium sound.
Buy the album here:
https://insomnium.lnk.to/Anno1696ID
9 / 10
RAGIN ROSIE