Insomnium – Across The Dark

Releasedate: 07-09-2009; Label: Candlelight Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Insomnium is a band from East Finland. They formed in 1997 and are building their name in melodic death metal since. “Across The Dark” is their fourth release.

Guitarists Ville Friman and Ville Vänni are a dynamic duo that got previously a lot of credits for what they brought in Insomnium’s music by the press. Nothing to disagree with as soon as the you hear balanced and yet exciting riffs that built tension. I found it very interesting how calm they bring it, but yet have such an impact. It is not domination but leading you to the point where vocalist Niilo Sevänen comes in. Rough, but perfectly matching the music. Also, a point to mention is the backing vocals who are not too mellow. Still enough power to diss commercialism. Drummer Markus Hirvonen finishes the sound with drumming not too dominating but keep it as a support of the music rather than driving it. Insomnium has melancholic doom elements in their line of inspiration which you hear when listening the album.

Compared their earlier albums the world has not changed too much in the eyes of Insomnium. The band stayed true to their concept and so the fans who adore their previously released work don’t have to think twice to buy the album. As the level of sound is improved and the production of this album is even better than “Above The Weeping World” it is no doubt to assume the band will gather even more audience to their fan base. The album is a solid release and surely tops my yearlist for now.

Line Up:
Niilo Sevänen – Vocals, Bass
Ville Friman – Guitar
Ville Vänni – Guitar
Markus Hirvonen – Drums

Tracklist: 1. Equivalence 2. Down With The Sun 3. Where The Last Wave Broke 4. The Harrowing Years 5. Against The Stream 6. Lay Of The Autumn 7. Into The Woods 8. Weighed Down With Sorrow

Links:
Insomnium MySpace
Insomnium Official