Omnium Gatherum
Origin

Release Date: 2021 | Tracklist

Most Omnium Gatherum followers would tell you that 2011’s New World Shadows and 2013’s Beyond are gold standard releases for this Finnish melodeath outfit. Both these albums take the promise of the earlier works and fulfil a potential of an ultra heavy ultra melodic entity with songs that resonate more than most.

A decade later the band has continued a high quality output to the continued satisfaction of those of us that seek metal that has harshness and beauty in equal spades.

Latest album Origin does not seek to return to origins but to take their sound and journey to the next logical destination. The first two tracks are competent foundation builders before Paragon ups the ante with flowing guitars lines supporting Jukka Pelkonen’s insta-recognizable deep growls and a catchy chorus that builds this thing into a bigger spectacle. Reckoning is another step up with its cohesive platter of melded synths and guitars and tight rhythm section. The sound has a lush hue but is not too extravagant and suitably fits their take on the Nordic representation of the genre.

The thick of the album features highlight Fortitude with its exquisite chugging rhythm and lead guitar passages as Jukka reflects as a returning soldier. But the lyrics are of little consequence when the music itself conveys the overarching melancholy at hand. This is a consistent band at work with Friction and Tempest setting out to prove themselves again and again.

Individual musicianship and collective craft are also on display through the back end of the album with the expansive Unity before the consummate Solemn both caresses and shreds for a worthy closer. Challenged to stay at the top and Omnium Gatherum respond with a quality record that enhances their legacy.

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