Review Summary: 2016's Brobdingnagian king.
Recent voyages to the United States provided me with one, somewhat vague conclusion. Some people like their stuff big. Be it the bank statement, the plot of land, the meal size, the "bigger is better" mindset seems to be undeniably welcomed in certain cultures, North America being no exception. Mistur of Norway may have adopted a similar slogan for the writing of
In Memoriam, because their adventurous sound is aggressively huge here. There is little compromise; beautiful serenity captured in 2009's
Attende is ever present, but
In Memoriam's structure and ominous undertones feel substantially weightier than the band's last release. Subtle though it may be, the grandeur of this album is mottled with menacing aura that looms above with watchful intent, and
In Memoriam is all the better for it.
"Downfall" wastes no time setting a mood. Dark, simple melody builds measure after measure before the band make a glorious entrance in the form of pure fury. A 10 second roar, rapid-fire double kick play, and violently fast guitar riffing burst forth, carrying the introductory chord progression forward with haste. Even with an organ solo, a duet, a guitar solo, and multiple riff changes considered, "Downfall" manages to ebb and flow between ideas with deft cohesion. This astonishing display of grounded ideas is where
In Memoriam shines. Despite dynamic arrangement and grand structure, every track retains individuality. The mournful sorrow of "Matriarch's Lament" hearkens back to
Attende's elegance, while "The Sight" drinks deep of melodic death metal, fusing together hearty Insomnium leads with galloping verse riffs. There is a strong sense of diversity across the record's run time, and lurking orchestration manages to tie the album together in a brooding fashion.
The "bigger is better", or in this case, the "grandeur is grander" attitude has been taken into account in more ways than just one with Mistur's latest. With one exception, every song on
In Memoriam is a tad longer than its predecessor. A cinematic climax eventuates in "Tears of Remembrance", as the song continuously lurches towards the finish line in a flurry of emotional leads and builds. A solo, a sole synth, and the giant falls. It was at this moment, as the synths faded and the lights dimmed after multiple listens, that the mesmerizing success of
In Memoriam became apparent. Every motif, every change of direction, every placement, all pointed towards a larger image. The unknown, impending doom induced by Mistur's ruinous forays is magnificent. It may not extend its arms into the realms of pure ingenuity, but
In Memoriam is 2016's Brobdingnagian king.
