Review Summary: Insomnium looks at the past and incorporates new ideas with old ones. The result is something we expected and a bit more to chew on!!
It's been over two years since we have received any new work of the men in Insomnium. While some line up changes during the release of "One for Sorrow' Era with the inclusion of Markus Vanhala of Omnium Gaterum on guitar. Besides, that on to the EP "Ephemeral"
The first track "Ehemeral" starts of on this melodic journey of a steady and consistent guitar work and great melody. Easily, the track that will remind you more of the work on "One for Sorrow". Inclusion of clean vocals on this track make this possibly the best on this track. At times this track reminded me more of Omnium Gatherum work on "Beyond' with usage of well timed synthesizer work and beautiful passages between songs. This is only song in which you will hear harsh work.
The second Track "The Emergence" Reminds me of a lot of 'Hall of the Awaking". Very light strings played in time with each other sounding like something i would hear in a church like atmosphere.
The third track "The Swarm" starts very similar to "The Emergence" great use of melody and something i would see at renaissance festivals. It has that feeling and wonder of a man searching rough a forest for his treasure. So beautiful and melodic to the ears.
We have our final track "The Descent" which of course follows the lead of second and third tracks. It has a similar feeling to the other songs on this ep but it stands on it's own to introduce you the feeling of a treasure being sought after. Once it's found a mental image of beauty fails to escape the listener and requests that you listen for more.
Overall, Insomnium has created a great Ep. This should satifiy any listeners who loved "In the Halls of Awaiting"
