Review Summary: Depressive yet Beautiful.
Finland is known for cranking out some of the most original and mystical sounding bands in genres such as folk and power metal. Insomnium, formed in Joensuu, Finland is a melodic death metal band that fuses Gothenburg’s engaging melodies with intricate instrumentation, while also taking a strong influence from doom metal. Excellent guitars meld with an atmosphere that breeds a sound unlike most bands in the genre. Insomnium has become a master of its craft in measured depressive beauty and gloomy lyrics that are contrasted by a positive tone. Every album written so far has become more progressive and the atmosphere has thickened, especially on the 2006 album “Above the Weeping World” which is hailed by many to be Insomnium’s magnum opus. The band’s fourth effort “Across the Dark” is another magnificent addition to their discography blending together the first three albums but cutting down on the aggressiveness that was mustered on their last album.
The Finns traditionally start their albums off with an entrancing instrumental that leads into a heavier emblematic sound. Insomnium succeeds once again in creating that perfect mournful intro in the song “Equivalence”, bringing reminiscence to the listener’s ears and showering them with familiar sounds from the past few albums. The ending brings an elegant transition into “Down with the Sun”, the album’s second track that boasts the band’s expertise in beautiful trance-like melodies. At its core it is a temperate song that strives for emotion where it lacks in speed and experimentation. The same can be said for the rest of the songs that leave Insomnium’s foundation exposed, testing a formula that the band has counted on for over ten years.
The depths of atmosphere are explored but the band stays comfortably in familiar territory bringing in excellent and polished technique from all departments. The deep vocals, spacey yet exquisite shredding from the guitarists, relentless beating of the drummer, and iconic atmosphere sound so authentic and resplendent that it feels like taking part in the album cover’s depiction of a young woman on a journey across an eclipsed river. Rarely does consistency break boundaries but the impeccable musicianship helps “Across the Dark” ascend into territory that is strikingly memorable.
Another distinctive element in “Across the Dark” is the clean production that casts the rawness from the last album away in favor of a distinctively coated sound. The bass guitar’s thick notes seamlessly support the bass kicks from the drummer and the intricate notes from the guitarists. The layering is impeccably completed by the keyboardist Aleksi from the doom metal band “Swallow the Sun”, adding perfect doses of gloom, beauty, and atmosphere in order to enhance the album’s abstractive sensations.
Unfortunately there are weaker moments on the album featuring some repetition such as the song “Where the Last Wave Broke”. Guitarist Ville Friman’s singing demonstrates a welcome sign to change but at the same time it is unnecessary. Banal guitar riffs depict some hints of creativity issues. Nevertheless, these instances aren’t too common or detrimental due to the unquestionable talent from the musicians.
Insomnium’s energy thrives in songs such as “Into the Woods” which is the fastest track on the album. The incorporation of the subtle orchestral sounds enhances the tireless performances from guitarists Ville Friman and Ville Vänni. The combination of epic guitar chords and bassist Niilo Sevänen’s deep vocals dominate the track creating an epic piece. Lyrically, Insomnium has always been remarkable often linking hope and nature to create fantastic and incredibly poetical songs. The lyrics which are written by most of the band members offer various ways for interpretation. “Into the Woods” could be understood as a person holding onto faith, only to be shattered and forced to go into seclusion to seek hope and contentment in nature’s infinite wilderness. Each song provides small visions of hope and at the same time overwhelming despair perfectly symbolizing life and the ruthless teachings of experience.
Critics are divided with some saying that “Across the Dark” is another masterpiece, while others count it as a misstep or even more mainstream approach that betrays the band’s experimental and marginally progressive roots. It is normal for bands to go into phases to either strengthen a sound that is already good or try something new. Insomnium take the middle ground and write a consistent and comprehensively enjoyable album that has a balance of elements to please old fans and usher in new ones.
Insomnium’s effort exemplifies how ferocity and killer riffs aren’t essential in making an album remarkable. Many musicians feel that playing melodic death metal is a chance to be as close as possible to death metal but still retain a melodic or thrash element. This is not the case with Insomnium because they write each note and beat carefully to ensure that there is a balance of splendor, rhythmical complexity, and the signature passive speed to intertwine with a natural sounding atmosphere. Constant breaks are made in the songs to focus on the remedial acoustic guitars and the calming whispers of the vocalist. The guitarists provide clarity with just the right notes in a suitable tempo that is complemented by the subtle but impressive keyboards. “Across the Dark” is definitely not as progressive as the band’s last few albums nor is it drastically unique in comparison. Despite some blemishes, its beauty is expertly encrusted through each musician’s proficiency elevating the music to rival many bands in the genre. Insomnium effectively retains the appealing components of eloquence to bring a strong release that earns its place amongst standout albums in melodic death metal.
