Insomnium – 'Netherworlds' review: possibly the Finns' finest album
The melodic death metal band's tenth album is out on 16 October. Blabbermouth gives it 9 out of 10 and praises its expanded, atmospheric sound.
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Single video: YouTube · Century Media Records · youtube.com
Single: Gleam in the Black
Finnish melodic death metal band Insomnium release their tenth album 'Netherworlds' on 16 October via Century Media. New to the line-up is guitarist and vocalist Tom Laisto. The roughly eight-minute 'The Hour Grows Late' features guest appearances by Amorphis singer Tomi Joutsen as well as Tomi Koivusaari and Santeri Kallio.
US metal site Blabbermouth gives the record 9 out of 10 and calls it 'wonderful'. The band stay true to their style but broaden the atmosphere. The album opens with a version of Henry Purcell's 17th-century 'The Cold Song'. 'Gleam in the Black' may be the catchiest song in the band's history, and Laisto audibly adds depth and range.
The reviewer sees 'The Hour Grows Late' as the band's progressive peak and 'Pathways of the Night' as a career-best melodic moment. Closer 'Journey's End' sounds wintry and moving. Whether 'Netherworlds' is Insomnium's best album the review leaves open – the band's own bar is simply very high.