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By JEFF MAKI
Formed in 1997, Finland's Insomnium plays melodic death metal that is truly inspiring. Above the Weeping World is the third recording from the band, following In the Halls of Awaiting (2002) and Since the Day All Came Down (2004). The band has called it their strongest album yet and it’s hard to argue that point. The melodic guitars are the centerpiece of the album. Both heavy and atmospheric, the guitar work of Ville Friman and Ville Vanni captivates the listener from beginning to end. When they aren't shredding, they're churning out melodic riffs or beautiful acoustic parts, setting Insomnium apart from other bands. Lead vocalist Niilo Sevanen's raspy growls bring to mind Michael Stanne of Dark Tranquility. All of this is played over an onslaught of double bass and furious rhythms.
Songs like the ripping first single and video “Mortal Share,” the In Flames-like riffing of “Drawn To Black” or the 10-minute album closer “In the Groves of Death” are all melodic death metal masterpieces. Above the Weeping World is dynamic, undeniably heavy and a strong statement by a young band.
Recommended for fans of Dark Tranquility, Amon Amarth, In Flames, Opeth
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