Since the RMR webzine saw the light of day, Insomnium always was a sure value. Their slightly melancholic yet stately brand of Melodic Death Metal gorging on Niilo Sevänen‘s gruff croaks, a smattering of clears, and stellar weeping guitar work always got on our good side. And I daresay, this band probably was instrumental in getting yours truly’s ass in gear to hunt for more melodeath than is good for metal health.1
The most impressive records that crossed the RMR Review committee’s desk definitely were Shadows of the Dying Sun and the excellent Winter’s Gate. But after a reasonably good Heart Like a Grave with still enough change to please, we wondered how they could possibly keep it up. So, here we are with Anno 1696 at a crossroads. Where will Insomnium take their ship? Go Viking with the full force of the wind or simply paddle down the mighty mainstream towards its sugary horizon?
First off, Anno 1696 talks about the tribulations around this long-gone period in Scandinavia. A terrible famine over three years, witch trials, a leadership in upheaval, and other miscellaneous terrible crimes. An era much worse than what we have lived through over the last 70 years or so.2 To quote the band’s website, “…stories don’t get any more metal than this.” Well said, indeed.
Now, against that backdrop, 1696 – the title track – starts with a nostalgic ambient moment. Just to disintegrate a few moments later into more typical melodeath fare that we grew accustomed to over the years. So, they won’t waste too much time with useless introductions but move straight in with a new, refreshing melodic thunder that’s nicely led by Markus Hirvonen‘s monumental drumming and Niilo Sevänen‘s thunderous growls.
And you’ve got to admire Insomnium‘s choice of guest vocalists. The extremely powerful White Christ features Sakis Tolis from Rotting Christ – and it’s a great selection. Albeit that he often sounds so much like Fernando Ribeiro from Moonspell’s 1755 piece that we wondered why the sleepless ones didn’t just go for the latter. The second guest appearance is Johanna Kurkela (Auri)3 on Godforsaken. And that gives that song a look and feel of a Wardruna song whelped on 59° Caribbean Rum, blood-red steaks, and gory tales instead of mountain spring water, fresh air, and earthy pagan lore. But yet again, Kurkela‘s voice adds that delicate balance to the decidedly hefty metallic parts. A neatly constructed piece that ran on repeat for a while over here.
All of the above still sports enough new-found oomph and fresh elements to please our metallic palate whilst still remaining Insomnium proper. And – as is their wont – the sleepless ones expertly weave blackened elements, folk, and enough melancholy into their refreshingly vicious DM brand. All of that slick geekery is – to a big part – also the fruit of the Friman / Liimatainen guitar team prowess. Contrary to former stately and fairly common weeping guitar interludes, this time it’s all sharply focused riffs and a few very neat solos (The Witch Hunter, for instance). Precisely placed and expertly executed.
But it’s not all new and renovated stuff out there. Anno 1696 also sports some more typical fare – of course. Head over to Lilian, a great Insomnium track – but also the most commercially viable. And – to our dismay – some members of the RMR crew found their feet secretly tapping the ground to the beat of the track. And those very same culprits also tried to sneak the blurb into our daily playlist a few times too many.
So, what have we got here finally? Anno 1696 isn’t new beginnings for Insomnium. You’ll still get that typical brand of Melodic Death Metal the fan base has grown to love. But this time, it’s not just stately harmonies and sturdy DM riffs that lead you into the dark yonder. Instead, the record now contains enough renewed power and ever-varying sub-themes that should reach even the sturdiest metalhead.
The band again managed to kick things up a few notches over the last record. Anno 1696 overflows with superior songwriting that brutally roars in on a stellar arrangement. That’s the type of pretty flawless production that many attempt but few achieve. So, if you’re up to some 50 minutes of expertly delivered metal debauchery, this is your record. Melodic Death Metal on steroids, brought to you by masters of the trade.
Ed’s note: Woe, them boyz got company. As The Sun Falls with their prowess will be worthy opponents, I’m sure. And, there’s also a new feisty contender on the block. Check out Anima Hereticae! The record’s also made it onto our 2023 Top Ten list. Congrats!
Record Rating: 9/10 | Label: Century Media | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 24 February 2023