Melodeath at its peak – review of “Netherworlds” by Insomnium

Undisputed masters of melancholic death metal, Insomnium return with their tenth studio album, “Netherworlds” out October 16th on Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki and produced by Miiro Varjus, with mixing and mastering by Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden.

Staying true to their signature sound while pushing it a step further, Insomnium deliver a remarkable ten-track album that leads the listener on a journey into the underworld. It reflects on mortality, memory, and the fleeting nature of life with the perspective that comes with age. Throughout this journey, marked by a dark, heavy atmosphere and a whirlwind of emotion, Insomnium reach straight to the heart of the listener, delivering a multisensory experience through Niilo Sevänen’s vocals, the guitar melodies and backing vocals of Markus Vanhala, Ville Friman and Tomy Laisto, and the rock-solid drumming of Markus Hirvonen.

The album opens with a cover of Henry Purcell’s “The Cold Song,” reimagined in a far more gothic and somber version that elevates the opening and sets expectations high. It is followed by tracks rich in exquisite melodies and profound lyrics, without losing the aggression that defines the band. Once again, Insomnium prove they sit at the very top of melodeath.

There are a few guests along the way. Members of Amorphis (Tomi Joutsen, Tomi Koivusaari and Santeri Kallio) appear on “The Hour Grows Late,” while Aleksi Munter contributes keyboards across the remaining tracks.

Highlights

A consistently strong album with one clear standout: the magnificent “The Hour Grows Late.”

Veredict

A masterpiece of brilliantly crafted songs by remarkably talented musicians. A must-have for every fan of melodeath.

Tracklist

1. The Cold Song
2. Shadowlife
3. Remembrance
4. Gleam in the Black
5. The Hour Grows Late
6. Arch of the Sky
7. Pathways of the Night
8. Ethereal Sleep
9. The Banished
10. Journey’s End