New World Shadows

Lifeforce

Finland’s Melodic Death Metal masters Omnium Gatherum have returned with not only their most crowning achievement to date, but an album that is sure to become one of the greatest releases the genre has ever known. The band having somewhat reinvented themselves this time around give special credence to their melodic abilities and weave an intricate tapestry of passion and power that see them taking strides toward a more progressive musical nature. New World Shadows is an album that blends dark emotions with rich epic momentum proving Omnium Gatherum are prime contenders in the face of today’s modern metal movement.

Leading the charge in the bands creative evocation are frontman Jukka Pelkonen and guitarist Markus Vanhala whose astounding chemistry remains unparalleled in industry standards and solidifies the partnership as the true driving force behind the bands new found glory. Layered guitar harmonies, guttural growls and melancholic clean vocals that would move even the toughest metalhead to tears are found throughout and while Pelkonen and Vanhala may represent the catalyst of the band’s sound the staggering enchantment of Aapo Koivisto’s keyboarding skills complete the bands sonic achievement.

With every track complimenting the other, there is not a weak portion among the lot but the most impressive segments come by way of intrinsic songs such as “Soul Journey’s”, “Watcher of the Skies”, “An Infinite Mind and the title track “New World Shadows”. Omnium Gatherum are indeed gods among men with this latest installment and worthy of praise in every musical facet currently in play.

-Priest