So we all have those conversations where our mates go ‘you’ve heard X?’ and you reply with ‘I’ve heard of them’. Well today is one of those days for me, although I’m actually pretty sure I’ve seen this band supporting Paradise Lost. Anyway, I’m talking about Insomnium a band who seem to garner a great deal of attention in the Metal scene, one of those lesser known bands that fans of seem to be really dedicated to, but what’s all the fuss about?
Having formed back in 1997 Insomnium undoubtedly have a lot of history behind them. However, I wouldn’t say the Finnish band really registered on my radar until 2014 and the release of Shadows Of The Dying Sun, which I seem to recall had quite a lot of critical acclaim. Since then there has been a couple more full lengths in Winter’s Gate and Heart Like A Grave. Although today we’re looking at an EP, the 2021 Century Media Records released Argent Moon, but is it a good starting point for new fans?
Opening this rather snappy little EP is The Conjurer. Delicate melodic guitars sway, full of emotion and epic nature, it’s a beautiful opening. Then in crash the harsh vocals which kind of break the peace a bit as the song becomes a little more metallic. None the less it’s still full of Melodic Death Metal bliss, well-formed and expertly performed. The Reticent follows, which brings clean vocals into the focus, I actually really like this addition and quite honestly prefer them to the harsh vocals if I’m completely honest. However, it could be said that together they create quite an interesting contrast. Next up The Antagonist brings a much more melancholic and indeed Gothic tone to the mix, fantastically composed and again a true representation of the beauty of the clean vocals. In fact this is almost certainly my favourite song from the whole EP, the instrumentation is unwavering and the whole mix works perfectly. Final track The Wanderer is another solemn affair and again very enjoyable, a wonderful closure for this brilliant EP.
I have to admit that I’m pretty blown away by Argent Moon. I think back when I first saw the band live I just didn’t really care for Melodic Death Metal all the much, pretty much the only thing I would’ve cared about then would have been Slam or OSDM (and Iron Maiden). Anyway it’s safe to say that my tastes have expanded since then and now I enjoy a bit of atmosphere and relaxation (I must be getting old or something). Overall Argent Moon is a brilliant release and one which I highly recommend checking out.
(9/10 George Caley)
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