InsomniumNetherworlds

Insomnium belong to the Finnish branch of melodic death metal, and they haven't strayed an inch from the same line in years. That's exactly why they get bouquets and brickbats in equal measure. Their tenth studio album, "Netherworlds", came out on 16 October through Century Media and went straight in at number one on the Finnish chart. Jani Liimatainen left in 2024, and this is the first full-length with his replacement, Tomy Laisto. The guy plays guitar and sings the clean parts too. So the band now has three guitars and two clean voices (big family!). Miiro Varjus produced it together with the band, the mix once again comes out of Jens Bogren's hands, and the cover is Travis Smith's again. Ten tracks, fifty-four minutes, so no flab.

Going by what's been written, the heart of the album is the eight-minute "The Hour Grows Late". Amorphis's Tomi Joutsen and Tomi Koivusaari guest on it, along with Santeri Kallio. Most critics name it as the album's strongest stretch and put closer "Journey's End" right next to it. Some go as far as calling this the band's best album since Winter's Gate. Scores hover between 7 and 9 out of 10.

Because repeating yourself and speaking your own language well ain't the same thing.

So why not higher? Because the harshest complaint is a fair one. The band doesn't take a single step outside the sound it knows, and that one riff, that one lead that grabs you by the collar, just isn't there. On paper, Laisto's arrival means fresh blood. But nothing anyone says suggests that blood adds a new colour to the album. So why not lower? Because repeating yourself and speaking your own language well ain't the same thing. The songs are kept tight, the running order is tidy, and the guests weren't brought in as decoration. While we're on the subject: the transparent blue 2LP was $36.99 and it sold out ages ago (you lot are quick). The standard CD is $13.98. If you love Insomnium, buy it. Newcomers, drop by Winter's Gate first...