Album Evaluation: INSOMNIUM Anno 1696

Finland has all the time been residence to a number of the greatest melodic dying steel bands round (akin to Kids of Bodom, Omnium Gatherum, Amorphis, and Ensiferum). After all, gloomy quintet Insomnium are up there, too. In truth, every little thing they’ve accomplished since 2002’s debut LP—Within the Halls of Awaiting—has positioned beautiful folks tapestries and contemplative lyricism inside their tremendously vicious foundations.

2019’s Coronary heart Like a Grave was arguably their greatest outing thus far, and unsurprisingly, follow-up Anno 1696 surpasses it. Shorter and tighter than its predecessor, it is a extra cohesive and simply digestible assertion that additional proves why Insomnium are on the prime of their class.

As confirmed within the album’s press launch, Anno 1696 attracts on the tradition and mythology of the band’s native nation. Particularly, it “summon[s] a manifesto of grief and hope from the ever fertile and melancholic Finnish soil” by taking listeners into “a darkish and troublesome previous in Northern Europe, a time of witches, of superstition, of bloodlust and frenzy. And of werewolves.” To that finish, frontman Niilo Sevänen has even penned an accompanying brief story that, regardless of not being reviewed right here, positively enhances the wealthy themes and vibe of the file itself.

Of its inspirations and objectives, Sevänen explains: “The Torsåker witch trials had been a horrible supply of nightmarish inspiration. All that speak about 70 ladies beheaded on this small Swedish parish? It is actual stuff from historical past! And as if that weren’t sufficient, there are additionally some very darkish tales of cannibalism and youngster homicide from the years of the nice famine.”

It is no shock, then, that Anno 1696 can be impressed by Aino Kallas‘ 1928 novel, Sudenmorsian (The Wolf’s Bride). “It is most likely the only greatest novel ever to return from Finland. It has this very darkish and tragic tone that I needed to seize when writing my story,” provides Sevänen. In the meantime, guitarist/clear vocalist Markus Vanhala clarifies that the corresponding music is supposed to “return to the extra primal and rawer supply” of Insomnium‘s previous.

That emphasis on rougher edge and macabre storytelling are obvious right away, because the introductory title observe prioritizes hyperactive percussion, crushing guitar riffs, downright demonic singing, and lycanthropic narration. Verses akin to “Hour of bloodshed, hour of lies / The hour of murders and vile crimes / No redemption and no pity / No forgiveness of the White Christ” are deeply visceral and compelling.

Plus, the instrumentation is ripe with in-your-face ruthlessness, full of life rhythmic change-ups, intersecting guitar traces, and even some bookended acoustic respites for poignant conceptual continuity. It is a captivatingly consultant technique to begin in each respect, in addition to one among Insomnium‘s greatest songs thus far.

Naturally, subsequent items akin to “White Christ” and “Godforsaken”—which characteristic visitor singers Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ) and Johanna Kurkela, respectively—preserve that brutality amidst injecting their very own specialties. Particularly, Kurkela‘s ethereal crooning (alongside an particularly emotive and mystical association) is a standout of the entire LP.

As excellent as these compositions are, nevertheless, Anno 1696‘s biggest inclusion is undoubtedly “The Unrest.” A fantastically realized portrait of musical contrasts, its sinisterly sung verses are counterbalanced by an totally divine folks steel backing. What’s extra, its sturdy and pastoral choruses (“Hear not the cries within the wind / Chase away the darkness / Thoughts not the whispers inside / The songs of the unrest”) harness each essentially the most stunning vocal harmonies and melodies of the whole assortment. It is really a murals.

Past being a vital entry into Insomnium‘s catalog, Anno 1696 is a highpoint of recent Finnish melodic dying steel as a complete. The quintet’s attribute artistry permeates the entire sequence not solely musically but additionally narratively; consequently, it is a meticulously crafted and ceaselessly mesmerizing journey that embodies the perfect of what Insomnium—and the style to which they belong—can do.

Bravo, boys, and better of luck making an attempt to prime yourselves as soon as once more when it is time for the subsequent one!