But Insomnium have never been of the "Gothenburg" style of the genre. Their music eschews jaunty harmonies and melody for downtrodden epics that have much in common with doom metal. There is no doubt that as the years go by, their music gets darker and darker. 'Anno 1696' takes that notion to the next level.
Anno 1696' is a concept album set in a period of one Finland's more dark eras. It was a time of famine, cannibalism, and witch hunts. As far as the particular details and characters in the story, I couldn't tell you. I know it's blasphemy, but I never follow concept album stories nor do I care to do so. I'm here for the music and song writing. And both these elements are in top tier form on Insomnium's 9th studio album.
The atmosphere of this album is so defeated, bleak, and hopeless that it is almost hard to describe. Of course the concept lends itself exploration by such moody music. With that being said, the music has the trademark melodies that turn the album, and each individual song, into soulful dirges.
'1696' opens the album with clean guitars and drums that have the vibe of melding western and tribal sounds together. Subtle keys provide a chilling backdrop for the clean music.Niilo Sevänen arrives soon enough with growled spoken word before he, and the song, explodes with passioned fury. The song is fast and furious but the simple and effective melodic during the chorus are bitter sweet.
Sakis Tolis guest stars on 'White Christ," and it has become one of my favorite songs the band has ever done. I never imagined Sakis and Insomnium would mix well but here we are. His vocals are vicious and he and Niilo sound at home trading off between each other.<br>The movement between 3:45 and 5:15 is beautifully tragic and is a classic example of the band's trademark sound.
"Godforsaken," features another guest, this time Johanna Kurkela, a Finnish singer-songwriter and the wife of Nightwish mastermind Tuomas. Her vocals are magnificent and elevate the song to another level---and world. Sweeping, violent and majestic are all the things I can use to describe this song.
'Lilian,' is one of the most straightforward and basic songs on the album. That isn't a bad thing and is actually appreciated as it breaks up any potential motony from the longer, more adventurous tracks. I can make a safe bet this song will be a hit live too.
The opening melodies of 'Starless Paths,' are mediate and catchy. The song itself has excellent pacing and flow and sounds right at home coming in after 'Lilian.'
It is a more urgent sounding song as well even in the quieter parts such as the ambient passage around 5:15 mark.
'The Witch Hunter,' does a great job balancing the album's sprawling sound with a more straight forward attack. Clean vocals aren't used a lot on this album but they do integrate well into this song. This is another song that I can see getting the crowd worked up.
'The Unrest,' is a clean song but no less effective as the ones before it. It keeps the same feel and atmosphere of the album but presents it in a different light, so to speak.
'The Rapids is the final song and a grand send off. All the ideas and elements across the previous seven tracks are presented in this ending that also establishes this new era for Insomnium.
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