Across The Dark is the fourth full-length from the Finnish band Insomnium. Their style of melodic death metal blended with progressive and doom elements is intact, but with a few changes. On the musical side, keyboards (provided by Aleksi Munter from Swallow the Sun) are used more often to provide atmosphere and emotion. You’ll also hear some melodic vocals on this CD. Jules Naveri (Misery Inc.) provides the singing on a few tracks.
“Where The Wave Broke” showcases Naveri’s singing along with the growls of Niilo Sevänen. It’s a melodic and accessible song, and although hearing the clean vocals is initially surprising, it’s a very memorable song.
“The Harrowing Years” is one of the most well-rounded songs on Across The Dark. Its tempo ranges from slow to medium, death alternates with prog, and there are both gruff and melodic vocals. It’s more reserved tone is contrasted by the following track “Against The Stream,” which begins with fast, thrashy riffs before settling down later on in the song.
The epic 9 minute “The Lay Of Autumn” also features some melodic singing, but just briefly. It also has some heavy parts that are tempered by layers of keyboards. It’s very well arranged, with a compelling ebb and flow between heavy death metal, progressive and folk. Across The Dark provides many nice surprises, and is one of Insomnium’s strongest efforts. (released September 22, 2009 on Candlelight Records)
