Omnium Gatherum – New World Shadows

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As a band, Omnium Gatherum have come a long way. Whilst the band have always fused progressive music into their melodic death metal sound, it has only been since the inclusion of singer Jukka Pelkonen that the band’s sound has really taken shape. New World Shadows marks album number 3 for him and continues the melodic direction of the band. The band’s last album The Red Shift was a lot slower than most melodic death metal records but still retained a sense of energy, infusing their sound with a range of influences including modern alternative. In comparison, New World Shadows forgoes much of the additional influences and is a more focused, direct progressive metal record. There are still influences of melodeath here – mostly the vocal delivery and atypical melodeath riffing – but this is primarily a progressive metal record, slowing the tempo for a more considered, contemplative feel. It is too gentle to really be described as death metal, even melodic death metal – the feel of the album is more thoughtful than it is aggressive. Whilst the album sounds good, upon repeat listens it’s issues begin to unfold – it’s rather samey. Nothing on this record stands out, there are no notable mood shifts or outstanding moments, and it passes by without engaging the listener emotionally. Technically it’s a well executed album but it doesn’t have the kind of buzz the band’s back catalog has. It tries to make up for this with longer and more progressive songs, but the album is simply not as smart as it thinks it is, even if it has talented players behind it. The end result is that whilst this album is a nice listen, it fails to live up to expectations.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Death Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Omnium Gatherum