EP REVIEW: Argent Moon – Insomnium

As with most bands throughout the course of the last two years, Finnish death metal icons INSOMNIUM were forced into captivity as a result of the pandemic. Choosing to take advantage of their newfound abundance of time the quintet got to work on a new four-track EP entitled Argent Moon, which is due for release on September 17th via Century Media Records. Accompanying this venture will be a set of videos depicting the unfolding storylines held within. Will this help to satiate their adoring fanbase?

The Conjurer commences with a tranquil yet captivating vibe. The perfect opportunity to close your eyes, escape your troubles and just be whisked away on the serene melodies. The gritty, aggressive vocals really jump out of the arrangement, drawing your attention to their evocative story. Eight minutes evaporate in what feels like seconds as you are so encapsulated in the unfolding soundscape. The Reticent takes a more sombre, melancholic approach but proves to be just as enthralling. The dramatic tones grip you immediately and the clean vocals really help to portray the abundance of emotion displayed.

The Antagonist continues to convey the bleak despair, tugging on your heartstrings with its deep sentimentality. The acoustic work is simply stunning and perfectly accompanies the sharp bursts of heaviness. The Wanderer is as fragile as it is beautifully poignant. The thrilling dynamics keep you on the edge of your seat through every single second of the symphonic rollercoaster which is unveiled.

A lot of bands would struggle to pack such a variety of sensations into a full length release, never mind a four-track EP. Argent Moon takes you on a journey mixed with wonder and emotion that twists your heart in each and every direction in a way that only INSOMNIUM can. There are few bands who can construct material of this magnitude, and we should count ourselves lucky to exist at the same time as one of the true greats of Finnish death metal.

Rating: 9/10

Argent Moon is due for release on September 17th via Century Media Records.

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