Gothic metal, doom, and a smattering of prog collide on the sophomore release from Finland's Edge of Haze, titled Illumine. The band, Markus Hentunen (Lead Vocals, Guitars), Eeero Maijala (Bass, Growled Vocals, Guitars), Janne Mieskonen (Drums), Lenno Linjama (Guitars), and Akseli Savola (Keyboards), have a very pleasing sound, which relies on thick, chugging riffs, airy keyboards, melodic vocals, and the occasional growl, falling somewhere in the spectrum of Katatonia, Swallow the Sun, and at times a heavier Anathema. Much of the material on display here is catchy, memorable, and just heavy enough, with tracks like "The Pyre", "Drawn", "Crushed", and "Into the Red Sun" really standing out thanks to some inventive riffing and the excellent lead vocals of Hentunen. "Unlearn" is another fine song, with some fierce death metal growls courtesy of Maijala and nimble keyboard solos from Savola. "Rainfall" is one of the longest tracks here, and with its somber tone and soaring harmonies, should easily appeal to fans of the great Anathema.
This is a really good album from a young band that I can easily see one of the major metal labels scooping up in the very near future.
Track Listing
- Drawn
- The Pyre
- Urban Reverie
- Crushed
- 3:30 A.M.
- Into The Red Sun
- Unlearn
- A Storm At The River
- Rainfall
- The Newfound Horizon
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
