Review: Gene Von Banyard
The nights are getting colder in Brisbane as winter sets in. We’re not known for having a cold climate, and those who live here know it’s usually the complete opposite. This is not the case in the far northern hemisphere. In places like Finland, musicians—shaped by their natural environment—create frostbitten compositions of melodic death metal that echo around the globe. The Finnish musicians in focus for this review are none other than Insomnium.
Formed in Joensuu in 1997, the band lineup has delivered emotional epics that blend progressive metal, black metal, folk metal, and doom metal. This musical journey has taken them across the globe, including past visits to Australia. I was grateful to witness their return at The Triffid.
Insomnium were not the only band on the bill, of course. But before I discuss their Finnish counterparts, Omnium Gatherum, I have to talk about Darklore. Darklore are Brisbane’s own symphonic blackened death metal outfit, whose songs and imagery are drawn from classic metal staples such as Lord of the Rings, Fantasy, and A Song of Ice and Fire. Their stage appearance—like Vikings who joined forces with Tolkien’s orcs—suited their sound perfectly. The guttural growls and banshee screeches blended flawlessly with pounding rhythms and tremolo picking. Their tracks were long, emotional, and in my opinion, quite excellent. I’ll certainly be keeping an attuned ear on Darklore‘s progress in the future. If you’re a fan of bands like Darkthrone or Finntroll, then Darklore is definitely for you.
Next up was Omnium Gatherum, a Finnish melodic death metal band with a distinct Gothenburg-style edge to their sound. Not only do Omnium Gatherum share a homeland with Insomnium, they also share band members. Markus Vanhala delivers stunning lead guitar work for both bands. His flair for performance—and his flowing silver Finnish locks—works perfectly on any stage.
With six musicians on stage, Omnium Gatherum‘s performance was expansive and, at times, eloquent. They shifted seamlessly between blazing blast beats and crushing riffs to soaring keys and mesmerizing clean vocals. While the crowd adored Omnium Gatherum and their music matched the night’s overall vibe, I do have one critique: there needs to be more of a build-up to their emotional crescendos. These moments, though beautiful, would be more impactful with greater anticipation. Still, that’s a small gripe in what was overall a bloody good show.
Finally, the highlight of the night—and in my opinion, one of the best melodic death metal bands on the planet—Insomnium! Niilo Sevänen introduced the band and expressed their gratitude for returning to Australia after 7 to 8 years. Formalities done, we were off to the races.
The show was excellent, and every member of Insomnium performed exceptionally well. One thing is plainly evident: Insomnium have a masterful grasp of what melodic death metal requires—and they execute it flawlessly. Tomi Laisto’s clean vocals contrasted and blended beautifully with bassist Niilo Sevänen’s growls. The steady, meaty riffs were enhanced by soaring harmonics and melodies, and the synth washes that flooded The Triffid were a joy to behold.
With a setlist that included both old classics and newer favourites, I was completely satisfied with the show. I was ecstatic when they chose my personal favourite, While We Sleep, for the encore!
Seeing Insomnium was like a dream—a waking dream I was darkly blessed to immerse myself in. If you’ve never heard Darklore, Omnium Gatherum, or Insomnium, then I implore you, good people of metal: do not sleep, so you too can dream!
INSOMNIUM with guest Omnium Gatherum performing at:
May 7th – Canberra, The Baso w/ Immorium
May 9th – Sydney, Metro Theatre w/ Besomora
May 10th – Melbourne, The Croxton w/ Orpheus Omega
May 11th – Adelaide, Lion Arts Factory w/ Ecdysis
TICKETS ON SALE FROM:
ADELAIDE – www.moshtix.com.au
CANBERRA, MELBOURNE – www.oztix.com.au
SYDNEY – www.ticketek.com.au
