(Spikefarm Records) 2006 Total time : 44:09
This one is special! The new third album from the Finnish band has arrived, bringing together a sense of warmth and an atmosphere dated back almost 10 to 15 years ago. At the same time it is fresh, brandy new and innovative, arousing mixed emotions and a sense of melancholy inside the room. Surprisingly impressive…!
NOUMENA is another melodic death metal band coming from Finland and in their previous albums have shown a great potential in improving their style. It was about time to step forward and this is done by issuing “Anatomy Of Life”. Bringing memories form Amorphis’ masterpiece “Tales From The Thousand Lakes” and from In Flames’ earliest albums, the band combines atmospheric/melodic death metal with new interesting ideas, using also a continuous exchange of death to female and clear vocals. The guitars are leading the way, almost in every part by playing melodies or by playing inspired riffs, forming nicely arranged compositions. The songwriting is delightful making it difficult to choose preferred songs among them. However attempting to do so, “Misanthropolis”, “Burden of Solacement”, “Retrospection”, “Through The Element” and “Fire And Water” should be regarded as the top moments, among great songs. This leads to the conclusion that “Anatomy Of Life should be enjoyed as a whole in order to absorb its greatness.
As far as the production is concerned, it is of professional quality leaving the guitar as the key player to do the job, whereas all other instruments seem to act in a complementary role, however arranged and played in a tight, strict way. Basically, what is important is the fact that by the first hearing you get the impression that something good is happening here and this is guaranteed soon after the first 2 or 3 hearings.
Well, “Anatomy Of Life” is not an ordinary album. It is different. It is the mood, it is the color, it is the music. NOUMENA did it. This album is special, already in my top 12 list of 2006 in high place. Great band, great album…
