Review : SWALLOW THE SUN – “New Moon”

Swallow The Sun – New Moon
released November 17, 2009 on Spinefarm

The word that describes the Finnish sextet’s fourth album is more. There’s more memorable compositions, more attention to subtle details, and more successful sonic experiments. This is also their first time recording at Fascination Street with the famed Jens Bogren, who has worked on several superb albums, including the last couple from Daylight Dies, Katatonia‘s latest, and perhaps most importantly, everything Opeth has released in the last five years.

New Moon starts strong. The instantly-hummable main riff in “These Woods Breathe Evil” harks back to folk melodies amidst the darkened metal atmosphere. This is the first of many places one can expect to hear a chorus that won’t leave your memory for hours on end. STS has greatly improved in this area, as their previous albums, though beautiful, rarely penetrate as deeply.

Aleksi Munter’s keyboards have a potent presence throughout New Moon. They sometimes add a delicate, eerie dimension to the music––as in “Sleepless Swans”––and are other times isolated, as in the outro to “…And Heavens Cried Blood”. Doubtlessly integral to their affect, Munter creates a graceful counterpoint to their devastating attack.

I was somewhat taken aback by the more accessible title track, and also “Falling World”. Both songs feature the greatest proportion of clean vocals from the immensely talented Mikko Kotamäki, though they’re also balanced by his deep growls. Frankly, while I may not list either song as a favorite, I can’t help but listen to them as a guilty pleasure. Are they drenched in melodrama with poppy choruses? Yes! But neither sacrifices much heaviness, and still pack power into their arrangements.

New drummer Kai Hahto (Wintersun) replaces Pasi Pasanen, the first member to leave the group. Hahto is put to the test in the middle of “Lights On The Lake (Horror Pt. III)”, employing blastbeats once alien to STS. It is also here that the band enlists the ethereal vocals of Sweden-based singer, Aleah, for what is arguably the most multi-faceted song on New Moon. However, I maintain that “Weight of the Dead” is the finest piece they have ever recorded. Its tumultuous nine minutes runs the gamut from black to doom, with a conclusion so epic that writing about it would be a disservice, rather than encouraging you to listen for yourself. So go, and revel in their despondent majesty.

FCC OK

Try *1*, 4, 5, *8*

01. These Woods Breathe Evil
02. Falling World
03. Sleepless Swans
04. …And heaven Cried Blood
05. Lights On The Lake (Horror Pt. III)
06. New Moon
07. Servant Of Sorrow
08. Weight Of The Dead

Rating: