Ikuinen Kaamos - Fall of Icons

Release Date: March 5th, 2010
Label: Maddening Media

TRACK LISTING

1.  Indoctrination of the Lost
2.  Statues
3.  In Ruins
4.  Condemned
5.  Apart

Total playing time:  54:11

April 21, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Once again, Finland has hit my stereo system with another metal export called Ikuinen Kaamos, a progressive black metal outfit. From the very first note, and I’m sure the band might be tired of hearing this comparison, Opeth rings so loud I had to open the windows. While not an exact replication of the Swedish counterparts, the comparisons are too obvious to dismiss or ignore.

Fall of Icons is a superb effort in the prog/black hybrid, laden with technically beautiful passages of acoustic brilliance and unequivocal time changes when least expected. If not for vocalist Risto Herranen’s higher pitch Ihsahn-style through the screams it could just as well be an Opeth clone, of which too many are popping up. This doesn’t necessarily shadow Ikuinen Kaamos’ work. I suppose the best way to summarize is that if you are to choose a band of this type of melding you would invariably choose Opeth, but it might well be your loss. As amazing as Opeth is, make room for some other bands to share the pedestal from time to time.

On the whole, the songs are epic masterpieces, clocking in around the eight- to nine-minute mark, with “Apart” going for the seventeen-minute point. The music is well above-par in terms of talent and cerebral challenge; the structure to such long mini-masterpieces is one of fine caliber throughout, no question about it. The blackish elements are quite lifting, and the music causes moments of sheer introspection and passiveness in its acoustic parts. For a five-song album that clocks just under the hour-long mark it’s a musical venture you wouldn’t regret taking if the Opethian style works for you on many levels.

The deal-sealer for me is Herranen’s vocals resembling Ihsahn’s throaty output, giving just the right hint of black metal over what would otherwise be beautifully centered prog-metal. It’s an interesting and engaging effort that gets away from Mikael Akerfeldt’s demonic growl that might otherwise relegate Fall of Icons to the ho-hum section of the mind. It’s a definite ride which doesn’t get long-winded or boring. As I said, if your mind is set for this type of epic experience in one-sitting, then you’ll find serenity herein.

While all of the songs are good, the one that stands out for me is “Apart,” which is a long valley with weather changes, time elapses, mood shifts and casual wonderment; it’s a small eternity packed into the track if your mind is just right at the time of listening. Not to overstate the fact, it truly is something you cannot handle lightly. When you think upon initial knowledge that it’s too long a time to sit still for one track, you’re simply missing out.

Finland is producing some fine music of late; we could get used to such prolific moments.

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: