…And Oceans – As in Gardens, So in Tombs
Release Date: 27th January 2023
Label: Season of Mist
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Symphonic Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal.
FFO: Dimmu Borgir, Gaerea, Emperor, Agathodaimon, Grima.
Review By: Rick Farley
After a triumphant return with 2020s magnificent Cosmic World Mother, Finland’s …And Oceans return with their new black metal opus of symphonic dark arts, As in Gardens, so in Tombs set for release on Season of Mist Records. Cosmic World Mother was the sound of the creative floodgates opening after the band took an eighteen-year hiatus under a different name that reflected a change in sound. Their blistering symphonic black metal that started on the 1998 debut full length The Dynamic Gallery of Thoughts has come full circle as an evolved continuation and eclipse of what 2020s return brought us. It’s the sound of a band willing to push their boundaries forward while staying true to their symphonic black roots.
As in Gardens, So in Tombs has a free, unrestrained sound that’s not typical of most black metal. It’s organic, carving out a sound that’s both savage and atmospheric. Each track twists traditional black metal flair with walls of symphonic elements that accentuate the songs rather than overpower. The synths are written and performed as enhancing soundscapes, letting the songs feel grandiose, but never being obnoxious. Serpentine guitar riffs swarm as venomous raspy growls, and blastbeats fuel every track, setting the core sound with jagged riffs, shrieking vocals and potent drumming. The album sounds lush without feeling dense, allowing each instrument space to breath. Bright layers are woven into the rawness, which makes its vibe grander and melodies shimmer. Some Finnish doom peeks its wistful head around the shadowy corners, adding sombre melodramatics to the intensity of the album. 90’s influenced Scandinavian chordal arrangements, spellbinding atmospherics and electronic elements add unique flare, resulting in a freshness and inviting accessibility not heard in black metal these days. It’s vicious, dark and relentless, but it also has an undeniable charisma that is pleasing to the ears. A rare achievement for any band.
Cloud Heads start with an eerie synth melody followed by hellacious swirling guitars and drummer Kauko Kuusisalo’s punishing blastbeats. Ethereal symphonic touches add a sense of hopefulness to the tremolo picked ferocity. An electronic midsection shows off the bands creativity in a way that is unexpected, but yet feels essential to the song. Likt Törnen Genom Kött is a track that brings the dichotomy of dooms melancholy and black metals viciousness together into one cohesive track. Beautiful sombre melodies interwoven with fast-paced drums, and frigid riffs is a contrast that works exceptionally well. Vocalist Mathias Lillmåns growls are crisp with an incredible range of harshness, adding the exact sense of dramatic vocals to this journey filled track. A fluttering bassline from Pyry Hanski and a piano passage from Antti Simonen in the background has a prog feel that further establishes the band as masterful songwriters not afraid to enhance the darkness with a little colour. Ambivalent God sounds like a war of the gods. Epic, brutal, and tragic. The Viking inspired guitar melodies from Timo Kontio and Teemu Saari could lead your sword straight into battle. The track swaggers with a sense of war torn dread throughout, reaching its end with a sanguine synth melody that’s airy and rich. Truly an excellent way to end such an incredible record. As in Gardens, So in Tombs is a crowning achievement for …And Oceans and stand as the bands most accomplished record to date.
(5 / 5)
