NOUMENA „Absence ”

Music: Melodic/Death Metal
Website: http://www.noumena.info
Country: Finland


Cool songs: The End Of The Century, A Day To Depart, All Veiled, The Dream And The Escape

This Finnish Melodic Death Metal band can be called a younger brother of CHILDREN OF BODOM. But here, the similarities simply end. The rest is just music and characteristic sound, which the band developed throughout the years of practising. It is very good, that NOUMENA are not using the image of their big brother.

This time, the over generalization that melodic death belongs to COB is far too much. NOUMENA have their own style, it is not copied from anyone else. Throughout the time they were formed, unrepeatable and characteristic style was developed: fleshy deep throat growl plus different vocal back ups (style, voice, etc.), and a very melodic line of the leading guitar. Everything creates a nice symphony the listener is not tired after listening to this album. The guitar solo in “The End Of The Century” completes the whole. What is even more interesting, is the total lack of the keyboard section. All of the melodic lines are created by the guitars. Thanks to that, the music stays pure metal. NOUMENA have many strong points: especially the style and motif changes in every song – thanks to that they are not dull, live their own life, thus are interesting and attention drawing. Moreover the album is not boring . The variety of vocals is also an advantage. In “Slain Memories” and “Prey Of The Tempter” the dialogues between different voices sounds pretty cool. The second part of “Absence” gives a huge kick of power, mixed with poetic and calm elements. That variety works for the whole, it makes every composition sound different, being a little new thing. And this is the strongest point of this album.

If someone is looking for an alternative to CHILDREN OF BODOM, with different sound and ideas, this album is worth to give it a try. First of all, this music will not bore the melodic death fans. Second: it shows, that this kind of music scene is not limited only to COB. NOUMENA is a strong competition for Laiho and the gang.

note: 10/10

Tracklist

1. The End Of The Century
2. Everlasting Ward
3. The First Drop
4. Slain Memories
5. A Day To Depart
6. Prey Of The Tempter
7. Here We Lie
8. All Veiled
9. The Dream And The Escape
10. The Great Anonymous Doom

Total playing time 46:51

Line-up

Antti Haapanen – Vocals
Ilkka Unnbom – Drums
Hannu Savolainen – Bass
Tuukka Tuomela – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Ville Lamminaho – Guitar, Backing Vocals