Band:	Insaniae
Album:	Imperfeições Da Mão Humana
Style:	Doom metal
Release date:	May 17, 2010
A review by:	KwonVerge

01. Absolvição
02. Tradição Ancestral
03. O Covil
04. Acto Perfeito
05. ...E Os Corpos Deixaram De Vir
06. Trono Abdicado

Portugal seems to hold a small blossoming doom metal core that is expanding with the passing of years and what is more important is the fact that the works of these bands definitely have something to say, justifying their cause of existence. Insaniae is one of those acts, returning during 2010 with their second album to date, Imperfeições Da Mão Humana, in which you will find among others the two compositions that appeared in 2009's split with Mourning Lenore, "O Covil" and "Tradição Ancestral".

I would refer to their sound as atmospheric doom/death metal due to the usage of operatic/ethereal female vocals that are being present through the whole duration of the album, not only in one or two songs. One could possibly say that Insaniae bring forth memories of early Theatre Of Tragedy with a mid-paced heavier edge and without the gothic elements and the keyboards since they rely on the main instruments. It's probably because Isabel Cristina reminds of Liv Kristine and because I wouldn't like to be misinterpreted I don't mean in terms of how she sounds like, her voice has a different tone, but in the way she interprets, the vocal choreography is reminiscent. Yet she manages to tolerate this really well since she owns a beautiful voice and expresses herself in various climaxes, offering diversity in the compositions that would probably make Insaniae seem like another generic doom/death metal band without her, without this meaning that I underestimate the rest of the band! They know what they're doing for sure, a very good musicianship surrounds both Isabel and Diogo who owns a good throat, offering an intense, deep grunting interpretation and some pleasant shrieks (the laugh at "Trono Abdicado" is quite sardonic).

The basic idea is mainly mid-tempo arrangements that slow down or speed up a little at times. The album is adorned with heavy and slow-paced guitars that are not afraid to present melodic harmonies or soloing moments like the beautiful one on "O Covil", bass lines that are vivid in the final mix and blend really well with the either accompanying or imposing drumming that holds tight the compositions. Imperfeições Da Mão Humana is a very good album and simply because there is a sound balance inbetween the songs through its whole duration it's better served as a whole rather than solitary tracks. Something very good in my opinion since this harmony keeps your interest at welcome levels without sounding monotonous, although 62 minutes may tire a little bit at times, always depending on your mood at the current moment. But still, the more you listen to it, the more it grows on you, it holds an introvert travelling sense through bittersweet or more threatening soundscapes.

A solid release, an atmospheric piece of doom/death metal fame whose ambiance doesn't require keyboards to sound more complete or more expressive, every single member and all together serve their purpose really well. I'd like to hear more from them in the future.