Band:	Omnium Gatherum
Album:	Years In Waste
Style:	Melodic death metal
Release date:	November 09, 2004
Guest review by:	Tristus Scriptor

01. The Fall Went Right Through Here
02. Waste Of Bereavement
03. Misanthropic (Let The Crown Fall)
04. Black Seas Cry
05. It's A Long Night
06. No Moon & No Queen
07. Gravesilence
08. The Nolan's Fati
09. More Withering
10. Auguries Gone

I want to begin by getting something obvious out of the way. The vocals on this release are going to get bashed. It's inevitable. The guy sounds like a huge Lindberg fan who has been on the road, over-touring, and drinking too much in the process. And, as a person who has chosen to find something good in them, I found that I love this about them. Why? Man...I dunno. Probably the same reason that I prefer Mr. Johnny Cash's last recordings to his younger days. I can feel their struggle, their determination, their perseverance. But no, they aren't strong. But they work well. The emotive performance of this progressive-tinged melodeath band give the perfect backdrop for them.

Like much music that can justifiably be labeled "prog" in any way, the situational, realistic, and sentimental subject-matter of the songs are great for a pained vocal execution. Also, the fact that the man seems to be very unabashed and upstanding about it almost completely excuses any weaknesses found. I mean, merely two tracks in and he's pushed to the forefront as the guitars drop out, leaving only the vocals and rhythm section. Bold. This says, "Things are as we choose for them to be." And any band with that attitude is alright by me.

Musically, we are dealing with a very eclectic blend of moods, few limitations, with some surprise factors for a "melodeath" band. One of the features here with which the band really hits home is the usage of major-scale nods. Whether just manipulating relative minors or not, the band knows what they are doing. They really want to explore the range of a person's psyche throughout the common human being's feelings. We have ups and downs, and most of the time it's intense. This is a good explanation of Omnium Gatherum's music, as well. Up, down, and sideways they go - all the while making sure to keep a shadow following the entity.

Instrumental performances are top-shelf. The Finnish know how to play when it comes to metal that is good enough to be accepted into a studio. My only question when regarding music of this particular nationality is whether it's something that fits my tastes or not. So, with all that being said, I see no reason to not at least be inquisitive enough to sit down and check this one out. If it's within your genre interests; it will be well received.