Band:	Slumber
Album:	Fallout
Style:	Melodic doom metal
Release date:	October 18, 2004
A review by:	Azhidahak

01. Rapture
02. Conflict
03. Where Nothing Was Left
04. Fallout
05. Distress
06. Dreamscape
07. A Wanderer's Star

Slumber is a half Swedish half Persian atmospheric death/doom metal band based in Sweden. After releasing two demo's they have now given out their first debut full length album Fallout.

The album starts with the opening track Rapture, a mid-paced song with a melancholic atmosphere and depressive touch, almost leaning towards gothic/doom and the gothic influences are much clearer in the end of the song when we hear some backup female vocals (almost orchestral). The second track is more melodic and the guitar work immediately reminds me of mid-period Katatonia and the Katatonia influences are crystal clear. The overall atmosphere and feeling of this album also reminds me a bit of Rapture.

I think that Fallout and Distress must be my favourite tracks from this album, very melodic and emotional. Also the cover and artwork are very nice and depressive and fit perfectly with the rest of the mood from this album. Another great thing with this album is that it's constantly "moving" forward. It's definitely not dry or repetitive and although it manages to keep the same kind of feeling throughout the album, each song has its own special sound and moments.

The only complaint that I have about this album is that I feel like the vocals are somehow trapped under the strong melodic layer of this album. Don't misunderstand me, I think that the vocals are good and I like the growls, but it's almost as if it's coming from down a basement or something and I feel like it needs more energy so it can get the same space in the songs as the rest of the instruments.

However, this is overall a great album and should appeal to fans of bands such as: Katatonia, Rapture, Paradise Lost, Tristania or anyone that seeks melodic, emotional and melancholic music.