Kuolemanlaakso - Kuusumu (2022)

Led by Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow the Sun), Kuolemanlaakso, a Finnish outfit, delivers killer Death/Doom Metal with some Gothic elements. With “Kuusumu” the band further expands it sound and incorporates some more modern elements alongside their highly emotional and soul crushing antics. The band’s Finnish only lyrics add an extra layer of uniqueness to their piercing sound.

Opening with the dazzling atmospherics of “Pimeys laski”, a very somber and yet lush mood is set. The combination of clean and harsh vocals alongside female vocals and harsh shrieks gives the music a very theatrical versatility, like on the Therion-esque “Katkeruuden malja”, or the punishing “Surusta meri suolainen”. Far from linear and traditional, the band’s Doom influences provide a nice contrast to faster and heavier elements thrown into the mix as “Kuohuista tulisten koskien” showcases.

The best track in this release has to be the superbly mournful “Surun sinfonia”, and its very My Dying Bride-esque weeping guitars and vocal arrangements. Back to more dynamic and fast-paced territories, “Pedon vaisto” and “Tulessakävelijä” change things up to close the release. Overall, “Kuusumu” is one of those highly engaging releases that even if they have a ‘slower’ Death/Doom core, they are still bombastic and explosive enough to engaging a wider audience.

Label: Svart Records

Release: March 4th, 2022

Genre: Death/Doom/Gothic Metal

Country: Finland