Omnium Gatherum – May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way
Release Date: 7th November 2025
Label: Century Media Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Symphonic Death Metal.
FFO: Insomnium, Dark tranquillity, Mors Principium Est, Wolfheart, Be’lakor, Scar Symmetry, Wintersun.
Review By: Rick Farley
Formed originally in 1996 in the coastal town of Karhula Finland, melodic death metal titans Omnium Gatherum have stood the test of time with their aggressive Scandinavian/Gothenburg guitar riffs, epic heavy metal style melodies, and slight taste for progressive flourishes. The band has been remarkably consistent within their sound despite numerous line-up changes over the years. Founding guitarist and principal songwriter Markus VanHala (Insomnium, Cemetery Skyline) is the only remaining member and probably the biggest reason this band has stayed so true to its origins. Alongside vocalist Jukka Pelkonen, bassist Mikko Kivistö, drummer Atte Pesonen and Keyboardist Aapo Koivisto, the band is set to release their tenth studio album May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way via Century Media Records.
Reaching ten albums is a huge milestone for any band, let alone creating one past your first couple still worth hearing. May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way is a triumphant melding of the old and new with layers of rich dynamics through huge symphonic song structures, blistering solos, jagged riffs, powerful rhythms sections and a cross of growled vocals with euphoric cleans. This is a fierce record from front to back with an incredible balancing act between infectious melody and head banging aggression, one that surely will please any fan of metal regardless of genre.
May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way kicks off with a spacey instrumental that’s musically fleshed out with metallic guitars and giant keyboard melodies. It’s a brief introduction that feels necessary to the carnage to come. My Pain is a kaleidoscope of neoclassical shred, relentless drum pace, and in-your-face riffs that sway between angry, and groove based. Jukka roars like a pained beast waiting for its next meal, while the orchestration in the background guides this hooky track from metallically saw-toothed to atmospherically full of grandiloquent soundscapes. The mix of heaviness and wondrous melody is mesmerizing, which is kind of the bands selling point. It’s a modern sound that feels directly rooted in melo-deaths tried and true formula, but so full of energizing urgency. Melo-death ‘n’ roll, if you will. Walking Ghost Phase feels inspired by classic heavy metal bordering bands like Journey without all the ridiculous cheese. There’s a joyous familiarity about this track, with bouncy rhythms, synth rich atmosphere and some gang vocals that makes it highly addictive. The growling vocals give it the same vibe as a band like Scar Symmetry or Soilwork, it has the death metal bite but also the exuberance of 80s influence. There’s a definitive shift towards more heavy metal spirit on this record than previous ones, which may explain the resurgence of fierce enthusiasm that you’ll hear. Ignite the Flame reiterates this to a tee, giving off huge triumphant metal horns vibes while still being aggressively direct with the At the Gates style riffs and pummelling drums. Huge chorus keyboard melodies enhance the tracks unrelenting tempo, offering a chance to feel the emotional depth of each segment, from super-charged heaviness to cosmic auras. It’s a spellbinding burner of a track that brings together all the elements of why Scandinavian melodic death metal, done well, will forever be godlike.
While May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way isn’t going to set the world on fire with innovative ideas, it absolutely will be a record that you can easily listen to over and over again and feel good about it. Fun uncontrolled headbanging, raised fists aligned with great production and irresistible songwriting, what more can anyone ask for.
(4 / 5)
