Review OMNIUM GATHERUM ‘Slasher’

Finland’s melodic death metallers Omnium Gatherum are proud to present a new EP. ‘Slasher’ is the name of the release and it will hit the record stores in the next few days. Altogether the band from Kotka has recorded four songs, three of which are self-composed while also a cover version has sneaked on the track list.

It starts with the title track. ‘Slasher’ is a typical Omnium Gatherum song, where smooth melodies, rough vocals and a powerful beat unite. Even the sporadic clean vocals belong to the repertoire of the Finns and can be found on the song.

The new EP follows up seamlessly on ‘Origin’. There is, for example, the catchy ‘Scared’, which settles well in the mind at the first listen and also the rather atmospheric ‘Lovelorn’ carries a certain charm. Melodic guitar lines and Jukka Pelkonen’s growls complement each other well and create an entertaining area of tension.

So far, so good. The cover version on this EP, however, can be looked at with mixed feelings. You can’t get rid of the feeling that the band wanted to play extra heavy on this version, which in itself doesn’t do the song any good.

Michael Sembello’s hit song unfolds its beauty best in the original version, whether you like it or not. There is littleleft of this fascination of the original and at the same time the death metal cape, which was thrown over the song, doesn’t really fit either.

‘Slasher’ has become a typical in-between EP. Omnium Gatherum show once more why they belong to the established bands in melodic death metal. The own material is like an extension of the ‘Origin’ album and the cover version will find its friends. And otherwise there still remains the ‘skip’ button.