It smells like Sweden from far away, although the cover artwork of this album looks very sad and depressive. But Omnium Gatherum have nothing to do with Doom or any other form of sad music. I would say that Years In Waste is a typical Swedish Melodic Death Metal album...but the group is from Finland.
Omnium Gatherum released their debut album Spirits And August Light in 2003, issued by the British Rage Of Achilles record label. They have also filmed a video for the track Writhen, directed by Ville Salonen. The clip included new keyboardist Jukka Perala of Manitou. The band entered Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki with engineer Nino Laurenne during June of 2004 to record this album initially entitled Fall Grave Silence. Valhala also divided his duties further between Gore Penetration, Manitou and Malpractice. The band signed to Nuclear Blast in August of 2004 in preparation for this album, a promotional video upfront of this release being filmed for the track The Fall Went Right Through Here. The album was recorded at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki with producer Nino Laurenne and engineer Teemu Aalto then mastered at Finnvox studios in Helsinki.
Swedish Melodic Death Metal, obviously influenced by bands like In Flames, Arch Enemy, At The Gates and Dark Tranquility. In their music you will find a Finnish touch but just as much as to not  to forget their roots. The band is closer to a more technical style, with lots of riffs and solos. The guitars always have a melodic tone, even if all the songs are fast and speedy. I liked the vocals too much, the growls are too catchy and have an unusual shade. Although the band has quite e melodic attitude, the continual speedy riffs and fast solos bring out a happier feeling but that never gets silly. The production is very satisfying.
Songs like Waste Of Bereavement, Misanthropic (Let The Crown Fall), Gravesilence and Auguries Gone prove that the band has very nice ideas and a positive future. A very beautiful work but nothing special or innovating.
- Album Highlights: Waste Of Bereavement, Misanthropic (Let The Crown Fall) and Gravesilence.