Through Creation's End

his second (and sadly, final) album from Somnus was released last year, several months before the band's subsequent break-up; a slight improvement over 2000's _Awakening the Crown_, and probably the pinnacle of European-style melodic black metal in the United States. For those unfamiliar with the sound of Somnus, they utilize a heavy blend of gothic/fantasy keyboards, thrash interludes, ethereal leads, pained vocals, and occasional spoken word parts. The differences between this album and Somnus' first aren't shocking, but are definitely noticeable. The album sounds even darker, a bit more aggressive in all facets, a more professional approach, and a ton of variation on their sound. Probably the most remarkable thing about Somnus is that in a genre where many bands (sometimes unfairly) are dubbed "Cradle imitators" they manage to define their own sound, but definitely have the appeal to attract any admirer of symphonic black metal, and maybe even some open-minded death or thrash fanatics. The CD also includes a live rendition of "Unfulfilled Prophecy" (from their debut album) and the video for "Warlock's Feast".