After the 2013's 'Neogenesis' album, which must have taken quite a lot of time to create as it includes a novella, Diabolical return with an EP. Not a surprise per se, but it was almost three years ago when the last album was released... Well, maybe these Swedish dark death metallers also have a new full-length album in the works. Anyway, now let's enter the shadowy world of Diabolical. Enter 'Umbra'.

'Umbra' consists of four songs, that clock +22 minutes. The band are known for their evolving nature; from a death/thrash band to a more dark death metal entity. Therefore, they always stack obstacles for their listeners. Then again, a total stagnation or some kind of transition? Now that's a question. Now that reminds me about one thing: 'Umbra' is packaged into a simplistic digipak without any lyrics. A huge step back, this! I do not know if this EP has a story going on through the songs. At least each of them is simply titled, just with one word.

Then again, a 9-piece choir is used, so that definitely points towards a bigger aim. The choir sounds ominous, like from some horror movie soundtrack's sulphur-spitting horde. The main vocals are more about death metal growling, that is rather low, a bit raspy and powerful.

Guitars hold a pretty black metal-ish tone, which means they are sharp and icy. The band utilize quite a lot of discordant riffing, but also some harmonious vocals/guitars parts are conjured up. 'Requiem' certainly manages to be catchy, too, and not only go for "out there" dissonance seeking for absolute wickedness, that is so often heard these days. And what is mostly a big turn off for me, because it hardly does sound true fucking evil. The band sounds modern, there is no doubt about that, though. A lot of tempo changes (slower to blast beating, and everything between) and stop/go bits together with that inharmonious guitar work guarantee that. And 'Requiem's calmer parts actually remind me of Ghost. I told the song is a catchy one, now didn't I?!??! Add to that some Insomnium-ish lead guitar melodiousness, and what we have sounds a truly working, new kind of Diabolical. Or what happens with the next three songs..?

I think 'Diaspora' is commentary on on-going refugee flooding with one evil religion in their mind. The song is definitely darker and simpler than the opener, but does not leave as many memory marks. It reminds of 'Neogenesis' material, actually. Surely, not every song must, or even should be, as big and labyrinthine as the opener is. 'Tremor' starts with surprisingly soft parts and playing, that reminded me about newer Katatonia. Long speech sample lasts till about halfway the song. Weeping synthesizers, warmer guitar tones, and even ghost notes on drums. Before exploding 'Decline'... Back to black-ish blast beat discordance, but also some death metal riffing. And let's not forget to calmer bits...

In all, the EP includes good music to listen to, but feels somewhat unclear. That is not the thing with the production work, which is very much clear and powerful, with every note and detail vivid. 'Umbra' leaves me with a split opinions about it, and it's easiest to call it an obvious gap-filler between tow albums. But on these days of increased insolation, it's not a bad choice to stay inside.

Rating: 7- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
10/26/2016 17:58