Being their 2nd album, with 'Foreshadow', Portuguese Inhuman operate in same field as Paradise Lost with 'Draconian Times' (1995) and Entwined with their 'Dancing under Glass' (1998). Big similarities between these English goth metallers. And Simon Efemey's production just kind of confirms that as the Simon Efemey productions can be heard on both Paradise Lost and Entwined albums, see. Plus, this was issued in UK via Dream Catcher...

Inhuman operate with more simplistic way than either one of the English bands mentioned. The music seems to be stripped off mostly of all additional nuances and feelings of "old" gothic metal. 'Shadow but Immortal' (6 minutes with a boring intro) opens the album with gothic pop style, of course being in debt to The Sisters Of Mercy, every now and then presenting double bass drum and heavy riffing and power chords. 'The Redeemer' (the best song, definitely!) gets heavier and more in-to-the-point. All the songs after the opener last under five minutes. The music certainly gets a bit samey, with double bass drumming and heavy riffing in every song, done in the same style. I think this album needed more lead guitar. There's some, and often it is at least okay with dramatic melodies.

Performances are on requisite level, definitely nothing flashy. The whole thing has a nice live vibe to it. The guitars are heavy when needed (lots of strumming and power chords) and the bass guitar sounds surprisingly pounding. There's some cleaner guitars for goths. The synthesizers are typical carpet-sounds and "piano" style playing. Utilizing preset sounds makes it all just a bit boring, and it is a big minus, since the synth plays important part in many of the songs. Simon Efemey probably managed to record the whole band as they really do sound live, with some echo in every instrument and voice.

The vocalist does sound like PL's Nick Holmes, only cleaner (yes, annoying to mention PL all the time, but this IS like them!). His voice is kind of soothing when he sings low. He gets a bit higher every now and then, but he lacks of true power. However, he fits perfectly with the music. I quess this is a theme album, but I couldn't read the lyrics through since they are very uninteresting in my opinion.

This isn't as dark as I thought it would be. The music is catchy for a big part, plus very easy to get into, but what it actually offers is not anything Earth-shattering; there simply is not enough variety in long run, making the album sound longer than it actually is. The band seem to be active again, with their third album out last year. I remember listening 'Foreshadow' when I got it back in early noughties, but was left unimpressed and the cover art is so bad I just dumped it in my trade list. Well, the proper listening sessions proved this is an okay album after all. If "poppier" PL or Moonspell is too light for you, try this. 'The Redeemer' rocks hard, and I wish more of this would! But you're inclined more towards goth, then try 'A Blessing in Disguise'.

Rating: 6+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
12/06/2021 10:29