Album Review: Morrigu – In Turbulence (Ghost Sound Media)

After 4 years of hard work, Morrigu’s new album “In Turbulence” will finally see the light of day on the 23rd of April 2021 via Ghost Sound Media.

As the band wanted the best quality for their music — and to work with real instruments instead of sampling — they asked musicians from all over the world to work with them. Including Adrian Erlandsson (At The Gates, The Haunted) on drums and Elektra Amber on guest vocals.

More than your average melodic death metal band, Morrigu’s decision to include a wide array of instruments has given their new album a richer and deeper sound. Something that is present and clear from the very start with the powerful Our World Collides. The heavy violin use and aforementioned additional vocals of Elektra Amber working in tandem with the heavier intensity of the metal. Especially the incredibly strong drumming and throaty rasping vocals.

In the Shade builds on that strong start by erupting with a ton of mighty metal before extending the melodic reach even further. The introduction of a keyboard is the perfect fodder to some scathing riff work. Blinded By the Artificial Light then changes tactics with clean male vocals and a jerky guitar rhythm. The energy building to a crescendo and Morrigu bringing a nastier edge once they hit the chorus.

The halfway point of the album then sees Morrigu drop Crowned From Your Fear, the album’s first proper taste of a groovier head-banger. In a more simple rhythmic way although there is plenty of layered melodies too.

You can certainly draw some comparisons to the likes of Amorphis and Dark Tranquility. However, Morrigu have plenty about them that make them a unique proposition. For starters, the eclectic guitar work across all 8 tracks keep you constantly guessing as to what will come next. Then we have the main vocals, really harsh and raspy, they almost seem to be in battle with a cleaner sound overall. Finally the melodic side of the band is much darker, evolving track by track. So much so that Eternal Darkness has the chill of death.

Elektra Amber makes her second appearance on Omnia, showcasing her incredible range again but pushing her voice to even higher heights. Following that grandiose offering, The King of Thieves has Morrigu throwing their all into a meaty metal offering. The fire burning very brightly and very dangerously with this penultimate offering, only temporarily put out by the melodic rain drops at the halfway point.

Which sees A Funeral of Liberty bring things to a crunchy and powerful close. The scathing heaviness as exciting as the emotive melodies. An ending track that feels like an ending to an album. Morrigu going out as they came in, in stylish melodic death metal ways.

Morrigu – In Turbulence Full Track Listing:

1. Our World Collides
2. In the Shade
3. Blinded By the Artificial Light
4. Crowned from Your Fear
5. Eternal Darkness
6. Omnia
7. The King of Thieves
8. A Funeral of Liberty

Links

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