One-song albums are not something new in the metal world. Green Carnation did this with their famous record Light of Day, Day of Darkness. And what to say about Dan Swanö, and his epic journey called Crimson, one-song album he made with his progressive death band, Edge of Sanity. Insomnium themselves stated Crimson as being their main inspiration for Winter’s Gate; Crimson's influence is clearly present in every part of the album. The band entered progressive waters, infusing the song with repeated themes, riffs echoing through the song, and lyrics revolving around one main subject. The song lasts for about forty minutes, telling a tragic story placed in the far north during times unrecorded.
The song is split into seven parts, each one telling its own part of the Winter’s Gate story. Musically, the song has lots of different vibes, with the main one revolving around Amon Amarth, both musically and lyrically. Song verses remind of the Viking melodeath pioneers, telling a story about an epic journey to the end of the world, only to be destroyed by its secrets. Winter’s Gate is a collection of different melodeath styles, integrating parts heard in the music of Dark Tranquility, In Flames, Edge of Sanity, and Amon Amarth, while at the same time keeping the signature sound Insomnium is famous for.
Seven elements flow seamlessly into one, although, at moments, you can clearly hear the difference between the song parts. Melodies are epic, drumming is supreme, and vocals discharge substantial angst, with a few clean singing moments. There are killer solos to be heard, mesmerizing story to be listened, with a couple of serene parts speckled with melodic keyboards. The song manages to evolve, presenting new elements while keeping a couple of reiterating themes that serve the purpose of reminding the listener that the composition playing is one epic solitary entity.
As Winter’s Gate starts reaching its end, melodies start becoming melancholic; vocals get more tortured that angry, and the overall atmosphere transforms perfectly in line with the story told. The last couple of parts are more death doom than melodeath, with a slower pace and overall depressive vibe. The first section of the album is about the journey, the second about the destination and all horrors Winter’s Gate holds for the doomed travelers who were foolishly brave to reach it. The only major problem with the song is that the band decided to split it into seven parts, making the listening experience suffering if enjoying the song on a player without a gapless playback support (I’m looking at you Google Play Music).
Insomnium managed to make an excellent one-song record. It’s filled with different styles, varied just enough to remain familiar throughout its span. Winter’s Gate is one hell of a positive surprise, one bold journey with a fascinating result.
