London’s Heaven venue was packed to the rafters last night as melodic Death Metal heavyweights Omnium Gatherum and Insomnium delivered an unforgettable evening of music that left the crowd buzzing long after the final notes faded.
Insomnium – Omnium Gatherum
Heaven, London – 14 January 2025
Words And Photography: Ashlinn Nash
Notably, Markus Vanhala plays guitar for both Insomnium and Omnium Gatherum, showcasing his versatility and significant contribution to the melodic Death Metal scene. Tonight, Omnium Gatherum played their 2013 album Beyond, while Insomnium played 2014’s Shadows Of The Dying Sun. In Full.
Omnium Gatherum: A Melodic Opening Blaze
Kicking off the night, Omnium Gatherum took to the stage with a storm of precision and power. Their blend of soaring melodies and crushing riffs immediately set the tone for the evening. Tracks like Nightwalkers and The Unknowing showcased the band’s ability to intertwine melancholic atmospheres with ferocious energy, captivating the crowd. 
Frontman Jukka Pelkonen commanded the stage with ease, his deep growls cutting through the air as Markus Vanhala’s intricate guitar work provided a mesmerising counterbalance.
The audience responded enthusiastically, headbanging in unison and chanting along during the anthemic choruses. By the end of their set, it was clear that Omnium Gatherum had not only warmed up the crowd but solidified their place as one of the premier acts in Melodic Death Metal.
Insomnium: A Journey Through Darkness
By the time Insomnium took the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Opening with the hauntingly beautiful The Primeval Dark, the Finnish masters of melancholy set the tone for a setlist that spanned 2014’s Shadows Of The Dying Sun, the first album with Vanhala and one that many recognise as one of the best Melodic Death Metal albums of that decade.
The dual vocal interplay between Niilo Sevänen’s guttural growls and Markus Hirvonen’s backing cleans was spine-chilling, particularly on fan-favourite While We Sleep.
There were a few debut song performances from Insomnium, with Lose To Night and Collapsing Words having their first-ever live airings.
The band’s ability to create an immersive experience was unparalleled. The ethereal lighting combined with emotive soundscapes transported the audience into the heart of Insomnium’s wintry, desolate world.
The Heaven crowd was entranced, singing along to the haunting melodies of Ephemeral and swaying to the tones of The Promethean Song.
The highlight of the night came during their epic closer, One For Sorrow, a track that perfectly encapsulates their mastery of melody and heaviness. As the final notes rang out, the audience erupted into applause, demanding more.
Both Insomnium and Omnium Gatherum delivered stunning performances, each bringing their unique flavour to an enticing evening of Melodic Death Metal. Heaven proved to be the perfect venue, its intimate yet powerful acoustics amplifying every note and scream.
For fans of atmospheric and emotionally charged Metal, this gig was nothing short of perfection. This was an unforgettable night that showcased the brilliance of two bands at the top of their game.
