★★★
This type of melodic death metal has been kicking around for at least a decade and a half. In fact, it’s been done to death.
But if you dug what In Flames were doing in the early 2000s, then this album is for you.
Let’s be honest – garden-variety metalheads aren’t the most forward-thinking and open-minded individuals out there. They generally sit around telling themselves, “Metal is just not as good now as it was in the old days.” But they’ll be pleased to know Melbourne’s Orpheus Omega do the style ridiculously well. Partum Vita Mortem is world-class quality, providing fans of Soilwork, Dark Tranquility and the aforementioned In Flames with much to love.
This album is heavy and melodic, and Orpheus Omega get the balance just about right. It’s mainly groove-based, but there are some faster, thrashy moments in there providing colour and dynamics. The subtle use of piano and keyboards softens things slightly and adds an orchestral wash to fill things out.
OK, Partum Vita Mortem is formulaic, and it’s certainly not breaking any new ground in this somewhat tired subgenre.
But that’s not really the point – this is melodic death metal, and here’s an Aussie band that’s more than doing it justice.
