Review by Adam M on March 11, 2011.

A Symphonic Black Metal barrage of sounds is created by Atrium Noctis. Their sound is at once sweeping, emotional and abrasive. It recalls the atmospheres created by the band Emperor on albums like "Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk," however with a more restrained and melodic nature. The vocals shift to meet the musical tapestries as effectively as possible. There’s a combination of higher and lower pitched vocals to be found. It leads to a sound that is constantly changing to meet the needs of the outfit.

Overall the musicianship is tasteful and well performed, particularly in the guitar work. However, the drumming is a low-point as it sounds hollow and buried in the mix. Songs are peppered with a heavy amount of keyboard usage to add part of the melodic aspect the outfit tries to attain. The music is moving when it’s on, which is very frequently. There are times when it loses some momentum and drags slightly. However, for the most part, Atrium Noctis kept my attention. The bombastic elements of the disc are combined nicely with the more somber moments to make for a complete album. Right from the opener 'In Memoriam Moriendi' the tone is set for an atmospheric release that will have a variety of moods. In fact, the opening song is definitely a standout.

Atrium Noctis may not have the visceral impact of some Black Metal bands, but they enough atmosphere created to make up for it, easily. The album has some peaks and low-points, but it is nonetheless an entertaining listen for those that have the patience. Those that are able to sit through the fairly long running length of the disc will find many emotional moments to become attached to. "Home" is a very good Melodic and Symphonic Black Metal effort.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 7
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 7.6

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by Adam M on January 10, 2017.

Oceans of Slumber are one of the rare bands that had a female vocalist in 2016. The use of female vocals to entrance on top of otherwise melodic music is done to near perfection here.

The music is certainly one with dynamics and gradual ups and downs. There is also a ton of added emotion to be found. The overall effect is to enamor the listener with the variety of musical palettes available. There is no doubt a soft and pretty side to the music to go along with the harsher moments and this should be treasured because of the use of a female vocalist on top of things. Cammie Gilbert adds a mostly gentle, but also forceful vocal platter to the table that is varied enough to remain interesting at any juncture. There is also an accompanying harsh male vocalist that adds diversity at certain occasions. The music varies between melodic death metal and doom in almost equal portions to remain interesting throughout. This change of pace means everything song sounds different and like something new has been brought to the table. It’s impossible to guess what comes next and this is part of the fun of the album. This music is really in the hands of the vocalist, but the guitar work is still splendid in its own right as well. I enjoyed the overall scheme of musicianship that was present. If there’s a downside to the album, it’s that it doesn’t really grab you as much as you might want at times, but this is a minor quibble.

The music here is atmospheric enough to be placed among the higher echelons of the metal music scene for 2016 and Winter is a very majestic and beautiful work. Congrats for the band members on pulling off this gem.

Overall: 8.1 out of 10

Review by Adam M on January 10, 2017.

Oceans of Slumber are one of the rare bands that had a female vocalist in 2016. The use of female vocals to entrance on top of otherwise melodic music is done to near perfection here.

The music is certainly one with dynamics and gradual ups and downs. There is also a ton of added emotion to be found. The overall effect is to enamor the listener with the variety of musical palettes available. There is no doubt a soft and pretty side to the music to go along with the harsher moments and this should be treasured because of the use of a female vocalist on top of things. Cammie Gilbert adds a mostly gentle, but also forceful vocal platter to the table that is varied enough to remain interesting at any juncture. There is also an accompanying harsh male vocalist that adds diversity at certain occasions. The music varies between melodic death metal and doom in almost equal portions to remain interesting throughout. This change of pace means everything song sounds different and like something new has been brought to the table. It’s impossible to guess what comes next and this is part of the fun of the album. This music is really in the hands of the vocalist, but the guitar work is still splendid in its own right as well. I enjoyed the overall scheme of musicianship that was present. If there’s a downside to the album, it’s that it doesn’t really grab you as much as you might want at times, but this is a minor quibble.

The music here is atmospheric enough to be placed among the higher echelons of the metal music scene for 2016 and Winter is a very majestic and beautiful work. Congrats for the band members on pulling off this gem.

Overall: 8.1 out of 10