Release Date September 18th, 2026
Format CD/Digital
Genre Melodic Heavy Metal
Origin Finland
Blackment was formed in 2014 in Hyvinkää, Finland, and released its debut album, "Plains Of Oblivion", in 2022. The band gradually established its presence through live performances, including appearances at Heavy Metal Heart Festival and Helsinki's Semifinal Club, while also reaching the semifinals of Wacken Metal Battle Finland. Their six-member lineup consists of Sami Vuorenheimo (vocals), Saalas Ruokangas (guitar, backing vocals), Allan Välimaa (guitar), Väinö Huhtanen (bass, backing vocals), Sebastian Nyandoto (keyboards, backing vocals) and Akseli Aalto (drums). "Pandemonium Portrait" is their second full-length release, expanding on the musical direction introduced on their debut.
With thirteen tracks and 55 minutes of music, "Pandemonium Portrait" explores melodic modern metal through catchy vocal melodies, groovy rhythms, intricate guitar work and atmospheric keyboard arrangements. The production gives the different instrumental layers a balanced presentation, while Sami Vuorenheimo's varied vocal delivery adds considerable range to the compositions. "Ghost In The Machine" and "Pulsar" represent the album's more accessible side, combining alternative influences with metal arrangements, while "Ground Zero" and "Dark Matter" introduce heavier guitar work and darker atmospheres.
The nine-minute "World Of Gods", featuring Hille Sadehelmi, expands the album's musical scope through a more ambitious arrangement. The songwriting occasionally suffers from an excess of ideas, with several stylistic changes preventing some tracks from developing their full potential. Lyrically, the material explores existential questions, personal struggles and cosmic themes, with "Pulsar" addressing mortality and the possibility of life beyond death. "Pandemonium Portrait" presents a varied modern metal approach with an emphasis on melody, atmosphere and experimentation, although its extended running time and frequent stylistic shifts make the overall experience somewhat uneven.
|7.5
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