"A
Deeper Kind Of Slumber" (Century Media)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter 
The creative mind of Johan Edlund impresses once again. After having taken the
world by storm with "Wildhoney," Tiamat were faced with the difficult
task of improving upon this atmospheric classic. "A Deeper Kind Of
Slumber," although not perfect, is a profound step forward for the band. Tiamat's growing maturity and an u 24324y242y ncanny
ability to create haunting melodies is the burgeoning hallmark of their
sound.
"A Deeper Kind Of Slumber" has an eloquent range of emotions, stark images, and richly textured musical soundscapes. Trippy, trance-like vibes have replaced the atmospheric death overtones to great effect. "A Deeper Kind Of Slumber" easily advances artistry in the heavy metal canon.
Tiamat employs a slower pace than heard on "Wildhoney"; the leisurely pace allows Tiamat to extract every oozing fiber of emotion from each song. The deliberate pacing allows for better dynamics as nearly every instrument takes its place in the sun. Tiamat is adept at playing the right riffs and instruments for the mood of the songs - this is what fans dearly hope for in an album.
The Pink Floyd effect is in full force - this disc is best enjoyed with headphones. Copious layers of music and vocals are woven into a tapestry of sounds and bleak realities. "A Deeper Kind Of Slumber" is a sonic feast for the ears. Every song has distinct characteristics, depth, and urgency - one quick listen to "Cold Seed" or "Phatasma De Luxe" is ample proof of this fact. Tiamat have once again interspersed the songs with instrumental pieces, but this time the instrumentals are full fledged musical ideas. "Four Leary Biscuits" is the best of the bunch - it's a drug-fueled, worldly music escape to higher consciousness; "Four Leary Biscuits" keeps the band's folk influence intact, yet manages to add a global, tribal drumming beat.
The disc closes with two somber tunes: the scathing words of "Mount Marilyn" and the questioning title track - a quiet ending to an unsettling, personal journey.
Johan Edlund has eliminated the use of his guttural growl in his vocal style; Edlund has opted for a more balanced approach in his vocals. In particular, "Alteration X 10" is a stunning vocal performance that is worthy of praise. The move towards a less-guttural approach was a wise choice as it makes his lyrics seem even more eerie.
Edlund's lyrics are unconventional and striking. Edlund's choice of words are picturesque - Edlund's details are descriptive enough to hint at the story he's trying to tell, but not so verbose as to tell the whole story. The lyrics deal explicitly with the cyclical elements of nature and implicitly with human relationships - death and rebirth, creation and destruction, the spiritual and the corporeal. Apparently, Edlund was having particular difficulty in his personal relationships at the time of recording "A Deeper Kind Of Slumber"; listen to "Atlantis As A Lover" to hear gut-wrenching revelation. The disc is permeated by a hopeless, nearly depressing, unforgiving outlook on human interaction.
I highly recommend "A Deeper Kind Of Slumber" for fans of Pink Floyd, Queensryche, Alastis, and Moonspell.
"A Deeper Kind Of Slumber" was produced by Dirk Draeger and co-produced by Johan Edlund. Siggi Bemm mixed and mastered the disc. Edlund wrote all the music and lyrics.
Tiamat is Johan Edlund on vocals, guitar, keyboards, and theremin; Thomas Petersson on electric and acoustic guitars; Anders Iwers on bass; and Lars Skold on drums. There are many additional musicians that contribute violin, cello, sitar, flute, oboe, and additional keyboards and vocals.
For more information visit the band's official website at https://www.thegrid.net/tiamat/ and taste wildhoney.
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