| Emerging from four long years of silence, The Wandering Midget returns with From the Meadows of Opium Dreams, an album that firmly cements their standing as one of Finland’s most compelling doom metal exports. Evoking the eerie charm of Lovecraftian horror and the poetic gloom of Poe, this sophomore release is as haunting as it is hypnotic—a dark jewel of epic traditional doom.
From the opening notes of “Prince of Fire,” the trio wastes no time in casting their slow-burning spell. Samuli Pesonen (aka Samuel Wormius) delivers a performance both commanding and nuanced, his voice rising from mournful whispers to theatrical proclamations that recall the spirit of Reverend Bizarre without imitation. His guitar work is equally impressive, layering sorrow-drenched melodies over crushing riffs that stretch time itself.
What truly elevates this album is its pacing and ambition. Tracks like “Temples in the Sky” unfold over twenty minutes without losing focus, each movement serving the grand narrative arc. Elsewhere, “She-Wolf” injects a shot of groove into the doom-laden haze, showcasing the band’s ability to be both meditative and muscular. The rhythm section deserves equal praise—restrained yet powerful, it anchors the atmosphere with the steady pulse of something ancient and immense.
From the Meadows of Opium Dreams isn’t just a great doom metal album—it’s a complete experience. Immersive, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant, it draws the listener into shadowy landscapes where sorrow and splendor intertwine. Fans of Candlemass, The Lamp of Thoth, and Reverend Bizarre will feel right at home, yet The Wandering Midget offers something uniquely their own: a vision steeped in myth, melancholy, and otherworldly beauty.
A triumph of Finnish doom—majestic, mystical, and masterfully composed. |
