Starting life as a one-man instrumental outfit by M.Lehto in 2001, October Falls soon began to incorporate other members as well as a more metallic approach to the black metal genre and in 2007 The Streams of the End signalled a huge step for the band in terms of musical stance. Their music is steeped in the history of their country (Finland) and a deep love for nature. October Falls speak of the forest and the blood of the land and The Plague of a Coming Age is a majestic and epic addition to a near perfect catalogue.
The Plague of a Coming Age is a sweeping and melancholy work; the words and atmosphere swirl with a darkness that is palpable and wholly true.October Falls are a band to take you on a journey through the very heart of that darkness, and whilst there is a multitude of uplifting moments this is a record of sadness and loss. Beginning with “At the Edge of an Empty Horizon” which is a beautiful instrumental piece, the album sets out its stall almost immediately. Great despondency sits beneath the building passages of sound and October Falls deliver a woe-filled composition that’s more than enough to break down the barriers of the heart.
Harsh streams of vocal counter swelling moods of despair and Lehto’s voice is a constant reminder of the pain and sadness inherent in his work and “Bloodlines” conjures images of grandeur and forests of old. October Falls greatest ability is to create a story with their music and the sounds that envelope you in their warm embrace serve to evoke feelings of bittersweet splendour and "Snakes of the Old World" wraps itself around you, coiling and tightening the bonds of time.
An absolute highlight of The Plague of a Coming Age is the title track itself which is a wonderful piece that takes your very breath away. Gorgeous clean vocal lines are used here to incredible effect and fellow Fin Tomi Joutsen of Amorphis is a perfect addition to a song which is both graceful and unforgiving in equal measure and later Joutsen lends his poignant talent to the moving "The Boiling Heart of The North." These counteracting pieces of the October Falls puzzle work against each other throughout the album but never to the detriment of the sound. Life is full of beauty and heartache and this album shows that quite clearly and starkly with rasped vocal lines sitting against soaring guitars and wistful elegance. October Falls have here a work of total perfection. A work of innate grace and sorrow. And a work of complete honesty. Divine.
