<IMG SRC=http://www.hmas.org/reviews/covers/i-q/noumena_absence.jpg ALIGN=RIGHT>Official Noumena Website
Label: Spikefarm Records
Rating: 9/10

Tracklisting
1 - The End of the Century
2 - Everlasting Ward
3 - The First Drop
4 - Slain Memories
5 - A Day to Depart
6 - Prey of the Tempter
7 - Here We Lie
8 - All Veiled
9 - The Dream and the Escape
10 - The Great Anonymous Doom

"In the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, a noumenon (in plural, noumena) or 'thing in itself' is an unknowable, undescribable reality that, in some way, lies "behind" observed phenomena. The etymology of the word ultimately reflects the Greek nous (mind)." - Wikipedia

Ever wondered what you'd get from crossing Tales From the Thousand Lakes/Elegy era Amorphis with In Flames styled melo-death? No need to wonder anymore as Finland's Noumena has shown the path with their Spinefarm debut entitled Absence. The so-called Gothenburg sound has been completely watered down during the last few years and the only feeling new band's in the "genre" manage to elicit these days is that of total nausea. Noumena on the other hand, largely due to their Amorphis scented melodies, manage to create something new and exciting. This is where In Flames SHOULD have gone after Whoracle!

As can be understood from the review thus far Noumena can't exactly be accused of being innovative or pioneering but with Absence they've breathed new life into the dead or dying melodic death metal scene and sometimes that is more than enough. Finally there's no need to complain about In Flames current direction, turn your ears to Noumena instead and you'll never look back! Fantastic is an understatement!

-Stefan Lejon