Review: “Black Clouds Over The World” by Gates Open

The song writing partnership of multi instrumentalist Jere Neejärvi and vocalist Tommi Manninen may go all the way back to 2007 and a band called Down into Silence but their 2023 conceived project Gates Open is an entirely different beast. After releasing a critically acclaimed debut album in “Voice After Silence” in February this year, to find Finnish duo Gates Open returning with new material so soon is a surprise to say the least but the Blackened Melodic Death Thrash pair have reached into the magicians hat and conjured forth another six tracks to create a sophomore record. Are you ready for more stories about the darker side of the world and mankind, life and death?

As with the first record, underneath savage unclean vocals there is a song that Murderdolls and Children Of Bodom fans fall in love with in “Nightmares Coming True” because the Black n’ Roll of catchy riffs, pounding drums and a vibrant solo are almost instantly addictive. A tasteful bass solo feels like a nod to The Misfits as the hammer horror of the lyrical narrative unfolds, lighting the way for the next barbed wonder in title track “Black Clouds Over The World“. If the drums programmed then they’re actually nicely balanced without a flat cymbal hit heard throughout, although that might be down to the urgency of these neck snapping tracks. Make no mistake Manninen is a Death Metal vocalist however what works incredibly well here is that his vocals are clean enough that every word of the lyrics is clear and that’s essential for tracks like “Poison Nurse“. The tale is maybe exactly what you’d expect it to be but sonically there are plenty of twists and turns with the soundscape bordering on being Industrially tinged at points.

A melodic introduction to “Gates Of North” is a well placed fleeting moment of respite before a step up to the duo’s usual level of aggression. Staccato riffage and a couple of drum pattern moments that almost reach break beats are a nice touch, the adrenaline pumping nature of the bands sonic creations showing no sign of slowing down for even a second. A tale which questions which side you will fall on when the great purge happens “Preys And Predators” is a shade heavier, driving rhythms in the verses and a little dark melody in the chorus maintaining the energy of the record nicely. Howling at the moon is obligatory, Manninen’s shriller vocal moments ensuring his presence is felt. If you thought with a title like “Gates Of Rock” Gates Open were going to offer up a power ballad to finish this record, you’re s*** out of luck. Yes, this one has more in the way of flamboyance at the start but it’s just as venomous and violent as the everything else the duo have ever created. The metaphorical equivalent of the joy one might find in a hot cup of coffee from a hot coffee cup, this dark and twisted collection is also devilishly good fun and that seems to be a quality that other bands simply can’t buy [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Nightmares Coming True
2. Black Clouds Over The World
3. Poison Nurse
4. Gates Of North
5. Preys And Predators
6. Gates Of Rock

“Black Clouds Over The World” by Gates Open is out 4th October 2024 via Inverse Records with pre-orders available over at bandcamp.