Album Review: Whom Gods Destroy - Insanium
Reviewed by Gareth Pugh
Whom Gods Destroy, is the new supergroup of guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal (Guns N’ Roses, Sons of Apollo, Asia, etc.), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Black Country Communion, Sons of Apollo) and vocalist Dino Jelusick (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Whitesnake). Add to that the impressive rhythm section of bassist Yas Nomura (Hyvmine) and drummer Bruno Valverde (Angra), and you have a progressive metal outfit extraordinaire.
Rising from the ashes of Sons of Apollo and taking their name from the classical quote "Whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad", Thal and Sherinian, enjoyed their working relationship so much in their Sons time, they continued the creative process and began writing what would become the first Whom Gods Destroy album, ‘Insanium’, before being joined by the other members.
The songs are ambitious, and although ludicrously and unashamedly technical, still have an emotional grounding. These are real songs, with real feeling and passion. ‘In The Name Of War’ starts things off with a huge statement, classical piano lines segue into a huge soundscape of guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, and the massive vocals of Dino. The level of musicianship is dazzling, and yet the chorus is a colossal earworm that won’t leave your head for days.
Each track brings something different to the table, whether it’s the djent metal jazz workout of ‘The Decision’ or the quiet build and release of ‘Find My Way Back’. A real treat is the instrumental ‘Hypernova 158’ (158bpm being the tempo), with its bubbling basslines, irregular keys, and disjointed guitar and all locked down by the percussive talents of Bruno, a real tour de force. The 8-minute, 3-part title-track is the most ambitious song here, part one has a real epic vivacious, staccato rhythmic beat, while the guitar and synth are locked in melodic synchronisation, while Jelusick adds his impressive soar over the whole, then part two becomes a slightly discordant, atmospheric piece with clean keys and guitar, before part three picks’ things up to an epic crescendo.
Sound wise this is everything you would expect from a modern production, every instrument sounds fantastic and the mix is extremely well balanced. If you like your music to be progressive, technical, intense, and played by virtuoso musicians, then Whom Gods Destroy might just be up your street.
