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Whom Gods Destroy: Insanium
Whom Gods Destroy - Insanium Album Art

Whom Gods Destroy: Insanium

Modern Progressive Metal
4.0/5.0

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InsideOut Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 13.03.2024 | Released: 15.03.2024

Not to be confused with the episode from the original Star Trek series, Whom Gods Destroy is the creation of keyboardist Derek Sherinian and guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, after having worked together in Sons Of Apollo. In the songwriting development the duo were joined by vocalist Dino Jelusick, Yas Nomura on bass, and Bruno Valverde on drums. From the Latin, meaning insane or insanity, Insanium is the quintet's debut album on the InsideOut Music label.

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Whom Gods Destroy

Sherinian and Bumblefoot have suggested that the album title, "represents the chaotic elements represented in the music that this core creates when working together." Thal adds, "The songs all went through a lot of changes, developing ... you can definitely hear what each person brings to the music. When it adds up, it's a mix of melody and intense heavy prog."


And so, with that description, Bumblefoot has done my work for me. Insanium is modern progressive metal that offers crushing riffage, a heavy and thunderous rhythm section, and assertive, harsh vocals, then adds epic guitar and keyboard solos. All things are wrapped up in quite technical arrangements that showcase the individual skill and talent of each player.

Overall, and generally, between the riffs and aggressive vocals, most every song is heavy and harsh, the very definition of modern metal. This is self-evident with Crucifier, Keeper Of The Gate, Crawl, and especially Over Again. That last song is the second song on the album, but I found it so harsh and oppressive that I nearly stopped listening. Obviously, I pressed on.

Yet, within all this hostile heaviness you find glimmers of song melody and harmony. One instance is the vocal arrangement within Requiem, where Jelusick raises the song melody with his voice. In The Name Of War it's the riffs and rhythm section that drive the song melody and harmony, then Jelusick gives the same a bump with voice in the song's refrain. Prog-wise it was my favorite song on the album. My next favorite was the instrumental Hypernova 158.

One small final note: The album is offered as a Limited Edition 2CD Mediabook wherein the bonus disc is an instrumental version of the entire album. Which makes me wonder if I would have a different opinion of the album when hearing the songs without vocals. But I don't have that version, so the point is moot.

All said, if you like your progressive metal more modern, that is harsh, heavy, yet technical with exceptional musicianship, you will enjoy Whom Gods Destroy and their debut album, Insanium. Recommended.




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The Take Away

If you like your progressive metal more modern, that is harsh, heavy, yet technical with exceptional musicianship, you will enjoy Whom Gods Destroy and their debut album, Insanium. Recommended.

Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album in your favorite format.

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