Fifth To Infinity are no strangers to problems. Founded in 1997, after the disbanding of Vinterkrig and hailing from Sweden, this trio should have been a massive player in the current metal scene, However, the debut album never saw the light of day and the band ceased to exist in 2001. In 2007, the band revived and they have been working hard ever since. Two years ago, this album should have been released upon the world. I'm actually happy it was delayed, because Merchants Of Air didn't exist two years ago and I might have missed this one.
The album opens with an eerie intro, immediately showing both the bleakness and the unique sound of Fifth To Infinity. After that, the trio drags the listener down in a dark, gloomy cesspool of down to mid tempo blackened metal. There's some Opeth in here (probably drummer Marc Lopez' influence) and some old Anathema. Other bands that often come to mind are Secrets Of The Moon, Nortt, Swallow The Sun and Agalloch, among others.
Yet, I really do feel like these guys have found their own unique style, blending depressive metal with Swedish melodic metal and some influences from present day post-metal scene. The result is definitely awe-inspiring and reaches highlights in 'Reapers Wake', 'The Fall Of The Seven' and closer 'The Blessings Of Annihilation'. The whole album is a crushing sonic adventure, which shouldn't really be a surprise. So check it out, it certainly worth your attention.
Serge