Svart Records – Out Now.
How I love discovering new bands; and I am especially referring to those which, though respectful of their musical influences, are not afraid to try to bring something new to the table.
The latest such discovery is a trio named Vainaja – an early 90s –sounding Doom Death outfit whose 2011 single release “Kahleiden Kantaja” brought them to the attention of the Finnish label Svart Records and who now, under the said label’s support and guidance, are ready to release their very first full-length album entitled “Kadotetut”.
Ok, so how is it that a band whose sound is clearly influenced by the early-90s Swedish Death Metal scene, something that describes a great deal of bands founded these last few years, deserves such accolades?
Well, rather than thieving from the house of Entombed, Grave and Dismember, as most tend to do, these three Finns have instead chosen to combine the rawness of that scene with a whole load of simple cleverly crafted dark melodies.
Featuring lyrics in their native language which support an interesting concept of faith and murder and enjoying the full privileges of a powerful crystal clear production, these noisy lads present us with an interesting collection of nine patiently-crafted, Doom-laden atmospheric tunes.
Moody acoustic guitars, haunting keys, sounds of birds singing and of bells ringing…”Lankeemus” is a very fitting introduction to this dark-themed concept album. Slow in tempo but massive in sound, the opening riff of “Vaaran Ristin Valtakunta” will most definitely take you by surprise and the same applies to the equally heavy-sounding “Kahleiden Kantaja” which soon follows suit.
More Death Metal in nature, “Valon Lapset” will appeal to fans of Grave while those of you who worship Morbid Angel will surely appreciate a composition such as “Verinen Lahde” – a classic head banger which follows straight after the interesting two and a half minute instrumental “Henkikaste”.
Dark & heavy in equal terms, the duet “Risti Kadessani”/”Viimeinen Tuomio” provides plenty of entertainment, leaving the moody guitar harmonies and haunting keyboard tunes of the same-titled “Kadotetut” round up this very enjoyable musical experience.
It is a real shame that I have no knowledge whatsoever of the Finnish language as something tells me that reading the lyrics of the album would have really added to my already enjoyable listening experience.
Still, as things stand, “Kadotetut” is a thoroughly entertaining and quality sounding album which, though not earth-shattering, features enough quality moments to justify being heard.
Now, if this is what this trio can achieve in its debut release I, for one, cannot wait to see what they will offer in a few years’ time when their compositional skills have improved and their own personality will shine through their work!
John Stefanis
Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
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