Kuolemanlaakso – Kuusumu
Svart Records
8,0/10,0
Brief:
The Finnish death doom spearhead Kuolemanlaakso, starring vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow the Sun), are about to release their first album in eight years. On Kuusumu, Kuolemanlaakso stretch their artistic boundaries even further. The album contains the trademark Kuolemanlaakso heaviness, but also more bombastic, fast and meticulously arranged material.
It was clear from the start that the lyrics would be recited in Finnish. They were inspired by Eino Leino’s (1878–1926) poem collection Helkavirsiä, the mystique of the Finnish forests, and the morbidity of the modern world.
The new album is, by turns, dark and heavy like the polar night – and light as the feather. The infinitely crushing melancholy is nicely balanced with Kalevala-infused melodic twists and turns, resulting in the type of doom aesthetics that sound unequivocally Finnish.
Tracklist:
- Pimeys Laski
- Katkeruuden Malja
- Surusta Meri Suolainen
- Kuohista Tulisten Koskien
- Surun Sinfonia
- Pedon Vaisto
- Tulessakävelijä
Main Focus Tracks:
- Katkeruuden Malja
- Kuohista Tulisten Koskien
- Pedon Vaisto
Other Recommended Tracks:
- Surusta Meri Suolainen
Line-Up:
Kotamäki (Mikko Kotamäki) – vocals
Kouta (Petteri Ruotsalainen) – guitars
Laakso (Markus Laakso) – guitars
Usva (Tuomo Räisänen) – bass
Tiera (Toni Ronkainen) – drums
Comments:
Kuusumu has all the qualities to raise Kuolemanlaakso very high in the hierarchy of death doom bands that cannot be ignored. An expected and convincing release, again!
Contact:
Kuolemanlaakso
Videos:
Selected Discography:
Uljas Uusi Maailma (2012)
Musta Aurinko Nousee (EP, 2013)
Tulijoutsen (2014)
Kuusumu (2022)