Time Signature The eternal sleep...

Genre: death-doom

It seems that death-doom, which was quite big in the 1990s, is back in full force. And, while the UK was the death-doom country stronghold back then, it seems that Finland is a major force in this second wave of death-doom. Kuolemanlaakso are one of a number of quite good Finnish death-doom acts, and their album "Uljas uusi maalima" is a fine example of the strength of Finnish death-doom.

Rather than based on droning notes and really slow drum beats, Kuolemanlaakso's music is driven by crushing riffs and heavy beats that allow for headbanging and moshing. This is already evident in the opening track 'Minä elän'. In a way, this album draws a lot on traditional doom metal, and at times it reminds me of an "extremed up" Solitude Aeturnus or Count Raven. That is, traditional doom metal riffage is combined with death metal elements and harsh, almost black metal-like, vocals. Just check out tracks like 'Kuun lapset', 'Nostos & Astos' or 'Etsin' which brilliantly fuse traditional doom metal with death-doom. The more atmospheric 'Aurinko' has more of an old school melodic death doom feel to it that reminds me of Paradise Lost at times and at other times, it has more of a gothic rock feel to it. In start contrast, 'Ikiuni' is an all out death metal affair.

There are even some progressive elements on the album, bot in the form of melodic intersections and spacey keyboards that pop up every now and then.

The production is clean and pristine, which suits the music itself very well, and the musicianship and songwriting is impeccable. These Finns really understand the power of the riff, and it is refreshing, although I love depressive doom metal, to hear doom metal that also radiates strength and power.

This album is recommended to fans of death-doom and traditional doom metal alike, as it has a lot to offer in both departments. It is a brilliant debut that leaves nothing to be desired.