Digipak limited to 300 copies. Split with Kalmankantaja. Released by Misantropia Records.
Shortly after the release of reimagined tracks from the 2014-2016 period, Kalmankantaja returns to the release front with the first new material of 2024 (although technically it was already recorded in 2022-2023). This time we find the band sharing a release with fellow Finns of Somber Winds, who release their first material in eight years.
Starting off the Split CD, Grim666 delivers us with four new Kalmankantaja tracks on which he performs everything. While clearly within the familiar realm of Kalmankantaja’s atmospheric Black Metal, the material roughly can be divided into two halves. The first two tracks, ‘Rautaporit’ and ‘Omega’, both contain plenty of midpaced atmospheric Black Metal in which simple yet captivating guitar melodies lead the way and the synthesizers provide a dreamlike backdrop on which Grim666 sketches his tales. But much like the band’s latest full-length ‘Kohti Valon Kuolemaa’, these song differ from the majority of the Kalmankantaja material in sense of pace. In addition to midpaced moody sections and clean strumming, both tracks contain a few intense and high-paced moments, presenting a more fierce approach. The almost bombastic sound to the synthesizers in these songs that also featured on ‘Kohti Valon Kuolemaa’ only reinforces this notion. This however changes with ‘Ääretön Tyhjyys’. Here, a more keyboard-oriented melody is juxtaposed to the guitar leads and in contrast to the previous two tracks, the tempo stays rather modest, emphasising the entrancing melodies in a simple yet captivating manner. More in line with the ‘Surun Saattomailla’ and ‘Metsäuhri’ full-length albums, it transforms the material on this split towards more soothing territories, which culminates in the atmospheric instrumental ‘Ikuisuuden Tuhkassa’. Together clocking in over 23 minutes, those that appreciate the diverse atmospheric Black Metal soundscape offered by Kalmankantaja will not be disappointed by the quality and quantity of the new material.
Continuing the split is Somber Winds, a band whose last and only release came in 2016 in the shape of the EP ‘Hermitic Path’. Musically the band fits rather well with Kalmankantaja, offering a take on Black Metal where melodic guitar leads, supporting keyboards and harsh vocals conjure the material’s atmosphere. Stylistically the bands aren’t necessarily the same however, with the sound of Somber Winds more rooted in the 90’s Norwegian Black Metal scene. Those that heard the band’s previous EP will find plenty of recognisable elements between both of the band’s releases, but overall Somber Winds has shifted their sound a little away from the more melody-driven approach of the EP towards a stronger contribution of the atmosphere-enhancing keyboards. With a touch of Folky riffs and bombast, the music is a bit more bareboned and less refined than their split counterpart. And perhaps it has to do with the somewhat awkward drum sound and balance of the instruments, but the transitions can sound a tad clunky at times. However, the band seems to have their hearts and intentions in the right place. Even if the clean chants are a touch off, they are well meant, and in partciular the harsh vocals are one of the best aspects of the material. The melodies are simple but thereby effective, and the atmosphere set by the keyboards works very well. In particular ‘Daid Galbma Guovlluid Mii Johtit’, which almost sounds like Immortal’s ‘Blashyrkh (Mighty Ravendark)’ meets Emperor, is deceptively simple in approach but shows the band on the top of their game. And perhaps it’s not fair to compare them with one of the most seasoned atmospheric Black Metal artists Finland has to offer. If anything, it’s a good way for the band to maybe move from the shadow of the past years and get a bit more exposure, as they certainly seem to have the right intentions.
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