Suotana: Forgotten Soil Of This Land

What with it being impossible to decipher the band name on the cover of the two track demo from Finland's Suotana, I wrongly presumed that this band arrive from the depths of Death Metal. However, while not exactly a million miles removed, Melodic Metal is a more apt description.

For a first effort from a band formed only a couple of years ago this debut effort is pretty impressive and in terms of sound values, keeping in mind that this is merely a demo, the sonics are also of a high standard. Musically though things are hardly wheel reinventing stuff, with galloping riffs, layered keyboards and drummelous excursions leaving a distinctly Gothenburg influence. Vocalist Juhani Merkkiniemi does know how to scream, howl and growl, yet when he lets a long piercing mix of all three escape his throat, I simply can't get past the image of a T.I.E. Fighter from Star Wars hurtling past, which is more than a little off putting. However the guitar work of Pasi Portankorva and band leader Ville Rautio is mightily capable of ripping the ears to shreds, although admittedly, in less than unusual style.

Both the title track and "The Reason", which is the less frantic of the pair, show skill, although, while this may be early days for Suotana, there's little doubt that a touch more originality is in order. If they can add that elusive element, then Suotana is an outfit we could be hearing a lot more from in the years ahead.

Track Listing
1. Forgotten Soil Of This Land
2. The Reason

Added: May 24th 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Suotana on BandCamp
Hits: 2291
Language: english

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