NINE LIVES

To be honest, I've been looking for new bands, sounds and musical proposals being the nordic countries those who are at the spearhead in recent years. Previously to this record, I've never heard anything from finnish' Von Hertzen Brothers. So if there's any lack of consideration or musical gaps from my part, my bad and humble apologies. Truthfully there are not really new sounds or proposal among the songs, but there's definitely preserves the progressive spirit.

The album starts with grunge-alternative tune's "Insomniac" there's a little from Porcupine Tree mood, perhaps a little Ritual also. Nothing new, still sounds fresh. The tri decided to continue with a ballad via "Flowers and Rust", here the atmosphere waves up and down among sections plenty emotional. Good tune. "Coming Home" busts into a more commercial side, almost into the nineties, yet functional and funny. This grunge and kind of metal trend follows with the bleaker and spectral "Lost in Time". The moog effects and the ghostly vibes works effectively along the song. An almost Ayreon atmosphere leads the way. It's a wonderful work. That mood follows trough out "Separates Forever" calmer and darker, introduces into a kind of grief, the reverberation tears emotionally patiently shoving the listener with desperate squeal a la Licari. And then the energy burps back within acoustic guitar arpeggios and running horses' piano. The vocal harmonies run as well following the pace at the drums and bass. All follows into a constant rhythm, then explodes frantic again to fade in a clam chord. "World without" is the more progressive song, with an a cappella intro, nearly Dear Hunter, turns quiet and the somber piano bridges for a calm and hopeful tune alluding Queen harmonies and ballads. A little more folky change for "Black's Heart Cry" half Ritual half Jethro Tull, they explores their musical skills for native sounds. The album ends with another spatial and ethereal atmosphere with "Prospect for Escape" once again the indie style and PT influences comes in the stage. Then again, there have find the way to print their own signature among those influences. And the spirit goes flying around the room.

There's a special edition with three bonus tracks: "The Climb" the indie mood fringes with the folk rhythm. Pleasant but not quite interesting. "Do What You Want With Me" is more like a demo try for the grunge-metal tunes in the record. "Between the Lines" the most callable of the bonus, works like an alternate ending. There's still PT influence and spatial mood, but has not the same strength. Yet you can enjoy it as well.

The whole record staggers, lacking of a definitive direction, but all their qualities lies under emotional sheets. They manage to keep the progressive soul and mentality and to became accessible enough for all those newbies out there.

Grrr...Tigers. And there is 9 of them.

So this band I have known about only for a short time. They were on tour with Pain Of Salvation, and I was told that Pain Of Salvations new sound actually has a similar sound and vein to this band. So I thought I would give them a listen, and I was impressed.

So when a new album was coming out, I decided to give the band a chance, mainly cause I've never owned an album from the band. Problem is, because of this album, I might have to buy the rest of there albums now.

This album really surprised me. A very almost experimental album, with a very varied and brilliant mixture of styles. Also, one of the biggest positives that these guys have is that they can always keep the listener interested. Usually bands will have an interesting moment and drag it on for very long periods of time. This band are very gifted songwriters and crafters and are brilliant and writing perfectly succinct songs.

The album also runs very well together. The first 3 songs, which easily could be singles and even top pop singles charts are a brilliant intro, while the rest of the songs deal with longer compositions and more experimental styles of songwriting. A very different album and a big suprise to people who have never heard this band before. I gleefully will listen to their older material and be on the look out to see what they will release next.

I also recommend buying the special edition edition, because the bonus tracks are brilliant songs too. I can see why they weren't on the album, because they have a different 'path' to the rest of the songs.

1. Insomniac - A brilliant way to start of an album. One of the most rockiest and fist in the air songs. Brilliant chorus and amazing vocals from Mikko. 10/10

2. Flowers & Rust - The first song I heard from this album, that made me want to buy it. This song has such a powerful hook that it will be stuck in your head for days. Amazing performances from the whole band. 10/10

3. Coming Home - The band's take on American rock...I think. A pretty fun and catchy song. Pretty cheesy at times, but meh who cares. 9/10

4. Lost In Time - The band's take on Space rock. A very atmospheric and rocking song, with a lot of interesting keyboard and guitar work throughout. 9/10

5. Separate Forevers - Ok, this song is a weird one. Very creepy and atmospheric, and almost frightening in an odd way. A brilliant and odd moment on the album, but one of the best. 10/10

6. One May Never Know - A song that reminds me of John Butler Trio. Nice guitar work throughout. One of my least favourite songs on the album, but it's still pretty impressive. 8/10

7. World Without - Probably the album's most epic songs. It moves and changes so much throughout, from an almost choir like start to an epic singalong ending. A very anthemic and epic song. 10/10

8. Black Heart's Cry - One of my other least favourite songs on the album, one of the reasons being that the song is a bit too much like Jethro Tull song, and I have some mixed feelings with Jethro Tull. 8/10

9. Prospect For Escape -An epic ending to the album. Very atmospheric with a great build up. One of Mikko's best vocal performances too. 10/10

CONCLUSION: Only really knowing one song from this band, I was expecting this album to be an arrangement of poppy prog like songs with great hooks. I was very surprised though. A mixture of styles throughout and a very big stylistic impact, making everything and every moment of these songs making the band and the material throughout very unique.

8.6/10

Potentially sensational - lost to lack of direction.

I normally stay clear of Crossover, but having a soft spot for Scandinavian artists, I was intrigued. Those tiny nations (by population) have produced a disproportionate number of excellent artists.

Thanks to some Nordic friends who kept me in the picture since the mid-70's, I claim to have a bit of an insight. How many of you have ever heard of NONO SODERBERG (Sweden), a fine Jazz guitarist? I rest my case here.

This write-up is intended to be more of an evaluation of the VON HERTZEN BROTHERS in general, as opposed to a single album.

These cats are extremely talented and capable of creating sensational Prog anthems rarely encountered these days. On the side, they are also able to deliver vocal harmonies that would make GENTLE GIANT turn green with envy. Alas, these moments are few and far between.

The bulk of their material consists of pleasant, but pointless noodlings alongside with nods to U2, even SWEET (!). Not bad, but wouldn't be missed.

The odd track definitely qualifies for a big 5, but the bulk of their material brings the score down to 3. Given the right support, these cats could become one of the Top 20s in Prog of today. As it is, they remain in Crossover territory. A real loss.

If there's one thing I love about the Von Hertzen Brothers, it's that they know how to give us variety and personality. These guys have the chops to do whatever they want; but, like their other albums, "Nine Lives" is a big ol' bag of tricks of all shapes and sizes.

Brother Mikko, the singer, has a wonderful voice that can be used in so many ways. You see, "Nine Lives' features great little ballads, rocking accessible songs, and soaring prog pieces. They can do all of these comfortably, and Mikko can change his voice to fit the style. "Insomniac", for instance, features some very high vocals with much melody. However, "Coming Home" features Mikko channeling Billy idol a bit with that low and almost creepy style that bounces off the bass lines so well.

I think this ability is not just consigned to Mikko. All of the instruments follow suit as they can change to play whatever style they so desire, and they spar with Mikko very well, too. In other words, this album is simply fun and a joy to hear, even if it's not the most challenging music to absorb. Yes, I just used the word "fun" to describe a prog album! What these guys lose in challenging music, they gain in purely interesting music.

If you are looking for a great album of semi-catchy prog rock, look no further. You won't get any epics or any ambient tracks, but you will get the Von Hertzen Brothers rocking your socks off and creating some wonderful melodies, too.

The Finnish band Von Hertzen Brothers' fifth record from this years is well produced and quite different music, yet rather commercial and mostly good. "Nine lives" is the name and on the cover we can behold nine tiger faces in different colours. The line-up is Mikko von Hertzen (voice, guitar), Kie von Hertzen(guitar, voice), Jonne von Hertzen(bass, guitar), Mikko Kaakkuriniemi(drums) and Juha Kuoppala(keyboards). A half year after its release I heard the record twice and I find it enjoyable.

I think von Hertzen Brothers have their best times when they're fast and poppy and sing together. The first track is also the best: "Insomniac" is such a track, very catchy but also strong, with powerful melody, harmonies and instruments(8/10). Then comes the clamping dashing "Flowers and rust" (6/10) and "Coming home" where you'd find "normal" rock moments and a nice guitar in the background(6/10). "Lost in time" is inferior, when I really like the musical background I find the vocals and the melody annoying(5/10). "Separate forevers"(3/10) would I not recommend, I can't say anything else than it's boring. "One may never know" is little better but to caotic for me(4/10). Then it becomes better again: "World without" is a long track with competent harmony singers and the song developped to power and style(6/10). "Black Heart's Cry" is the albums second best track(7/10) and such as the first this is fast and has the popular touch. Before they started sing I also got a folky feeling. Then the album concludes with "Prospect for escape" which is not a favourite(5/10), but too long.

I like some of the songs and it's enough for three stars. What the band does seems rather unique and I am happy I explored this record. But it can surely never be a favourite, it's too radio minded for me. Perhaps I also think it's too modern and catchy. This record has, just like the newest Moon Safari record very easy acquired music and that would appeal to some, not really to me. My rating= 2,78 = 3 stars.