TRUSTIES

— First review of this album —

Prog Metal (or Metal / Heavy in general) is not my cup of coffee, but every now and then I like to try something from that area too. This debut album by the Finnish trio TRUSTIES - which is differing a lot from their later output if I understood - turns out to be a pleasant acquaintance for me, extremely far from typical Metal. In fact I don't think one can call this Metal at all. This is acoustic, delicate and earthly art/folk rock. The singing has just a hint of Metal style. Guitar is naturally the leading instrument, accompanied by bass and various percussives, and occasionally also more unusual things in a rock environment, e.g. clarinet, pump organ, djembe and cowbell. How would I say... a cross between ROY HARPER and an intelligent Metal band such as OPETH gone acoustic?

There may not be very much stylistic variation in the songs, at least in the progressive sense (13 of them, all approximately 3-5 minutes), but they are always harmonic and full of open-minded atmosphere and honesty. I probably sound stupid trying desperately to choose words... The final track 'Further Away' is a slow instrumental. Interesting, moody, strong and original album that demands to be heard several times. This quick review only captured my first impressions, but I can improve it later if my reception gets different.

Trusties begun life in 1989 in Oulu, Finland, led by singer Matti Ylilauri and guitarist Marko "Oikku" Oikarinen, joined soon by bassist Ville Veijalainen.They debuted in 1997 with the acoustic album ''Growing smaller'', followed by several performances around the country as an acoustic trio.While writing down material for a second album they soon realized the pieces were sounding better with the addition of drums and keyboards.As a result they were helped by drummer Janne Ervelius in some tracks.Their sophomore effort was released through their own PUUCD label, entitled ''We just want to rule the world''.

The album has not much in common with the debut of Trusties, yet the band never abandoned its acoustic roots and this work contains plenty of virtuosic crescendos on classical and acoustic guitars.But basically Trusties now sound a lot like bands such as ENCHANT, RESISTOR, GALLEON or AMON RA, mixing accesible Progressive Rock aesthetics with demanding heavier excursions.The result is a diverse and challenging album, which does not lack also tons of atmospheric moments and more lyrical passages.Strong and memorable rhythmic tunes are blended with interesting, striking solos, while the keyboards and synths have a discreet symphonic flavor.Many tracks are based on the shifts between acoustic and electric tunes, but the attitude of the band still remains quite rocking.A couple of them even contain strong Ethnic vibes with the addition of percussions, however the overall approach of the group is very fresh and sounds really modern.A great singer like Matti Ylilauri strengthens Trusties' new and very attractive image.

Trusties won't exactly rule the world with this work, but the music in this album is good enough to pay full attention to them.Nice, fresh and energetic modern Progressive/Art Rock with interesting and memorable arrangements, no less than warmly recommended.

Not too bad but neither too inspiring, this third effort from Finnish outfit Trusties.

Taking their cue from Rush, halfways quirky melodic gtr riffs and licks over a driving, energetic bass line seems to be something of a central ongoing theme on these compositions. From that base the band reach out both towards a harder hitting prog metal landscape as well as a stylistic expression that made me think of Van Halen, albeit with less sophisticated guitar antics. Fusion-inspired elements are added to the mix on occasion as well, and obviously there's a good amount of variety to be found.

On this occasion the songs doesn't match up though. Too many breaks frequently disrupt the flow and atmosphere explored, truly intrigiung passages are marred by too sudden evolvements to something different. To the extent that the songs in many cases ends up as uninteresting for me. There's too much change, the compositions are too broken, and I have problems getting involved in the songs as such. The instances where Trusties ease up a bit and that approach obviously ends up as far more interestng for my musical testes too, with Djemoniee and You Can Only Lose as the most interesting creations among those in my opinion.

I'd recommend fans of late 70's Rush to lend an ear to this album, as I imagine them to be the crowd with the greatest chance to enjoy this venture. In particular those among them who enjoy songs with frequent shifts in pace and expression.

3.5 stars. I have to thank Progmetalhead (Steve) for bringing this Finnish band to my attention a couple months ago. This is TRUSTIES third album and it's a concept record about a man who's forced to be on the "Human Wheel" for eternity and witness mankind repeat the same mistakes over and over. How frustrating would that be. What I like about this album is that it continues to reveal things to me the more I listen to it. I also like the RUSH flavour that I hear especially with the guitar work.This needs to be played loud.

"Radiobeings" kicks in quickly as the tempo picks up. Love the tone of the guitar, kind of like what you hear on a TILES cd. Vocals come in around 1 1/2 minutes. Nice chunky bass too. The contrasts work really well. A RUSH flavour 3 1/2 minutes in then we get this gorgeous dreamy sound a minute later with synths. It kicks back in heavily at 5 1/2 minutes. Ripping guitar before 7 minutes. "Autopilot" features prominant keyboards as the vocals join in. The guitar takes over for the piano and we get a heavy ending. "Freefall" opens with the guitar making some noise as the drums pound. Reserved vocals join in. The guitar becomes very upfront and I like it. Check out the bass before 3 minutes. Nice guitar work with bass late. "Rituals & Routines" opens with a barage of drums then it settles in with vocals. TILES comes to mind with the guitar here. Chunky bass as well as the guitar solos over top after 2 1/2 minutes. This goes on until vocals return after 4 minutes. Nice. A stampede of drums 5 minutes in. "Human Wheel" is an instrumental. Dark atmosphere early before some sparse piano comes in. A heavy sound of drums and guitar 3 minutes in. It settles right down to end it.

"When Sense Meets It's Maker" opens with vocals and a powerful sound that comes and goes. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes with synths. Back to that earlier sound before 3 minutes.The guitar is swirling around 5 1/2 minutes in. "Them Or Us" puts the focus on the vocals early. It kicks in around 2 minutes. Some excellent guitar follows then synths. "Djemniee" is relaxed yet powerful with laid back vocals. The guitar cranks it out after 3 minutes. Nice. "This The Last Round ?" is the shortest track but one of my favourites. I like the melancholic keys and synths. "You Can Only Lose" is a great tune too as the guitar comes in with attitude. Drums then vocals follow. "Endless Run" features this lazy guitar melody that goes on and on as drums then vocals join in. The chorus is brighter. Fantastic sounding guitar after 3 1/2 minutes. It settles later to the end. "Reinvention Of The Wheel" opens with synths as heavy drums and guitar come in. It kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes with vocals. Some riffing then the guitar cries out followed by vocals. It kicks back in before 8 minutes.

I really feel this is more of a Heavy-Prog album like RUSH or TILES, or even heavy Neo-Prog like ARENA, regardless I have to say these Finns have to be proud of what they've created here. Just don't go into this expecting too Metal of an album or you'll be disappointed.