KALLOCAIN

Titled after a novel by Swedish writer Karin Boye (1900-1941) "Kallocain" has been the second release by this formation that arose from the ashes of band Landberk. After their strong debut "Timeloss" Paatos managed again to create a very good album sounding more modern and mature than its predecessor but nonetheless it's not quite as impressing as that one. Starting off with a very nice folk-ish violin solo in "Gasoline" the music floats in a quite enjoyable but as well not really spectacular manner through the nine tracks of this album featuring the trade-marked components of many Scandinavian bands that is mellow melancholy and wallowing Mellotron tunes. Besides a well-done blend of retro influences and modern trip-hop beats the dominating element of their sound are of course the pleasant vocals by Petronella Nettermalm. There isn't any real flawed song on here but on the other hand as well not any outstanding one. At some parts as in "Look At Us" it sounds almost as coming from White Willow's weaker "Ex Tenebris"-album which could be blamed for being too mawkish, at others they might come a bit too close to pop territory as in "Won't Be Coming Back" which is nonetheless a very nice track. My favorite is "Stream" which turned out to be one of the most beautiful Prog ballads I heard recently. Overall this band ain't as exciting as some other Scandinavian ones (Anekdoten, White Willow, Isildurs Bane) but offer an enjoyable listen for lovers of mellow and melancholic progressive music. I'd give an extra half star for it since the Special Edition including bonus DVD is a worthy purchase anyway I think!