VÄISTYY MIELEN YÖ

It's been 15 years since we last heard from Finland's own VIIMA. Yet this latest album has a lot in common with the previous release from 2009. One lineup change, but it's a big one as the original keyboardist has left, although he guests on one track here. He was replaced with the new male vocalist who also adds keyboards and mellotron. The previous male singer is still here, he's just sticking to his flute and adds some keyboards, backing vocals and the spoken words on the closer. These last two albums have much less to do with folk than the debut. And these both are more symphonic and rocking at times. But that folk element is still here mainly with the style of those reserved Finnish male vocals which I'm not all in on.

That 2006 debut is one of my favourite releases out of Finland, and an automatic entry into my "best of" folk list when I do that. It has female vocals and more of a nordic vibe to my ears. I just love it. These last two aren't in that league in my opinion, but most feel they are better, so there's that. Depends on your musical taste. This most recent record is worth over 44 minutes, over five tracks.

We get the mammoth, almost 19 minute second track that is the centrepiece. The opener did bring back memories of the debut in the sense that it starts out folky with the flute, then reserved vocals. So it's a surprise when we get an electric guitar solo after 3 1/2 minutes. That's what I remember from the debut. Those folky female vocals and flute before out of nowhere electric guitar. That is where the similarities end between the debut and the two that follow. "Perhonen" is one of my favourite songs on here. How good does this sound at 3 minutes. Vocals join in quickly though. A nice sounding rhythm section with vocals over top. A guitar solo too before 5 minutes.

That third track "Pitkat Jaahyvaiset" is perhaps my favourite for the mellotron and surprising heaviness. It actually gets dark on this one, plus I like the synths as well. The closer is where the former keyboardist returns with some keyboard work plus the opening and closing wind sounds. Apparently viima means wind. An appropriate way to end the album. Mellotron on this one as well. I won't say much about that epic track other than it has it's highs and lows, a mixed bag, but an interesting ride for sure. Overall I like it, just like I like this recording. Nice comeback guys! A solid 4 stars.

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