EXPERIENCE

Having enjoyed varying degrees of success with other Finland based bands, three brothers Mikko, Kie and Jonne Von Hertzen decided to pool their talents and work together. Based on the song writing of drummer/vocalist/occasional guitarist Mikko, "Experience" was the first album to be released in the factually correct if hardly imaginative name of the Von Hertzen Brothers. The songs are presented in English, opening them up to a much wider audience.

After the brief but superfluous "Intro", which appears to be the three brothers talking in their formative years, the album proper kicks off with the power chords of "Brother".The music is heavy but melodic, the wall of sound being delivered at an anthemic pace. The sound is of a refined modern day Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin, with the odd Pink Floyd space effect thrown in for good measure. At times, such as on the title track, comparisons with the more commercial side of Porcupine Tree ("This is no rehearsal" etc.) are in order. I would however not wish to overstate any prog links, the similarities with bands such as Coldplay and Elbow are just as strong.

The harmonic side of the band is first brought to the fore on the lighter "Beside You", a highly enjoyable song with a decent arrangement. Like the entire album, the song is notable for some impressive melodies and a first rate performance.

In summary, a highly enjoyable album which shows the brothers to be of considerable combined talent. There is little of anything here which hints at any prog credentials whatsoever, indeed the "Love Beach" style sleeve is enough of put many off. This though a fine album of heavy melodic rock.