VÄISTYY MIELEN YÖ

It's a real delight to witness one of my favourite Finnish prog bands to return from their long break as a recording unit. This new album has slowly been under work ever since the release of their second album Kahden kuun sirpit (2009), and some changes in the line-up have taken place again (by the way, the debut Ajatuksia maailman laidalta, 2006, had a female vocalist unlike either of the followers). The former lead vocalist Hannu Hiltula has taken a step back in the band activity but he's participating here as a flautist, backing vocalist, additional keryboardist and even as a composer of one track. The former keyboardist Kimmo Lähteenmäki is also participating on this album. The new lead vocalist Risto Pahlama is the band's new keyboardist as well. His suitably commonplace vocals fit nicely to the music that has a sincere 70's feel. Comparisons can be made to classic Finnish- language prog acts Tabula Rasa and Scapa Flow (whose biggest fan the guitarist Mikko Uusi-Oukari has said to be), but Viima has absorbed the 70's influences to forge their own tradition-friendly but nevertheless individual voice.

Each of the five pieces is a winner, especially for a listener who enjoys the "old-fashioned" pastoral delicacy. The fairly similar approach can also be heard in the softer end of the RPI spectre, bands such as Errata Corrige or Eris Pluvia. The opener 'Tyttö trapetsilla' (= Girl on a trapeze) is a tight, melodic song in which the very delicious flute riff plays a significant role. Drummer Mikko Väärälä's composition, the nearly 19-minute epic 'Äiti Maan lapset' (= Children of Mother Earth) is becoming one of my all-time favourite magnum opuses in Finnish prog. The dynamic and yet delicate-sounding, lyrically thoughful piece is meandering elegantly from start to finish, avoiding the obvious risk of sounding patchy. At times I thought of FRUUPP's 'Gormenghast' for the soundscape. The layered keyboards sound lovely, and also the drumming adds dynamics. An amazing masterpiece!

Hiltula's composition 'Perhonen' (= Butterfly) starts very serenely in its instrumental melancholy, before shifting into the more powerful section featuring vocals. The beautiful lyrics of Petri Hyytiä contain the title of the album, meaning "passes the night of mind". The final piece 'Vuoren rauha' (= Peace of the mountain) is composed by Mikko Uusi-Oukari with lyrics of Petri Hyytiä -- as well as tracks 1 and 3 -- and is the most emotional of his three songs here. The lyrics are sung tenderly, giving way to the instrumental tail of the piece. The melodies are as heartfelt as the pastoral lyrics.

I guarantee I'm not giving this album a full rating in a carefree manner. It really resonates with my inner spirit and I love it more with each listening. If you're into delicate and melodic retro-oriented prog (NB! Non-Finnish speakers can read the English translations in the band's homepage viima.org), you'll surely find a lot to enjoy. Thank you, guys!

One of Finland's most revered prog folk bands of the 21st century, VIIMA ( translates as 'Wind" ) formed at the turn of the millennium in 1999 in the western city of Turku but it would require seven more years for the band to record and release its debut release "Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta" ("Thoughts From Around The World") which was released in 2006. It would take three more years for the sophomore followup of "Kahden Kuun Sirpit" ("Two Moon Sickles") in 2009 and then the band seemed to drop off the face of the world as if it ventured too close to the Bermuda Triangle and sucked into another dimension. Well perhaps that was what really happened but whatever the case, many artists are returning in 2024 after lengthy absences and so too as VIIMA with its long awaited third released VÄISTYY MIELEN YÖ ("The Night Of The Mind Recedes.")

Amazingly the band mostly retains the cast of musicians that were featured on the 2009 album. Once again VIIMA features Hannu Hiltula (vocals, soprano saxophone, flute), Mikko Uusi-Oukari (guitar, flute, keyboards), Mikko Väärälä (drums) and Aapo Honkanen (bass) with only newbie lead vocalist / keyboardist Risto Pahlama replacing Kiimo Lähteenmäki. Time may have passed but the band has lost none of its magical mojo as it continues its unique concoction of symphonic prog, folk rock and traditional Finnish folk music. VÄISTYY MIELEN YÖ features five tracks of varying lengths with a total playing time of 44 1/2 minutes. The band while inspired by Finnish legends such as Wigwam, Tasavallan Presidentin and Haikara also showcases influences from many other non-Finnish artists and delivers a dynamic array of diverse tracks.

The opening "Tyttö Trapetsilla" ("Girl On Trapeze") is the perfect track to announce the band's triumphant return some 15 years later with an energetic folk rock number with an upbeat tempo and a clear nod to classic Jethro Tull with Hiltula's sizzling flautist skills. The track crafts an instant lovability and then once VIIMA sucks you into its vortex of scrumptious Finnish prog rock (all lyrics are in the Finnish language), unleashes the monstrous prog behemoth "Äiti Maan Lapset" ("Children Of Mother Earth") which at nearly 19 minutes is almost half of the playing time on the album. The tracks alternates with feisty guitar driven rock sequences to softer folk laden passages and mostly remains on a sensual seductive mode throughout its run. The use of soft Canterbury jazz keyboard runs evokes a bit of the warmth of classic 70s sound but keeps everything grounded in the world of modern production techniques.

The tracks just keep getting better really. "Pitkät Jäähyväiset" ("A Long Farewell") offers not only the usual folk rock approach but also rocks those classic Canterbury keys and provides one of the most memorable keyboard solos of the entire year! Likewise it must be mentioned that this music is made all the better by newbie lead vocalist Risto Pahlama's excellent vocal style and Finnish language lyrics. The Finnish language is utterly unique in how it sounds and makes an excellent base for musical lyrical expression. Who cares if i don't understand it! I don't care about most lyrics anyway! "Perhonen" ("Butterfly") starts as the mellowest track on board but picks up steam with strong melodic developments, a beefy bass groove and a nice serieprogressive workouts. "Vuoren Rauha" ("Peace Of The Mountain") offers some spoken word poetry and the band's namesake, some wind (VIIMA). Beautiful piano lines and seductive grooves allow the track to slowly ratchet down the beautiful procession of folky prog rock. The album ends with gusts and zephyrs from the heavens above.

VIIMA is one of the better modern prog folk rock bands in the 21st century. This band has perfectly adapted the melodic warmth and stylistic immediacy of the classic bands of the 70s with the modern day world of crystal clear production and atmospheric accompaniments. While many bands attempt to make a comeback only to sound washed up and devoid of ideas, VIIMA seems primed and ready for round two of its so far less than fruitful career. Of course 15 years is a long time to craft an album but apparently this band was using its time wisely to manifest the golden gem that this new release presents right down to every last detail. What i love most about VIIMA's new sound is how well Pahlama's vocals fit in with the musical deliveries. Many prog bands consider vocalists a mere afterthought which often ruins the experience. This band has considered how every member interacts and composed accordingly. One of my favorite albums of the year. Erinomainen!