A four piece band from Finland that are named TAKALAITON, they are here and well they have been with us since their formation in 2015, as they have such a unique sound that can certainly include heavy groove metal guitar riffs that the likes of PANTERA made in their time. But in saying that the thrash metal influences can also be heard as there is a crossover between one or two genres in this Finnish four piece band, they came together as mentioned before in 2015, releasing an EP in 2016 the year after titled 878889595. A single release came the year after in 2017, however this was closely followed up by another EP titled KAHDET KASVOT containing four tracks altogether in the same year then there was a two year break until the next release.

In 2019, then the band released what was their debut album titled SISUKASTRAATIO I & II as they carried on merging thrash metal with hardcore elements as well, the debut album contained seven tracks and this release delivered as promised. The band is led by vocalist JUHO MÄNTYKIVI, joined by guitarist PASI HYRKKÄNEN and bassist JANNE RAUNIO as well as drummer JOONA JUNTUNEN. After a four year break the band are back with what is their second album to date titled MINDFECTION as it has been released as of July earlier this year, so we can head into the album with the first track which is “Rip And Burn'' opens the album with some narrator speaking briefly but then there is a slashing guitar riff with an evil laugh.

Drums do also come in not long after guitar and vocals enter the fore, there is so much clarity and confidence surging in these four talented musicians as the real hardcore elements are in motion. Even the singer can be heard focusing and annunciating certain lyrics, the evil laughs as well do add that comical twist but the band still remain deadly serious as the thrash metal sound ventures on into the next track with “Do Or Die”. The second track has the wave of thrash mixed with hardcore rock as the ensemble rages on with almighty aggression yet we can hear the bass guitar also setting the tone at times for the track, as lead guitar performs some very tasty solos riffs. Drums do pelt their punches and smash through the barriers of the audio spectrum, with determination and commitment.

“Get What You Asked For” is up next with a building crescendo of drums and then screamer vocals letting go of their inner soul to roar this track into life as guitars combine forces to support vocals and drums. As bass heavy guitar riffs do make themselves known and drums do execute their patterns and trigger points so well as there are also staggering short sections where the drums and guitars pulsate as one. Even when lead guitar plays, the drums can be heard supporting with double kicks then a more steady tempo, but overall this track is stunning and full of harmonic bliss from guitars. “Hopeareunus” is in now with a piano intro but then the full band unite together with a more glam rock feel as we can hear an instrumental section before vocals come in afterwards.

We can hear the contrast of the more melodic vocal line and then a subtle secondary vocal line that is more harsh and rebellious but the nastier vocal line takes the lead briefly. A short instrumental transition follows on with guitar picking its moments for higher range notation then vocals return as the two vocal lines both come back into the mix. There isn’t much more that can be said of this track so we move on into the next track which is “Ambassador Of Revenge” with an attacking drum intro as guitars excel themselves again with bass heavy riffs. Vocals are very much in the zone as the backing vocals can be heard as well when they highlight certain words, drums are moving the track along at a good steady pace, as the guitars play more soloistic riffs.

“Mies Mieste, Vastaan” with a slow and thumping drum pattern tightened up with guitar riffs plus a short backing vocal part plays a part in this track that isn’t as fast as previous tracks. Vocals are crying for more attention as before and there is certainly more of a hard rock vibe but still has some thrash metal written in the guitar parts, but a great track all the same with lots of heavy bass tones giving the track lots of warmth. Even an instrumental section with a slight whisper from vocals brings the track to a close as we head into the next track “Reborn”, opening with cymbals and guitars gradually pulling the vocals in too. Then a hammer and tongs section with drums pelting those accents double time but also venturing in a more steady rhythm straight forward timing so the tempo varies throughout.

Vocals are so good and they are full of depth and the tone is just exquisite, they compliment each track so well and they are well arranged, but drums and guitars as they have done, drive the whole band onwards to fulfilling their potential and meeting the listeners expectations. There is another instrumental break for drums and guitars as well but then we move on into the next track which is “Arkajalka”. We hear a bone-crunching drum pattern that really lays down the law, as guitars fly off to playing the incredible crossover between thrash metal and hardcore, as vocals and drums also portray this. Lead guitar does also produce small bursts of life in the verses but only for a short time, otherwise they are consistent playing the hardcore riffs with some melody but a lot of low end tone to match the vocalist's range.

“Destination… Termination” begins with a bass guitar intro for a change and then lead guitar fires up slowly and then picks up the pace, as vocals and drums have joined in as vocals let out a screamer as they do carry on the same way as before. Drums and guitars are very much the heart and soul of this track as vocals switch between the cleaner and more aggressive vocal part, even both come in at the same time which is such a cool combination. Lead guitar enjoys some time to create some solo riffs of its own and includes vibrato notes as well, so we can head into what is the final track of this album. “Mindfection” as is the album title opens with a symphonic sound before an epic lead guitar ringing on each note played, drums coming in on each guitar riff as a crescendo builds.

The climatic point is when lead guitar and bass guitar also come together to encourage the vocals to join in the attacking section as the pack is led by example with what can be heard as a crossover between thrash metal and metalcore perhaps. The vocals also prove that this band is ready for action and they will literally blow you away with all those breakdowns with guitar and drums as they share their solo parts as well as playing together. A faster thicker and jaw dropping drum pattern comes in with guitars as we enter the final phase of this track, a bit slower as another crescendo is created then back to a more steady rhythm than before. Vocals are more melodic this time around, as the album is brought to a conclusion as we hear a soft piano melody played at the very end.

So that is the album overall which I have to say is so good, the production and musicianship is simply staggering and very well executed as well as the crossover between thrash metal and metalcore. The sheer talent and overall impression this band gives is second to none, the guitars and drums are very much the core of this album, vocals do contribute a lot, with two vocal lines which adds so much spice to the album. This is an album I am sure will be remembered too, I certainly will revisit this band as they are very exciting and such a breath of fresh air too, so check these guys out you will not regret I assure you.