Finnish Black Metal evolved from the early Black Metal acts - as BATHORY, VENOM, HELLHAMMER, SARCÓFAGO - in a whole independent form from what rose from Swedish and Norwegian Black Metal Schools. The influences are the same, but the readings are extremely different, and even when a Finnish Black Metal band tries Old School ways, it’s different. As an example, hear to what VELJESSURMA unleashes on “Haltioissaan” to have a clear idea. The band relied on the works of Jesse Vaskola (mixing) and Robert Brockmann (mastering) to have the best possible on their first full-length. It’s obvious that things were planned to have an Old School Black Metal appeal, so it uses a lo fi outfit that isn’t what their music needs.

It’s good, but they need something better, even to be understandable. And the artwork of Linda Piekäinen for the cover states clearly that the quintet isn’t a puritan on the genre. At the same time that the band tries to keep their feet on the ground of classic Finnish Black Metal, many Pagan/Folk touches can be heard (with the use of flutes and some keyboards, along with clean vocals, as heard on some moments of “Nieranpoika”), so it’s a (very good) blend of influences, with everything really being great. It’s an interesting and very good release.

Taking out that the sonority isn’t 100% what their music needs, the quintet really shows excellent elements on “Nieranpoika”, “Karhun Voimal”, “Myrrysmies”, “Kuollut Vesi”, “Metsänpeitto”, “Luontoni” and “Haltioissaan”, with extreme shrieks contrasting with some death growls, sharp guitar riffs and leads, bulldozer bass guitar ad drums rhythmic guidance, and as told, the bonus elements. But have in mind: it’s their first full-length, so too much can be expected from the quintet in the future.

By now, VELJESSURMA is really a surprising name from Finnish Black Metal School, and “Haltioissaan” is a fine first full-length. But try to work with a good producer next time, because cleansing things a bit will put their music on the point of being a great band!