Artisans of a massive and delicate sound, HAMASAARI embodies the soul of progressive rock music. Taking tints of inspiration such as PINK FLOYD, PORCUPINE TREE, and KARNIVOOL, they chisel and polish nimbly the contours of a musical and sensorial journey. Born from the ashes of SHUFFLE, HAMASAARI flourishes in a more serene and melancholic fashion. The album has seven songs, and "Below the Lightnings" is first, and it opens with a charge of acoustic guitars and melancholy vocals. The distorted riff bites a bit, and there are some noticeable effects in some of the guitar work. The song sort of floats, or rides smoothly if you will, with swells of emotion every now and then. "The Wild Ones" also has a gentle ride through a bit of rain and grey skies. The distorted riff comes in with a crunchy power that breaks glass, showing that PORUPINE influence indeed. ]

"Our Heads Spinning" begins with some fog misting on the ground that lifts when a weighted and dark riff charges in. The two combative opponents square off from there in nearly equal doses, trading punches as neither will give an inch. "Frames" enters with a gentle groove, almost as if you didn't see it materialize. The bass notes are full and rich, and once again, emotion is not lost in the music. For me, the biggest guess is trying to figure out which one I feel the most. They spike at the end in a crashing wave of sound. "Under the Trees" combines the warm and smooth sound of acoustic guitar with gentle but melancholy vocals. One of the more intriguing things about the album so far is how the band can convey so much by only saying a little.

"Home" is the final song, and it's another smooth and warm ride. They polish off any hard edges in the music with emotive vocals, thick bass lines that seem to just saunter, and guitar work that isn't afraid to pack a punch. In sum, I found the album was inviting, like a stranger offering you a soft bed to rest on and the comfort of an oversized blanket. Tentative at first, you shuffle in from the rain and relax with a hot drink, exchanging pleasantries with them until you drift off to a restful sleep.