Finnish Alt-Metal band CERESIAN VALOT emerged from the ashes of GHOST BRIGADE in the fallout from the year of our plague, 2020. A quick look through their lineup will reveal several familiar names from the GHOST BRIGADE roster. I should mention here for returning GHOST BRIGADE fans, CERESIAN VALOT is not the same band with a different name. Stylistically and lyrically, the band has taken a divergent trajectory, which is not a bad thing. Bands are like living organisms that should grow and evolve on their own accord.

On May 23, 2025, CERESIAN VALOT is due to release their debut album, Uumen, via Prophecy Productions. As an English monolinguist I assumed the word ‘uumen’ was a variation of ‘human,’ instead it actually translates to “depths” which is a befitting for this deeply explorative album. The fact that all the vocals are delivered in Finnish may also help to drive that impression. The band, with their fusion of Prog and Alternative, reminds me of Denmark’s DANEFAE and Italy’s MAISON DIEU. The compositions tend to be complex and multifaceted, drawing you in and then propelling you from one track to the next like a serial maelstrom. Intriguing and compelling, this stuff.

Standout tracks include “Pohjavirtauksia” (trans: bottom currents) which pairs up heavy riffs with a gorgeous vocal performance; “Karavaaniseralji” (trans: Caranserai) which is probably the heaviest track on the album; and “Valojuovat” (trans: light streaks) which covers wide topography of soundscape and ends on a triumphant, epic note. Great closing track, btw. As far as regrets, the only track that didn’t do anything for me was the synth-laden “Hyoky” (trans: tidal wave).

To be clear, not a metal album—maybe metal adjacent—but also a shit ton of talent. Prog fans should give this one a listen. With strong songwriting, great production values, and impeccable execution, Uumen definitely lives into its title and goes deep.