Finnish Progressive Rock/Metal band KICK THE GIANT is set to release their debut album “Presence” on July 5th 2024 via Inverse Records. Tony Hentilä comments: “It feels almost surreal to finally see this album coming together. We’ve been working on it for such a long time and we’ve had many delays and obstacles along the way. Just to mention a few of those I battled with cancer for the most part of 2022 – 2023 and lost my father at the end of the year. He was a huge influence for me and I loved him deeply. After all of this it just feels so awesome to stand victorious as a survivor with the album done. I love music and this band.”

The album has eight songs, and the title track is first. It comes out of the gate with melodic keys and guitars and a big bombast of an announcement, rolling into a heavy groove that features meaty bass notes and vocal harmonies. The chorus is rich and strong as well, the piano work is excellent, and the feeling that it leaves you with is energetic and positive. “Statement” is another feel good song that is led with lush piano and keys. Although there are definitely elements of Progressive music here, it’s as if AOR had a baby with Progressive Rock, and that works quite well actually. Energy pumps out of each note and you can’t help but get caught up in the party.

“Out of Time” has a strong KANSAS vibe from the old-school keys in the beginning. The band is off to a blistering pace with this one leaving a trail of smoke behind it after it passes you by. “Overture” is the fourth song that exudes an energy level, as well as a high level of fun, that I haven’t heard in quite a while. It’s an instrumental that showcases the band’s musicianship as well as their sense of songwriting, and it’s impressive. “Damned or Divine” is another keyboard led song that swells with might and power, and these guys are keeping the energy levels off the charts. “Stop Signs” is bright and cheery, and gives the listener all the stamina and spirt they need to get through a rough day. Just throw this album into the car and take off.

“Distant Memories” are the good ones that if you think really hard on, you can still remember. Most likely, they are fond memories of care-free childhood days, and this song takes you back to what they were like. The keyboard solo focus mostly on major chords, so it keeps you high in the clouds. “Mountain of Nothing” is the closing song, and it has just a bit of a rougher edge to it, and it could be the raspy vocals. It still has positive vibes though as well as a blistering guitar solo. Talk about feel-good and energetic songs, this album is bursting at the seams with them. You can ride these waves for weeks. Combine this with the band’s strong sense of musicianship and you have a recipe for success. Superb!