As the title of the album does suggest, "Ounas II" is the follow-up to the 2023 SUOTANA album "Ounas I". unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of having heard what is on that album, or any other by the band, as this is my first encounter with the Finnish Melodic Death Metal band SUOTANA. Yes, even though this is the fourth studio album since their appearance in 2005, they have never been able to penetrate my radar. But I can tell you right now that this unfortunate oversight now has been corrected. What does become quite clear very soon is why they are signed by the record company Reaper Entertainment, which is closely related to CHILDREN OF BODOM, as that is a band that comes to mind rather frequently when you are listening to "Ounas II".

Is that a problem, you might ask? Well, it isn't in my book, as long as the music that is being presented has enough to offer in the way of quality, intensity and enjoyment. Oh, and before I forget, I like the band name, as SUOTANA actually translates as 'Satan of The Swamp'. I don't know if they have many swamps in Finland. Oi only know the country is called 'the land of 1000 lakes'. Okay, getting back to the reviewing, let's talk about the music on "Ounas II". It is Melodic Death Metal mixes with a lot of Power Metal, making what you hear not only Heavy, but also intense, fast and oppressing. On top of that you will get Melodic, playful and almost happy in places as well, albeit all in moderation.

This isn't soft or gentle; this is like a battering ram knocking on your plywood front door. It comes straight through, causing all the wood splinters to scatter around the whole of your front room. Musically "Ounas II" will have your brain working in overtime, trying to accept and dissect what is coming out of your speakers. Your thoughts will be all over the place, scattered, until you start to get a feeling at where SUOTANA is going. Then it all makes sense, which gives your ears and brains the opportunity to collect themselves and put  everything in the right order. When you have achieved that there is no denying that although SUOTANA isn't offering you anything new you just have to admit that you are enjoying listening to "Ounas II". Yes, even when they do a RAMMSTEIN themed song like "The Crowned King Of Ancient Forest".