To play Doom Metal has become a very hard trial for many bands due the ample range of musical subgenres that exists in it, and due the tsunami of bands trying each one of Doom Metal paths. So, to play it and have a public acclamation is extremely hard. But it doesn't mean that it's a reason for giving up of your ideas. Jan "Janne" Johansson made the things on his own and with his band VANHA released two albums, being "Melancholia" its second release.

"Melancholia" shows clearly what VANHA is about: a melancholic form of Doom Death Metal, using very good keyboards parts to temper its aggressive parts and to embellish the introspective moments. It's not the newest thing in the world, many bands did the same form of music before, but it doesn't mean that the band's music isn't good. No, it's not it, because the band surely will be in many fans' collections soon. Jan made the production, mixing and mastering himself, and maybe it was a way for him to control the whole musical process, to make it in the way he conceived and wanted it to be. It sounds really great in the clean parts, and very good on the aggressive moments, and "Melancholia" bears a very good sound quality, with a wise choice for the instrumental tunes as well.

All the six songs are good, but the melancholic beauty of "The Road" (very good contrast between clean guitar parts with some distorted ones), the excellent grunts and keyboards shown on "Storm of Grief", and the depressive tempos of "Fade Away" are the best ones for a first hearing on "Melancholia". For Melancholic Doom Death Metal addicted fans, hear it from the beginning to its end without worries. VANHA is a good name for the genre, but maybe an ample set of rhythmic changes would make miracles. For now, "Melancholia" is a good release, indeed.