Finnish Melodic Death Metallers WOLFHEART are back with their crushing third full-length album. "Tyhjyys" is a multifaceted release, spanning almost three quarters of an hour, and sees the band return more brutal than ever.

A picked melody on an acoustic guitar slowly starts of the album, gradually swelling and blooming as a second acoustic guitar joins in, before being joined by more instruments until the distorted guitars and drums burst in, taking wing into a soaring melody that swirls dazzlingly until giving way to "Boneyard". This is a forceful and frantic onslaught of a song that rampantly rolls over all before unexpectedly blossoming into a gentle melody at the half-way mark, giving a slight reprieve before launching back into the fray with some fine tremolo work. The start of "World on Fire" sounds like it could have been taken straight off of an AMON AMARTH album, with only the synth sections setting it apart until the vocals kick in. However, this comparison gradually wanes as more elements come to the fore, with a very symphonic melody running like a red thread throughout the album. But with such a sing-along refrain, as well as a face-melting solo, this will surely be a much beloved song live. A fragile melody opens up "The Flood" before growing into an epic melody. This gives way again to the fragility, duetting back and forth before a searing solo tops it all off. In contrast to this, "The Rift" radiates power from the very first notes, with an unsettling intro setting the stage for pure aural annihilation. "Call of the Winter" on the other hand sees the album return to a slower pace, with swirling guitar sections flitting around a maelstrom of blast beats. This carries over to the penultimate song "Dead White", a melancholic, mournful masterpiece of a song redolent with powerful riffs and majestic moments. And last but most certainly not least we have the title song "Tyhjyys". This again sees the mournful feel of the last few songs carry on before expanding into a powerful and dark song that is completely devastating. This is without a doubt the crowning song of the album, and gives a perfect taste of exactly how crushing WOLFHEART can be.

With "Tyhjyys", WOLFHEART show that they are about as stoppable as an eighteen wheeler with failing brakes barreling down a steep street. Having said that the vocals could perhaps do with slightly more variation, especially when compared to how diverse the instruments are. But then again, the vocals can also be seen as an anchor which tether the songs together, allowing the other elements to create a soaring soundscape. It's all just a matter of personal preference. However you choose to see this,, "Tyhjyys" is at the very least worth checking out, and is a definite must-have for fans of Melodic Death Metal.