Review Summary: These unforgettable days, between land and sky.
In the past couple of years, whenever I enjoy some free time at my country house, I carry in my luggage a playlist where I usually include at least one folk black metal album (yes, it's a bit cliché, but let's go on) among my travel stuff. It's the perfect place to enjoy music with strong links to nature and the simple things in life. I've always been an urban creature, but as the years go by I've been enjoying these relaxing moments more and more. It's where I enjoy my family, the surrounding woods and the music I choose as my company.
No, I'm not that old, fellas.
This year I brought an unknown new Finnish band, whose artwork and album title seemed appropriate. One could say it was a shot in the dark, an intuition if you wish, but against all odds I got it right. Marrasmieli's debut proved to be a suitable choice, having been a faithful companion these last days. Not only for its overly emotional folk touch, but also for the way it combines this aesthetic with straightforward black metal. It is in the midst of these two worlds that we find the heart and soul of Marrasmieli,
Between Land and Sky.
Don't expect any expensive production within a mainstream package. It's just three northern boys in their woods cabine making genuine music. And that's how I feel about
Between Land and Sky. Genuineness. Unpretentious, authentic genuineness. That brief glorious moment only glimpsed a few times in a lifetime. All it takes is the first two songs 'Embrace The Eternal' and 'Those Who Are Long Gone' to feel this splendorous innocence. In addition to the blackened folk we were waiting for, Marrasmieli surprises us with death/thrash deliveries that add power and diversity to the compositions. I'm sold by now. My Portuguese woods and these songs make the perfect duet. The album keeps running consistently between land and sky, flowing organically, in a way only new souls can shape. The catchy 'Karakorum' and the two epics that follow give the final tones to this majestic painting, making me forget the low production value, which, frankly, is the least of my concerns. I'm too focused on the lads' music, so don't bother me with technicalities.
Well, my short time in the cottage is almost over. Among countless souvenirs, photographs and good food, I will also take with me these three Finnish lads and the experience we shared through these unforgettable days, between land and sky.
