CD Review: Waltari - Release Date

I recently came into possession of a number of new and upcoming releases from Locomotive records. Among the group of disks was a pair of albums from Waltari. First thing I did was find out which one was older, since I had two, I figured it would be best to listen to them in order. This was the second, so it is not my first experience with the band, although it was really close. My first real listen was Blood Sample, and what an experience it was. It was like getting hit upside the head with a baseball bat. It had been some time since I heard a band that possessed so much talent and had a sound that was so over the map and cohesive at the same time. Needless to say, I was quite impressed. Having enjoyed the wild diversity of that album, I eagerly anticipated slipping this one into the player. Was Blood Sample a one shot deal? Was it possible that there could be more creative energy waiting to explode on another album?


Release Date is Waltari's 14th (yes, 14th) full length album. On top of that, they have a debut LP, and a two disk retrospective of their early years under their belts. I cannot believe it took this long for me to hear them, much less, actually hear of them. How is it possible for a band with such a high level of creativity not reach a broad audience? I am sure there is a laundry list of reasons, but I am still surprised. They strike me as a band that would have been picked up on and marketed over here much sooner, someone like Century Media Records, which has done a great job of delivering a great deal of metal music over the years with bands such as Iced Earth, Sentenced, and Nevermore. In any event, I think Locomotive has a great opportunity to bring this Finnish band to the world, or the US at least, with their distrobution deal with Dockyard 1.

Is Release Date equal to Blood Sample? I have to answer no to this. But please do not take that as a negative, as I think the earlier album is a near masterpiece and would be hard to top in any case. This outing is nearly as good, though it may be a touch less catchy, but no less inventive. They are the only band that I can think of that has incorporated this many different styles into one album and still sound like the same band. The only other bands that come to mind for having an odd sound with varying styles are Faith No More and Mr. Bungle (Mike Patton bands both). Now, they don't come quite as close to Waltari's level of broad spectrum styles, but all three of them expand (or expanded) the scope beyond their genre label.

This album continues what I heard on Blood Sample, a mix of metal, rock, pop, techno, and a few other styles of rock and metal, creating this musical stew that is instantly original and recognizable. Once you listen to a few songs you will recognize them, I do not think I have heard anyone that has sounded quite like them.

Release Date opens with "Get Stamped," and electronic injected metal number that will get the adrenaline flowing. It is a high energy start to the album with a great clipped guitar riff. That is followed by the more progressive rock sounds of "Big Sleep," and then the curiously titled "Let's Puke Together" featuring some of the thrashier moments.

After the opening trio, there is a big concept section called "Cityshamaani." It is an epic in five parts, running for more than 35 minutes. It opens with the near 8 minute "Night Flight" which blends power metal and death metal into a song that surges along to its own ebb, that transitions to the odd jazz/rock of "Good Morning." "Colgate County Showdown" and the industrial strains of "The Incarnation Party." It closes with "Sympathy," a slowed down 13 minute dirge which builds to an emotional rock climax. I am not sure what the narrative thread is, but it is definitely a fascinating group fo songs linked together, they cover a lot of stylistic ground.

This is a fantastic album, one that anyone who has a love of music needs to hear. Kartsy Hatakka is a vocal chameleon, with straight up rock singing, a raw throated death growl, and a deep gothic sounding style. The drumwork of Ville Vehviläinen is insane, from the double bass to his all over the kit fills, he has a nice crisp technical sound. There really is not much to criticize, everything is layered in this wild blend that I cannot believe anyone else coming close to matching.

Bottomline. It is music that refuses to be labeled, it is adventurous, original, and for those willing to dive in, a very rewarding experience. The production values are fantastic, there is a sharp crispness to it that really pleases the ear. So, if you are looking for something outside ther mainstream, Waltari is for you, you will not be disappointed.

Highly Recommended.