Release date: 4th March 2022
It’s crazy to think that it’s been eight years since Kuolemanlaakso’s last full-length album, Tulijoutsen. Somehow it only feels like yesterday that I discovered it for the first time, but on the other hand it also feels like this talented band’s music has always been a part of my life and that it’s been a very long wait for new material.
In any case, Kuusumu is a much welcomed return from Kuolemanlaakso. Perhaps best described as a ‘slow burner’, it’s an album that you will certainly enjoy on your first listen – but the more you hear it, the more you fall in love with it. Kuusumu is massively addictive, and what is also great about the album is that whilst it keeps the quintessential Kuolemanlaakso ‘sound’, they also aren’t afraid to try a few new things to really give the album its own distinct voice.
Whilst there’s some familiarity to Kuusumu (Surusta meri suolainen feels almost like a callback to the previous album, as there is a definite Aarnivalkea vibe to it!) there’s also a clear freshness to it. Pedon vaisto has this great punky intro that’s really fun to listen to – I can already envision this track going down a treat live – and it really helps to keep the pace of the album up as we head towards the final song.
As mentioned earlier, I personally find Kuusumu to be more of a slow burner. The songs certainly grow on you – a prime example for me being Katkeruuden malja. When it was released as a single, it didn’t quite grab me on my first listen, but after hearing it in context on the album, it swiftly grew to become one of my favourite tracks. The soaring guitars paired with the emotive snarled vocals are amazing, and the female vocals – especially when paired with the snarled lines – add a great softness to the piece.
It may have taken eight years to follow up 2014’s Tulijoutsen – but you know what they say, good things come to those who wait. Kuusumu is a stunning piece of art, and one of those unforgettable albums you’ll keep wanting to come back to.
