I do like it when band members have names referring to professions… Finnish trio Vainaja are comprised of The Gravedigger, The Cantor and The Preacherman, pseudonyms apparently derived from a notorious Finnish cult of the 19th century, though whether this is truth or myth is unclear. Delivering all lyrics in their native tongue, there are few decipherable clues from the content of Kadotetut(Svart), the outfit’s debut album.
A lovely, lilting acoustic intro, accompanied by choral and orchestral risings, really sets the opening scene for a bloody heavy blend of Death and Doom metal. The ensuing ‘Väärän Ristin Valtakunta’ possesses the funereal style of Ophis, a granite-crumbling growl and crunching, slithering riffs crawling through the murk, keys only occasionally lighting the way to a death canter. Gravedigger‘s drums pound and echo magnificently, aided by a swerving crunch of a riff on the staggering ‘Kahleiden Kantaja’, the swelling keys adding to the drama.
The eerie ‘Verinen Lähde’ is a mix of crashing, leaden noise interspersed with the hushed breaks of a lost, frightened soul searching for a way out of haunted catacombs, all brought home by the ever more impressive and dictatorial drums. There’s a similar template to the ensuing ‘Risti Kädessäni’, the lead howls almost plaintive, the scything roar scouring the soul and the ominous closing chant almost pure black and offset by hammering riffs. Displaying the invention there’s a quiet, almost nonexistent start to ‘Vimeinen Tuomio’ with delicate cymbals opening a path to b-horror movie chords and keys so effective that when the titanic riff hits in you’ll wet yourself. The ensuing terror is a curious, unsettling yet magnetic experience.
Much like the band themselves, this is arcane and mesmeric, if occasionally meandering. You’re sometimes on the point of wondering where it’s all headed until a blast of raw power or unbridled emotion grasps you by the lapels. Closer ‘Kadotettu’ is such an entity, a tolling bell occasionally woken, directed by a growing, growling riff, sparing drumbeats and harmonised choruses, intermittently flecked with a heart-breaking lead.
Occasionally bewildering but always strikingly impressive, Kadotetut will keep hauling you back for more without knowing exactly why…
8 / 10
PAUL QUINN