Band: Kalmah
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Discography: "Swamplord" (2001), "They Will Return" (2002), "Swampsong" (2003), "The Black Waltz" (2006), "For The Revolution" (2008)
I listen to metal because of its variety and high standard playing (at least in good metal I mean). Other reason is that I can find an album, band or subgenre to make me company in any mood I'm in any particular day. Especially I love the bands that when listening to them turn the day a better one.
One of such bands is the extraordinary Kalmah, the lords of melody. Every time I listen to one of Kalmah's albums I feel just like moving, like getting into action and a smile blossoms in my face. It is such the energy and optimistic feeling this band projects that it can cheer me up just in a second whenever I'm feeling down.
These great musicians are from Finland and melodic death metal is their field of action. But this is not Gothenburg style shit. No, this music is unique so I won't get into sound-alikes. Kalmah´s music is base on memorable lead melodies in every single song accompanied by powerful rhythm guitar and bass, energetic low growls and amazing drumming.
The leadership in the melodic discharge is shared by the lead guitar and the keyboards in perfection. Pasi Hiltula is one of the best keyboard players in metal, taking the lead not only in the melodies but also in the soloing. He's known for previously playing in the equally awesome death metal band Eternal Tears of Sorrow and played with Kalmah in the first three albums (he was replaced by Marco Sneck in "The Black Waltz" and "For The Revolution", who delivered a good performance).
Kalmah´s music is fast paced (although you can find quiet songs like "Moon of My Nights"), grandiose, catchy as hell and complex. You'll find yourself humming their songs and you'll get hungrier for more after every spin. All of their albums are perfect (no bad songs or fillers), although my personal favourite is 2003´s "Swampsong".
So if you are feeling blue, weary and unhappy and you need a shot of optimistic energy Kalmah is a very good option. You won't be able to stand still, impossible!! Since the first notes you'll feel like banging your head and the depressive mood will be swept away.
Download Kalmah´s discography here
Download "For The Revolution" here
Song: "Evil In You" from "Swamplord"
[music: A.Kokko, lyrics: P.Kokko]
The time is right you and I
We will fight the final battle
Gone away the bond of passion
Death of faith, left aggression
We sworn the oath, now it is broken
Gone away with deception
I'll root out the nest of rebellion
Wage of sin, total subjection
The ancient law from the old union - obedience !
In the face of judge you regret
Sue for mercy before the creating
Remove the one for me to end
Only way to endless purity
Now you find the path of rightness
Opens the gate to deepest openness
True peace in the place of paradise
Will decay
Whiplash, flowing tears
Resumed respect
Supreme power
Beats the evil out of you
