Kaksonen comes from Äänekoski and started gaining
attention with their first album “Universumin Kuningas”. The group, Antti Lähdesmäki, Ville
Koskivaara, Tuomo Rinkinen and Miika Vainio, approach heavy music with an
interest in human nature and the strange contradictions that follow us around.
Their second album “Valo Olento”, translated as “Being Of Light”, continues
that focus. The lyrical world moves between the darker parts of the human story
and the things that lift us up, creating a constant pull between harsh reality
and everything that makes life worth taking seriously.
“Valo
Olento” uses that idea as a guiding thread. The music shifts between aggressive
thrash driven attacks and slower, heavier passages that carry a more reflective
tone. Kaksonen push themselves into a
broader palette this time, as if they want to capture human struggle from
several angles instead of sticking to one emotional direction. The riffs move
with confidence, the drumming keeps the material grounded and the vocals, shared
by different members, give the album a raw personality. The production keeps
the sound direct and sturdy, so the heavier parts land with force while the
calmer stretches can breathe a little without losing shape.
As a whole
“Valo Olento” works well. It has grit and emotional weight, it stays true to
the band’s identity and it shows growth compared to their previous release. It
does not break into the top tier of Finnish underground metal, although the
ambition is clearly there. What the album does deliver is a solid experience
built with honesty, energy and a clear artistic direction.
Kaksonen is
moving step by step, expanding their sound without losing themselves. “Valo
Olento” is a strong second chapter and gives enough hints of what this band
might achieve if they keep pushing forward. Anyone into Finnish heaviness with
thematic depth will find plenty to appreciate here.
Score: 7.0
https://www.facebook.com/kaksonenband/
No comments:
Post a Comment