Title: Viimeinen Näytös
Artist: Varjo
Genre: Gothic Rock / Post Punk
Release date: 30th April 2010 (Germany)
Label: Danse Macabre
Album Review
Upon founding VARJO (Finnish for 'Shadow') in 1996, the vocalist-guitarist Antti Lautala and guitarist Henry Waldén agreed that should their ways one day part, VARJO could no longer exist. Over ten years, several successful albums and live appearances later, VARJO had become one of the biggest names in the Finnish gothic scene. In September 2008, the band had finished a number of demo songs for its fifth album and was preparing to hit the studio, when Waldén died tragically in a fire. After the initial shock, the remaining three members of the band decided to finish the album as homage to Waldén and ex-keyboardist Sampo Lindfors who had been found dead after disappearing in 2007. The album is fittingly named 'Viimeinen Näytös' ('The Last Act') - ending the continuum of melancholic, wistful albums that had started from 'Ensinäytös' ('The First Act') in 1998.
Many bands become more approachable over time, but VARJO's music grew rougher over the years. 'Viimeinen Näytös' is taking this development further and includes several crusty tracks about paranoia and insanity. The fast and furious tracks in the beginning of the album are followed by a few catchier songs. Instrumental 'Hissi' ('Lift') is a transition to slower, plaintive songs that feature lamenting guitars, reminiscent of the 80's THE CURE. The album ends in atmospheric, slow 'Olet ehkä kuollut' ('You may be dead') that was composed during the time Lindfors was missing. The themes of loss and farewell, present even in the calmer tracks, make the album grimmer and more oppressive than its predecessors. It is hard to avoid the impression that the album is heavily affected by the personal mourning of the remaining band members. For instance one of the strongest tracks on the album, frantic 'Joku sytytti kynttilän' ('Someone lit a candle'), is sung for a deceased friend.
While there is little to complain music-wise, certain songs - such as sexual abuse-themed 'Susan' - fall flat because of inapt lyrics, but this should not bother the non-Finnish listeners. These imperfections also do not change the fact that 'Viimeinen Näytös' includes several gripping songs. The album respects and draws inspiration from influential post-punk and gothic rock bands without copying them. The album has great organic live feeling to it, but this does not come at the cost of sound and production. Furthermore, the band proves itself equally capable with edgy, fast pieces and rueful elegies. Overall, 'Viimeinen Näytös' is an outstanding last act for VARJO. Finally, a tip for those who have taken a liking to VARJO's edgier tracks but would prefer English lyrics: The three remaining members have founded a new band, post-punk inspired SILEN SCREAM, which is to release an EP and album soon!
Tracklist
01. Maalaa 5:09
02. Joku sytytti kynttilän 2:43
03. Nyt mun silmät näkee enemmän 1:49
04. Soluttautujat 2:34
05. Velka 3:14
06. Kadonneet 2:51
07. Sairaalassa 3:35
08. Hissi 5:00
09. Susan 3:30
10. Viimeinen näytös 2:41
11. Olet ehkä kuullut 8:10
Line-up
Antti Lautala - vocals, guitar
Matthew Pallasoja - bass
Jukka Laine - drums
Website
http://www.myspace.com/varjoyhtye / http://www.myspace.com/silentscrm
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10
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