Verikaste - Verenvirta

Before diving into the review, I want to extend a huge thanks to Blackmetal Promotion for introducing me to this formidable band. I aimed to get this review out sooner, but a few other projects were in the pipeline. Thankfully, today's the day it's finally finished!

Normally, I'd say I wouldn't cover every track on an album, as it could easily turn into the ramblings of a madman. However, since Verenvirta is an EP with a concise runtime, I'll highlight some strong points from each of its five tracks.

Tuhat ruumista: This track throws you straight into the mix without an overly long introduction, hitting hard with a very cool 4/4-styled beat. There's a lot going on rhythmically, with many added kicks and snares as the song transitions into a more methodical tempo. Verikaste demonstrates an excellent grasp of pacing, knowing exactly when to shift instrument speeds to introduce sharper riffs, like the one that kicks in around the 2:50 mark. This segment is executed remarkably well, and kudos once again to Varjo, the drummer, for those punctual gallop beats on the double bass pedal. Another enjoyable touch was Raaka's drawn-out scream at the 3:59 timestamp, which incredibly lasts for 11 seconds—what an awesome vocal delivery!

Valheen siemenet: The opener for this track features a super impressive drum fill that genuinely sounds like thunder. In my opinion, this song leans a little more towards the melodic side, providing a refreshing change of pace. The track boasts some pretty catchy tremolo-picked lines on one or two high strings, allowing them to truly ring out. I particularly love the part at 1:30 when the tempo shifts from traditional black metal blast beats into a more chunky, headbanging-friendly style of playing. Even the vocals transform here, moving from a slicing black metal tone to a more guttural and growling technique, which perfectly complements the music's direction. Overall, this song was very interesting and easily one of the strongest on the EP.

Synkkä virta: This was, without a doubt, my favorite song for many reasons. I feel that the band has absolutely nailed this sound, and I wholeheartedly hope to hear them play more in the style of its introduction. It's incredibly tight, rich with melody, easy to move to, and evokes a strong sense of triumph. The deep, embedded chords in this song are incredibly powerful, firmly rooting the track's general atmosphere. A really cool moment occurs at the 1:53 mark: if you give it a listen, you'll hear what I consider the coolest guitar melody on the EP—one I simply can't stop humming. This approach by Egrim, the guitarist, truly showcases his ability to seamlessly transition from a vicious style to a more tranquil one with beautiful melodies on the fly. I also really appreciated the use of the awesome intro as the chorus; I was thrilled to hear this section return, with added detail and an extended duration. I genuinely believe that if the band continues to create songs like this and stays on this path, they're bound to gain significantly more exposure. This truly feels like their signature style, and they should explore it further.

Interlude: As a massive fan of atmospheric black metal, this track came as a lovely surprise—a welcome break from the madness. There seem to be quite a few guitars at play, creating a very cool "interlude" of passages, each going in its own direction yet all fitting the same ethereal vibe. I really enjoy the use of ambient elements in the background; it contributes to a mystically alluring feeling. Credit is due for how it transitions from melancholy to something quite dissonant and devilish before fading out, providing a smooth segue into Luotipää.

Luotipää: While "Synkkä virta" was my personal favorite, I believe this track truly showcases the band's musical prowess and their amazing ability to craft great soundscapes. This song is a host of all their techniques. A massive shout-out to how the section from 1:57 onwards turned out. As I mentioned in the "Synkkä virta" breakdown, I strongly feel that this band is at its best when they transition from a catchy tremolo-picked part (with blast beats) into a super groovy and easy-to-move-along-to section. It's incredibly catchy and is when the band sounds the most "clean" and "easy to hear." This track was definitely on par with "Synkkä virta."

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Verikaste has truly nailed a very cool style of black metal, which is always a pleasure to hear. Each musical contribution shapes an album that sounds both beautiful and haunting. Verenvirta is home to many catchy melodies, riffs that make you want to move, and super precise drumming that lays a solid foundation. Raaka's vocals are also particularly impressive, delivering raw, intense screams and guttural growls that perfectly match the song's energy and shift seamlessly with the music's dynamics.

This EP is one I'd happily give a SOLID 8/10. I feel like the band has a very promising career on the horizon if they can refine a few more aspects. The production, to me, was a bit mediocre. With a strong production, mixing, and mastering team behind them, we'd truly be able to experience the full impact of their diverse sound. Sections like the intro and chorus of "Synkkä virta" and parts of "Interlude" offer a glimpse into how consistently potent and crisp the band's sound could be if more attention was given to how the instruments and vocals sit within the mix. It feels like the overall vocal mix, rather than Raaka's performance, could use some fine-tuning to make his powerful delivery even more prominent.

9-10: Exceptional

7-8: Good, Great

5-6: Average, Decent

3-4: Fair, Mediocre

1-2: Poor, Subpar

Grading system.

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