NEVER SINCE

Scarlet Thread is a Finnish band which has made three albums, the first 2003, the second 2006 and now the third one 2013. They seem to use some qualified person to do their covers because they're very nice. This one for example is like a children book illustration with a bird coming out of an egg in the sea. I like the colours too. The Scarles Thread orchestra is made up by Jani Timoniemi (guitar), Sami Hiltunen(guitar), Erja Pätsi(violin), Here Nivukoski(drums) and Janne Tuovinen(bass). The guest musicians are Mari Vuoritie (vocals), Pekka Elsilä(flute) and Pasi Hiltula(keyboards)

When I started to listen I really enjoyed the sound of this band. "Dark world" opens in a good way, with a heavy rock sound with violin and guitar playing a folk influenced melody and a flute is added later. Then comes the vocals and I am not pleased with that vocalists participation. She seems to sing out of tune and a little bit squeaky. So without vocals I would have been more satisfied than now. First track is the best because of its folk melody(8/10) which reminds me of Steeleye Span. The second best track is an instrumental: "Instrumental agony" which rocks sweat and crazy(7/10). Otherwise the songs are enjoyable in some ways but the vocals destroy a lot, in my opinion.The vocal reminds me of the female voice of Swedish Kaipa which I don't either like. I shake my head and wonder additionally why she doesn't sing in Finnish, her native language? I have no idea why this music is called folk. I would have called it crossover prog.

What you'll find on this record is nice instrumentation in a progressive way and you'll really enjoy som of the vocal-less parts. The record is even and doesn't contain any bad track but I wouldn't recommend more than a couple. Three stars to Scarlet Thread!