VÄISTYY MIELEN YÖ

One of Finland's most revered prog folk bands of the 21st century, VIIMA ( translates as 'Wind" ) formed at the turn of the millennium in 1999 in the western city of Turku but it would require seven more years for the band to record and release its debut release "Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta" ("Thoughts From Around The World") which was released in 2006. It would take three more years for the sophomore followup of "Kahden Kuun Sirpit" ("Two Moon Sickles") in 2009 and then the band seemed to drop off the face of the world as if it ventured too close to the Bermuda Triangle and sucked into another dimension. Well perhaps that was what really happened but whatever the case, many artists are returning in 2024 after lengthy absences and so too as VIIMA with its long awaited third released VÄISTYY MIELEN YÖ ("The Night Of The Mind Recedes.")

Amazingly the band mostly retains the cast of musicians that were featured on the 2009 album. Once again VIIMA features Hannu Hiltula (vocals, soprano saxophone, flute), Mikko Uusi-Oukari (guitar, flute, keyboards), Mikko Väärälä (drums) and Aapo Honkanen (bass) with only newbie lead vocalist / keyboardist Risto Pahlama replacing Kiimo Lähteenmäki. Time may have passed but the band has lost none of its magical mojo as it continues its unique concoction of symphonic prog, folk rock and traditional Finnish folk music. VÄISTYY MIELEN YÖ features five tracks of varying lengths with a total playing time of 44 1/2 minutes. The band while inspired by Finnish legends such as Wigwam, Tasavallan Presidentin and Haikara also showcases influences from many other non-Finnish artists and delivers a dynamic array of diverse tracks.

The opening "Tyttö Trapetsilla" ("Girl On Trapeze") is the perfect track to announce the band's triumphant return some 15 years later with an energetic folk rock number with an upbeat tempo and a clear nod to classic Jethro Tull with Hiltula's sizzling flautist skills. The track crafts an instant lovability and then once VIIMA sucks you into its vortex of scrumptious Finnish prog rock (all lyrics are in the Finnish language), unleashes the monstrous prog behemoth "Äiti Maan Lapset" ("Children Of Mother Earth") which at nearly 19 minutes is almost half of the playing time on the album. The tracks alternates with feisty guitar driven rock sequences to softer folk laden passages and mostly remains on a sensual seductive mode throughout its run. The use of soft Canterbury jazz keyboard runs evokes a bit of the warmth of classic 70s sound but keeps everything grounded in the world of modern production techniques.

The tracks just keep getting better really. "Pitkät Jäähyväiset" ("A Long Farewell") offers not only the usual folk rock approach but also rocks those classic Canterbury keys and provides one of the most memorable keyboard solos of the entire year! Likewise it must be mentioned that this music is made all the better by newbie lead vocalist Risto Pahlama's excellent vocal style and Finnish language lyrics. The Finnish language is utterly unique in how it sounds and makes an excellent base for musical lyrical expression. Who cares if i don't understand it! I don't care about most lyrics anyway! "Perhonen" ("Butterfly") starts as the mellowest track on board but picks up steam with strong melodic developments, a beefy bass groove and a nice serieprogressive workouts. "Vuoren Rauha" ("Peace Of The Mountain") offers some spoken word poetry and the band's namesake, some wind (VIIMA). Beautiful piano lines and seductive grooves allow the track to slowly ratchet down the beautiful procession of folky prog rock. The album ends with gusts and zephyrs from the heavens above.

VIIMA is one of the better modern prog folk rock bands in the 21st century. This band has perfectly adapted the melodic warmth and stylistic immediacy of the classic bands of the 70s with the modern day world of crystal clear production and atmospheric accompaniments. While many bands attempt to make a comeback only to sound washed up and devoid of ideas, VIIMA seems primed and ready for round two of its so far less than fruitful career. Of course 15 years is a long time to craft an album but apparently this band was using its time wisely to manifest the golden gem that this new release presents right down to every last detail. What i love most about VIIMA's new sound is how well Pahlama's vocals fit in with the musical deliveries. Many prog bands consider vocalists a mere afterthought which often ruins the experience. This band has considered how every member interacts and composed accordingly. One of my favorite albums of the year. Erinomainen!