ALKUTEOS

-- First review for this album -- Alkuteos is the 16th studio album by the Finnish rock band CMX. Since my relationship with the band is very firmly based on the relatively melodic, pop-rock oriented era of the 90's, for me it's slightly hard to see them as Prog Metal. Sure, either "prog" or "metal" is often present to a varying degree, but not necessarily simultaneosly. Have to admit I haven't much followed their later era which is perhaps more metallic in general. According to the frontman A.W. Yrjänä this latest album contains more prog nuances than the preceding ones Mesmeria or Seitsentahokas, and more machines were used. There's also a metallic edge to many of the songs, while the prog heard here isn't epic or symphonic in the least.

Yrjänä, the much respected lyricist and [a published] poet, wants to ask questions such as "What is freedom? What makes the soul sing? Is there such thing as sin?" The first track 'Elementa' sounds quite metallic. 'Paratiisin Eeva' (= Eve of Paradise; the lyrics are of the Devil's point of view) resonates nicely with the classic (I mean 90's) CMX sound. Very good production by the way. The keyboards and programming are by the co-producer Erno Laitinen. Strangely named 'Konx Om Pax' is a highlight with its sonic allutions to the band's "prog magnum opus" Dinosaurus Stereophonicus (2000). 'Verenpuna' (= Blood red) is balanced between melodic pop and hard-edged rock.

'Sulaneet muovisotilaat' (= Melted plastic soldiers) is a relatively calm and moody song with a sophisticated, synth- oriented sound. The next track alternates dynamically between metal and melancholic alt-rock, or something like that, and the likewise 6-minute title track with its Latin-language intro has both metallic angst and the more esoteric approach. This polarized dynamics could be compared to bands such as HAKEN, but don't expect the similar progness. Even though Alkuteos won't enter my list of CMX favourites, especially from the Prog Metal point of view it is a strong late-era album in their large discography.