TWLIGHTNING „Plague House Puppet Show”

Music: Melodic Metal
Website: www.twilightning.net
Duration: 46.54 (20 songs)
Cool songs: Plague House, Victim of Deceit, Fever Pitch, Into Treason

Initially things don’t start out too well for this band. First impressions for me went something like this: Terrible name, terrible cover art, terrible album title, and terrible band? The first three descriptions I quite comfortable with – their name is truly awful, their cover choice is abysmal and the album title is almost as convoluted as their name. Fortunately for the band, I can’t bestow upon them the last one. As much as the earlier misdemeanors might suggest they deserve it, Twilightning are not the worst you’ll hear this year.

Formed in 1998 in Imatra Finland, Twilightning’s original line-up consisted of four members: Tommi Sartanen (grr/vrr), Ville Wallenius (grr), Jussi Kainulainen (brr) and Juha Leskinen (drr). 2001 brought a major coup for the band as Heikki Pöyhiä was added to line-up as a lead singer. ‘Plague-House…’ is their second album and highlights the band strong emphasis on the ubiquitous EURO power metal sound. Yet, despite the generic style that the description implies, there are some subtle differences with Twilightning.

The most important difference is their traditional/80’s hard rock/metal vibe they embrace throughout this entire disc. Be certain, they don’t do anywhere near enough of it, but the classic feel of melodic metal bands like TNT and Bonfire are instantly identifiable. Add a the more modern metal crunch of Children of Bodom, Angel Dust and the good power metal half of Sonata Arctica and you’ll start to get an idea of where Twilightning are coming from.

‘Plague House..’ is a wickedly melodic metal album. The happy power metal vibe is abound, but nowhere near as overdone as Sonata Arctica might attempt – it’s more riff inspired with tasty lead work that recall the 80’s gone by, plus some decidedly catchy chorus work. Backed by a killer and most typical Finnish production (I’m guessing Finnvox?) and there is much to like. I’m even partial to the variation they employ via a couple of power ballads that don’t sound quite as cheesy as they might suggest. Overall, this is a much more impressive album that I thought it would be. It has some truly catchy melodic metal moments on it. Longevity wise, it probably doesn’t have the legs for a near on 50 minute album, but nevertheless most fans of crunchy melodic metal will find plenty to enjoy.

note: 7.5/10

Tracklist

1. Plague-House Puppet Show
2.Into Treason
3.The Fiend
4.Victim Of Deceit
5.Painting The Blue Eyes
6.In The Fervor's Frontier
7.Fever Pitch
8.Diamonds Of Mankind
9.Riot Race
10.Lubricious Thoughts