REQUIEM „Mask Of Damnation”

Music: Power Metal
Country: Finland
Website: http://www.requiem.kpnet.com/
Duration: 9 tracks (42:00)
Cool Songs: The Dying Ember, Mask Of Damnation, and Shrine Of The Ocean

What's with the Finnish Bands and me? I have no idea! Most of bands I listen to and then I decide to review, it turns up to be “Finnish”… I love Finland anyway…. “cool” country from both ways!

Requiem is a Finnish power metal band with a strong vocals and amazing players. “Mask of Damnation” is the 2nd debut album for them. So obvious why this album is considered an outstanding. The reason is not only the effort made by the band's members, whether playing or singing, but also the effort and where this album was recorded and mixed at Sonic Pump Studios just like THUNDER STORM and KOTIPELTO and also Mastered at Finnvox Studios like NIGHTWISH and STRATOVARIOUS…but of course….the members have a great part in the amazing achievement this album made.

I have to say that “Arto” (guitars) is pretty fast and professional player. Hard to be ignored, he was the first that got my attention along with Jari (drums), although the normal thing for any listener that the first one who will get his attention is the vocal, but I guess “Arto” stole the light.

I was happy to see that one of his (Arto – guitarist) influences is “Alex Skolnick”…one of my most favorite guitarist ever. Now I know from where he got this excellent playing.

The vocals is just a great one. He got a strong grip on his voice…I like his voice ranges….they are unlimited, which is something a Power metal vocalist need.

There will be no review I'll do ( or have done) without leaving few lines on the keyboardist. He is an outstaning talented guy. I was delighted to find out that Henrik Klingenberg (Sonata Arctica) was the session keyboardist on this album, actually he was the former keyboardist of this band, but he had to leave for Sonata. Henrik, Tuomas Holopainen and Jens Johansson are my top favorite keyboardists ever, but well….I guess Jukka of this band and another one called Johnny (End Of You) are my new 2 favorite.

Everyone has his own space. You can so easily enjoy each one's playing. Well divided and well timed. Every element (band member) is stunning, with a very compatible musical charm in every song.

I'm expecting much from this band…with all these talents, excelling in music, great people to work with….what else can we expect more except a “Requiemian Invasion”.

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

01. Blinded
02. The Dying Ember
03. Mask Of Damnation
04. Divine Illusion
05. Ethereal Journey
06. Shrine Of The Ocean
07. Dagger
08. The Rival's Spell
09. The Accordance (Japan)

Line-up

Jouni Nikula – vocals
Arto Raisala – guitars
Pasi Kauppinen – bass
Jukka Hanninen – keyboards
Jari Huttunen – drums