I have been waiting for more music like this for a long time. Maybe it's cause I'm old, but I really get into the traditional metal, and as far as I'm concerned, there is not enough of it out there. MORNINGSTAR hails from Finland of course, and this is their 6th and most powerful full-length to date. "Finnish Metal" was recorded in 2003, and released in 2004; but many of the songs here were written in a period from '99 to '02. A traditional three piece, the sound here is surprisingly full and robust, all three instruments giving their 'all' in a medley of doom-laden hard rock. Speed never moves past mid-tempo, and the overall mood is dark and cold. I can almost feel the arctic wind blowing while I drag my kill across the fresh snow.

The guitar here sounds like a cross between "Day of Reckoning" era PENTAGRAM and from a more modern point, OGRE's "Dawn of the Protoman". As a matter of fact, OGRE is an excellent comparison, as many of these songs could find a home on that very disc. The drummer is excellent, many fills, rolls, and cymbal choices as opposed to the same tired sound at the end of every measure. Although subdued, the bass sound is present in the mix, but has a little too much 'follow' to it. I wish it would break off from the guitar a little more often, and kind of do it's own thing. Vocals here are of the gruff/melodic variety, a little like Tom Warrior and perhaps Tony Dolan (from ATOMKRAFT). Songwriting and arrangement are square in the NWOBHM camp, some changes, and a lot of verse\chorus\verse stuff.

Lyrically, "Finnish Metal" is quite entertaining, and I was quite pleased that the vocals were clean enough for me to make them out. More in the fantasy vein and very metal-for-metal's sake, the title track has one simple line, "Finnish Metal". "Die Hard Rocker" tells the tale of amps made in hell by the devil himself. Hey, can I get one of those for Christmas? Is there a website? Satanstacks.com?

Well my Christmas list just got longer, cause I have got to pick up some of MORNINGSTAR's previous releases. Perhaps not the most original band, but their skill and execution are impressive enough to find their way into my CD player. My only complaint is that the disc is very short, clocking in at only about 35 minutes. Even more old-school than I thought! I am really hip on this disc, a welcome addition to my collection, and earning a berth into my "favorites" cabinet. Don't let this one pass you by folks, get 'em while they're hot. I'd love to visit Finland, but maybe I'll wait for spring.

- Murtaugh

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