Kotipelto, front man for power metal chasers ’ Stratovarius’ and Liimatainen one of the founding members of Finnish epic band ‘Sonata Arctica’ have decided to get together and play some live gigs. However, it was the fans that decided they should make an album. This then turned into an idea to just sell CD’s at gigs. But their label got involved and made it much bigger..

The album Blackoustic was made….

There’s quite a simple yet catchy acoustic riff for the intro track ‘Sleep Well’ It’s almost a little too cheesy and melodic, enough to get a baby to sleep. However, the vocals are superb, showing off exactly what the Europeans have to offer; High wails, ball squeezing pitches and the backing entwines beautifully with the lead. ‘Out in the Fields’ offers something with a little bit of punch to it, again the vocals you can’t grumble with and the delicate little finger picking is simply beautiful!.

Being a big KISS fan I noticed what appeared to be (as I read) a cover of Black Diamond. However, I was wrong; it was a cover of the Stratovarius song of the same name.. (I’ll scrub off the Paul Stanley make up now then). Fortunately though, the track is catchy as hell with serene vocal harmonies and had my feet tapping throughout.

Yes, I was right on this one.. Pete Townshends ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ cover and yes of course they did a better version of it that Limp Bizkit’s Fred “The Pratt” Durst. Again the vocals cannot be knocked, and the graceful riffs all through are perfect for the track. ‘Hunting High and Low’ somehow didn’t cut the mustard with its acoustic version though; I felt it needed more depth and well, some awesome electric guitar!

‘Where my Rainbow Ends’ and ‘Speed of Light’ are a little slower to the previous and adds a more darker and depressing feel to the album. Yet ‘Perfect Strangers’ offers some impressive, heavy riffing but fails to win me over without much harmony to the blend which is a shame with it being a Deep Purple cover.

‘Coming Home’ is neither a good track nor bad… the simple riffs and the vocals are a little bit sketchy on this one, maybe he’s pushing it a little too far?  I was quite glad when this track was over.  Saved by the track ‘Serenity’ off Kotipelto’s solo album; with the original and almost (which sounds surprisingly) good out of key vocals in the chorus… blinding stuff!

Moving on to end the album with ‘Karjalan Kunnailla’ obviously this one’s not English, possibly making you want to end the album there, however, listen on and enjoy some beautiful Finnish bloke serenading down your ears… obviously for the ladies only…

OK, so not the most exciting of albums. It seems like two chums have got together between recording their own stuff and decided it would be fun to have a little jam together. As much as I enjoyed some of it, it definitely will not get bought by me. Three listens later and its bored me to death!

(5/10 Charlene Rance)