On the face of it, this one sounds right up my street and possible other people’s. Finnish trio Šamane specialise “dark halls of cold alternative rock, grieving tones and mesmeric soundscapes”. “Solstice” is their third album release.
The minimalist deep drone to start puts us in a dark and mysterious place. Further gloom envelops us on “Se Itkee Sadetta” (It’s Crying Rain). A haunting voice appears through the fog, accompanying the slowly-beating drum. It is as if we are drifting around in space. “Solstice” is like a distant cry from an alien and wondrous place. The voice once again spreads mystery. The drum beats steadily. The guitar plays a repetitive tune, providing a constancy like a clock ticking or a heartbeat. There’s an Arabic feel about the mysterious air, enhanced by the use of the oud on this work. “Tiedon Väri” (The Colour of Knowledge) adds to the gloomy atmosphere with its lush and deep notation. It’s quiet, cold and maybe frightening in its isolation.
A spaced-out drone introduces “Kolme Kohtaloa” (Three Fates). The lady utters her message. The soundscape and progression have an element of Blut Aus Nord about them, but this is not industrial. It’s a dark, dreamy world of obscure shapes but also one of morbid majesty. The final piece is “Minun Ketoni On Täynnä Liljoja”. The guitar is restrained and distant. The voice appears through the gloom and we’re floating on air. Šamane evidently see no need to change the mood or direction so we are hypnotised before it floats away into the space they have created.
It is very noticeable that Šamane don’t waste energy or complexify their world. “Solstice” is about dark and mystical atmosphere, and my word it is haunting and effective.
(8/10 Andrew Doherty)
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