KUOLEMANLAAKSO was a death/doom metal band founded in 2010 by guitarist and main composer Markus Laakso (of CHAOSWEAVER), which featured some of the most talented musicians in the Finnish scene, including Mikko Kotamäki from SWALLOW THE SUN in the role of singer. They released three albums and two EPs and eventually announced their breakup in late 2023. Their second full-length album, “Tulijoutsen,” was released on February 28, 2014, via Svart Records, meaning that it is turning ten years old today.
It is crucial to point out that the album was produced by V. Santura (of TRIPTYKON, ex-DARK FORTRESS), who provided his well-known and unique touch to the overall sound, besides actively playing on it. “Tulijoutsen” was recorded in a cabin located by Lake Saimaa during the summer of 2013, and I feel that being in that specific place had a huge impact on the band members and on the way the album turned out, as Finnish nature and folklore are among the main topics this piece of art explores. Moreover, the unconventional yet deeply meaningful setting “Tulijoutsen” was recorded in proves that sometimes an album is more than the sum of its parts: it is a state of mind, an entire set of memories, and the realization of all those smaller details that ultimately make an opus one-of-a-kind.
I do remember very clearly the first time I listened to it: I did not really know what to expect, but at the same time, I knew it must be a great album, based on their previous releases, “Uljas Uusi Maailma,” and the EP “Musta Aurinko Nousee,” released respectively in 2012 and in 2013. If compared to their debut album, “Tulijoutsen” is for sure heavier, more complex, and in my opinion also more melancholic. Kotamäki’s versatility is once again very impressive, as I firmly believe that he gave his best in KUOLEMANLAAKSO, delivering excellent clean vocals along with his signature growl and scream styles, which are nevertheless at their highest potential, so far. Each riff sounds like it was meant to be, in perfect marriage with the rhythmic section. Take, for example, “Aarnivalkea”: its opening riff seems to come from a distance, yet Tiera’s groovy drum work, as solid as it can be, immediately creates the right environment for Kotamäki’s multifaceted chant.
“Verihaaksi” sees bassist Usva as the main composer. Its eerie vibe combines seamlessly with, once again, very descriptive and evocative lyrics, resulting in a remarkable tune. One of the most representative tracks on this album is “Me Vaellamme Yössä,” which was previously released in a slightly different version on the EP. Its hypnotic, energetic main riff is catchy, straightforward, and, in its peculiar way, radio-friendly, but the overall mood of the song is as dark as the night its title refers to (it translates as “We Roam the Night,” and its lyrics are highly descriptive in Laakso’s unmistakable style). One detail that impressed me since the first listening is that moment when, on the very last chorus, Kotamäki switches to a slightly higher pitch while growling. This extreme singing style clearly has no secrets for this man, and his ability to master every shade of darkness with his voice always catches me off guard.
Track four, “Arpeni,” still sounds heavy, sorrowful, and epic at the same time. It combines an ancient Finnish myth, Näkki, with a tragic real-life event that has left a mark on the narrator’s mind and soul, or a scar, as the title suggests. The song is rich and flavorful, as it develops in different directions, yet it maintains its focus on being utterly gloomy and heavy.
“Musta” is probably among my all-time favorite songs by KUOLEMANLAAKSO, to the point that I decided to name my cat after it. She is black coincidentally (the title literally means “black” in Finnish), but jokes aside, the tune carries the band’s trademark in combining doom and death metal features in a new, personal way. The spoken-word part works as a perfect closure, as much as the fade-out.
It is said that every album by this band must include an odd song, so here we go: “Glastonburyn Lehto” is an explicit reference and homage to the cult TV series Twin Peaks, as the band members are openly and proudly obsessed with it. Composed by Laakso, Usva, and guitarist Kouta, the tune has the power to catch pretty much anyone by surprise. The hand claps, finger snaps, and any other unconventional sounds featured in the tune eventually fit perfectly in a very peculiar way, as Kotamäki’s voiceprint adds a vintage vibe, also reminiscent of Finnish schlager music, adding a weird and addictive flavor to the whole thing. I would personally compare it to the taste of salmiakki [salty licorice]: you love it, or you hate it, but if you love it, you cannot explain why. Kudos to the band for creating such a peculiar tune, so weird yet so hard to forget, in a good way. “Glastonburyn Lehto” also features Kasper Mårtenson (ex-AMORPHIS, ex-BARREN EARTH) on Minimoog as a guest, which is not a minor detail.
Closing tune “Tuonen Tähtivyö” features singer Jasmin Saarela from JESS AND THE ANCIENT ONES and JESS BY THE LAKE as a guest. It is indeed one of the best tracks on this album: Kotamäki’s slightly mellow chant in the first verse turns into an otherworldly growl that eventually morphs into a scream, proving that you cannot buy class. Speaking of: the track has a very distinctive elegance even in its heavier and harsher elements, and the epicness bestowed by the combination of keyboards, drums, and guitars is notable. The duet in the closing section sees the two singers playing with their voices in a breathtakingly beautiful vortex. In conclusion, I am well aware that this anniversary review contains quite a lot of personal insights, but this is what happens with sincere, passionate, and honest pieces of art. I feel the urge to express my gratitude to KUOLEMANLAAKSO as one of the most impactful bands I have had the pleasure and honor to listen to.
Written by Licia Mapelli
Tracklist
- Aarnivalkea
- Verihaaksi
- Me Vaellamme Yössä
- Arpeni
- Musta
- Glastonburyn Lehto
- Tuonen Tähtivyö
Lineup
Laakso – guitars, keyboards
Kotamäki – vocals
Kouta – guitars
Usva – bass
Tiera – drums
Label
Svart Records
