WHERE’S MY BIBLE have been making waves in the Finnish metal scene for years, and with “Kave,” their latest release, out on September 11th, 2024, via Blood Blast Distribution, it feels like the world is about to catch up. Since their 2018 debut album, “M’n’R,” the band has undergone significant changes, both in sound and lineup. After the tragic loss of bassist Jarno Laakkonen, they welcomed Juho Jokimies (BLAME ME!) into the fold. With this fresh lineup and a refined mix of melodic death metal, black metal, and folk influences, WHERE’S MY BIBLE are ready to showcase their growth. And honestly? It’s working.
The album kicks off with an intro that feels like you’re being lulled into a trance by nature ASMR—complete with birds, shamanic drums, and piano. It’s like they’re whispering, “Get ready, things are about to get heavy.” Which they do, almost immediately, with the first real track, “Máni.” This one hits you like a cold gust of Helsinki wind to the face—furious, raw, and very much alive. It’s the perfect album starter, especially with Jussi Matilainen‘s vocals that scream (literally) aggression, yet there’s enough melodic subtlety to make it memorable. And then? Some throat singing. Because why not?
Next up is “Fenrir,” which, as one of the lead singles, doesn’t disappoint. This track cranks up the blackened death metal vibes and throws in some atmospheric folk elements, complete with choirs that make you want to build a bonfire and summon spirits—or at least have a strong cup of coffee as we do in Finland. It’s like the band knows when to hit you hard and when to give you a breather, and this song is the perfect example of that balance.
“Suden Hetki” comes in hot with fast riffs and a drumline that builds tension before exploding into a full-on metal assault. Again, WHERE’S MY BIBLE flex their knack for contrast—there’s enough space between the chaos to let the composition breathe, making the heavy parts hit even harder. Add in some epic orchestrations and, bam, you’ve got yourself a cinematic experience. Bonus points for the ticking clock at the end, because nothing says “tension” like a ticking clock.
“Creator of the Abyss” is the album’s highlight. This one’s been lurking in my Spotify for a while, and each time it pops up, it’s a “wait, who is this again?” moment—followed by a facepalm when I remember it’s WHERE’S MY BIBLE. It’s a relentless track, with the ominous vocals adding an extra layer of “this is metal but also a little terrifying.”
There’s a fair share of folk inspiration throughout the album and tracks like “Waves” and the interlude “Musta Kuu” lean into that. The former opens with more nature sounds and a drum fill that makes you go, “Oh, this is pleasant,” before it descends into mid-paced, melodic territory. The latter is basically a throat-singing masterclass that makes you want to drink mead and howl at the moon—just your typical Finnish Wednesday, really.
The title track, “Kave,” pulls no punches. It’s a heavy one, but the real surprise here is the introduction of clean vocals by guitarist Pasi Löfgren. His voice adds a refreshing new dynamic to the band’s sound, providing a melodic counterbalance to Jussi’s aggressive growls. Pasi‘s vocals are warm and rich, which contrasts beautifully with the album’s darker tones, making the track all the more compelling. It’s a shift that works surprisingly well, adding another layer to WHERE’S MY BIBLE’s evolving sound.
As the album winds down, “Deyr sjalfr it sama” brings in guest vocalist Riina Rinkinen. You might recognize her from her work with bands like SILENTIUM, SLEEP OF MONSTERS, or T. Jarva & the Dark Place. Riina’s ethereal voice fits perfectly with the dark, atmospheric vibe of the album, adding a haunting, almost mystical element to the mix. Honestly, her vocals are so powerful that I wish they’d bring her in permanently—she gave me actual chills.
“Ghosts from the Past” pairs Riina with Pasi for a haunting duet that’s one of the most beautiful moments on the record. Pasi’s clean vocals once again shine here, blending seamlessly with Riina’s atmospheric style. The track feels like the album’s emotional centerpiece, as the aggression takes a step back to allow for a more melodic, introspective sound. It’s a softer moment, but no less powerful, and definitely one of the standouts of the record.
The final tracks, “Runo,” “Sól,” and “Aamu,” bring the folk vibes full circle. “Runo” is essentially a peaceful campfire jam—complete with a crackling fire and kantele-like strumming. “Sól” plays with dynamics, effortlessly switching from whispers to growls. And then there’s “Aamu,” which closes the album on a high note, once again featuring Riina’s vocals. I’m not used to hearing her sing in such a folky, traditional style, but she nails it. Her voice is soothing and filled with storytelling power. There’s also a beastly roar that the album ends with that gave me Jurassic Park flashbacks—probably not a T-rex, but hey, a metalhead can dream.
Overall, “Kave” is an album that feels deeply Finnish in the best way possible, without falling into the usual melodic death metal clichés. WHERE’S MY BIBLE have evolved dramatically since their 2018 debut, and this new direction fits them like a glove. With their knack for contrast, atmosphere, and sheer aggression, they’re set to make waves way beyond Finland’s borders. The world is ready, and “Kave” is the album to take them there.
Tracklist
1. Yö
2. Màni
3. Fenrir
4. Suden hetki
5. Creator of Abyss
6. Waves
7. Musta kuu
8. Kave
9. Deyr sjalfr it sama
10. Ghost from the past
11. Rahko
12. Runo
13. Sòl
14. Aamu
Lineup
Jussi Matilainen – Vocals
Toni Hinkkala – Guitar
Pasi Löfgren – Guitar
Juho Jokimies – Bass
Teppo Ristola – Drums
Label
Independent/Blood Blast Distribution
