The Finnish symphonic/melodic death metal band, Eternal Tears of Sorrow is back and stronger than ever with their latest album entitled Saivon Lapsi via Massacre Records. With the line-up of Altti Veteläinen (vocals/bass), Jarmo Kylmänen (clean vocals), Jarmo Puolakanaho (guitar), Janne Tolsa (keyboards), and Juho Raapana (drums) returning, this marks the first album with new lead guitarist Mika Lammassaari. This is also the band’s third album since their return back in 2005. Having been four years now since Children of the Dark Waters (2009), anticipation was extremely high among die-hard fans for new material.
Savion Lapsi is introduced with “Saivo”, a brilliant track taking you into a mystical tale. Excited to hear what is next to come, you sync right into the dark atmosphere. Suddenly as the intro dissipates you are hit with the heavy track “Dark Alliance” with its gothic enchanting lyrics, crunching guitar of Puolakanaho, and entire instrumental melody. Veteläinen’s vocals are executed with a satanic force leading into an ambient conclusion. “Legion of Beast” enters with a great guitar riff and strong symphonic melody. On this track the play between the guitar and drums have a fluctuating rhythm as Veteläinen’s voice is dark and full of powerful screams. Lammassaari’s guitar solo during the instrumental break builds momentum, showing no weakness, and ending the track on a heavy note.
On the other hand, “Kuura” starts off very slow with an acoustic sound then slowly builds into a heavier instrumental track towards the end. This is another display of the talents Lammassaari brings to the band. The instrumental interlude suddenly cuts into “Dance of December” with distinctive drumming by Raappana, heavy vocals of Veteläinen, and powerful guitar riffs keeping everything in unison. The song peaks halfway in with heavy chanting followed by another strong guitar solo by Lammassaari, making the entire composition flawless with a harsh ending. The 6th track “Day” has a definitive symphonic opening blends chanting and dark grunting vocals with lyrics that are fearfully dramatic; conveying a message about human suffering.
The most dream-like track on the album is “Sound of Silence” with a theatrical rock opera opening and catchy chorus, which is very different yet effective. The atmosphere picks up from here with a great symphonic opening on “Beneath the Frozen Leaves”. The opening pans into a dark and heavy sound with a powerful melody and tempo changes. The tempo bounces back and forth slowing down during the vocals and picks right back up in between. With its dark guitar riffs and eerie melody, the song is very catchy and perhaps the best of the album.
Continuing our journey, soft piano opens “Swan Saivo” which breaks into the band’s dark and heavy roots. Tolsa’s keyboard playing truly shines on this track, complimented by Lammassaari’s solo midway through, transforming into a harsh melody between rhythm section. It’s also on this track Veteläinen’s harsh vocals and clean singing of Kylmänen mesh perfectly for a nice change of pace. With “Blood Stained Sea”, a heavy intro sets you directly into the song and you will be asking for more. Continuing the wonderful blend of clean and harsh vocals, the cleanly sung chorus brings melody to the lyrics while satanic chanting abruptly comes to an end. This leads us into the last track on the album entitled “Angelheart, Ravenheart (Act III: Saivon Lapsi)”. The song starts off with dramatically morbid vocals and a slow demonic and heavy sound while maintaining a great melody. Raappana’s drumming is magnificent here with constant changes of pace, keeping you enthralled as you scream for more. Heavy instrumentals close out the song and wraps up a near flawless album.
Eternal Tears of Sorrow have shown that four years was definitely worth the wait for Saivon Lapsi. There is not one dead-end track on the album; keeping you engaged, entertained, and enlightened throughout. The flow is impeccable, baring little to no weakness, consistent in style, story, and emotion. If you are a long-time fan of Eternal Tears of Sorrow or a newcomer we recommend you go out and buy Saivon Lapsi, you will not be disappointed. CrypticRock gives Saivon Lapsi 4.5 out of 5.
- Massacre Records
Written by Zenae Zukowski
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