Tarot // Review
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CD: Undead Indeed (CD + DVD) Released: 04 August 2008 |
Nightwish are one of the biggest bands to ever come out of Finland – being the first band in a long time to truly break the mainstream US market with a ton of glittering successes behind them with more still to come. Their gothic-tinged, atmospheric music is enjoyed in several metal spheres and it’s widely appreciated that each member is talented, charismatic and incredibly intelligent. So, it’s baffling to see these ladies and gents concentrate doubly on keeping this success alive than working on their other projects – some of which I believe are inherently more spectacular.
Take Tarot for example – bassist and vocalist Marco Hietala’s long standing big sister to young-in-comparison Nightwish. Despite the eight albums previously recorded and the twenty two years Tarot have been working together, it’s truly an insult to the talent of Hietala and co that so many metal fans still can turn a blind eye to the roaring, ferocious sound that has plagued the Finnish airwaves for over two decades!
Hietala takes to the forefront once and for all with Tarot – his trademark wailing heightened with eccentric riffs and complex keys. Active, dynamic, and constantly attention-grabbing whilst maintaining a clean, almost effortless sound is not an easy task as several bands in this market often think (and duly fail). Perhaps it’s easier for Tarot than other competitors outside of Finland – for this is where this sound is home, and bands like Amorphis and Swallow the Sun carry that same juxtaposition of peace and anarchy.
Undead Indeed is the second album from Tarot since their contract began with Nuclear Blast – after releasing their greatest received album to date Crows Fly Black last year. It is also their second live album – though much has changed since their last which was released back in 1994. The metal world is ballsier now; fast-paced and growing every minute. Some bands may find it difficult to keep up, but Tarot are still filled with adventure and passion – and this cannot be illustrated better than with their action-packed live shows. Filmed in native Finland, the interaction is warm and familiar – though after twenty two years of being a front man you cannot expect any less – and the intensity at a constant high.
Another solid attempt from the underdogs of Finnish power metal. Now if only Nightwish let Hietala do this more often…
Review by Kate Stulberg
Track Listing
| Undead Indeed (CD + DVD) |
CD
DVD [01] Crows Fly Black |
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