Finnstrumental!
Aaahhh, Finland, home to many talented musicians and now our Finnish cousins Apocalyptica are seeing in 2020 with a unique and vibrant creation with ‘Cell-O’. It is an instrumental record y’see my friends, there are no words (except a few at the very end), there is no voice, there is no predetermined road you are travelling, ideas are not visible, thoughts and emotions are left to run wild and free with the music.
This is innovative and intriguing, not governed by political, socio-economic, societal, familial perspectives, but maybe something even more rudimentary, even more nuts and bolts, nascent, yet full of potential. We tap into qualities and open doors that we never knew existed, I would liken it to losing one of your senses, and I don’t mean to be flippant or frivolous, as the other four have to adjust and accommodate that loss.
The title track begins at a slower pace and then charges forward at 1.19 and it’s all guns blazing folks, the overall feel is thematic and quite cinematic too. The progression here is like tiptoeing through a lush meadow, graceful and elegant, not wanting to damage or dirty what is naturally beautiful, this is the gentle and dreamy effect of ‘Rise’.
The control panel has been left unattended my friends as we are free to consider the endless possibilities when no words have been written. In ‘Call My Name’ I sense a desire to be noticed, to be appreciated, but it is a wish that is concealed close to your chest, not letting anyone near. We experience red hot flames dancing blissfully along icy surfaces, each oblivious to the others power and capabilities, instead they add magic and mystery to the verglas. On ‘Scream For The Silent’ we are presented with a mega riff at 4.04 which leads us gleefully to the end of the track, boundless, generous in its creation and execution.
It is a ‘Catharsis’, a rejuvenation following the heartbreak and hideousness of our lives.
Witness the inherent strength and power of music, lose yourself in its vitality and jump into the cascading waterfall to determine your fate. A staggeringly melodious finale in ‘Beyond The Stars’ certifies the artistic integrity and work ethic needed to produce this stunningly crafted collection.
This is clean, uncorrupted quality material, do not approach with unwashed undercrackers, I’m warning you.
Apocalyptica – Cell-O out now via Silver Lining Music