Upon the first listen of Kalmah's latest release They Will Return, the obvious comparison to Children of Bodom immediately enters the mind. Also from Finland, Kalmah incorporate many of the same melodic time signatures, frantic guitar inlays and extraordinary keyboard deliveries as fellow countrymen Bodom. The difference being, that after repeated listens to Kalmah's, They Will Return. They seem to embody a certain finesse that just sits better with me. It could be the use of the keyboard or the actual lack of use. Whereas Bodom's Janne Wirman fills every measure with as many notes as his overbearing keyboard can muster. Pasi Hiltula tactfully combines stealth musicianship with skillful attacks and well thought out impression. His actually mix is not so "in your face" as Wirman's either, this could be another significant reason as to why I just like Kalmah more.
They Will Return begins with what sounds like someone walking through a bogged down swamp. (What's up with Kalmah's swamp fascination) Slowly a melodic intro fades into light, then out of the depths comes a large scream from the throat of Pekka Kokko to enforce that Kalmah have indeed returned. The overall formula within the first track Hollow Heart and basically the complete record, combines a mid-tempo to full on blastbeat bash that showcases every member's superior attributes. Whether it be the raspy gut growl of Pekka Kokko or the broad of Janne Kusmin's premium performance behind the kit, Antti Kokko's absorbed rhythms and vicious forthright thrash style lead playing, either way you look at it the combination is lethal from beginning to end.
Here we find yet another brother combo filling the shoes of the master-axe barrage of pain. While Pekka Kokko handles vocal tactics as well, his guitar contributions are as merciless as if guitar was his only contribution. The brothers Kokko deliver what is quickly becoming a Finnish standard in dual guitar deliveries. Insane rhythms, and clinically proven insane lead styling.
Musicianship of intrepidity and grace, what more can you ask for.
Bottom Line: Kalmah have indeed matured and returned with a release that will turn heads. The arpeggios are plenty, the blastbeats thick, the vocals bruise, and keyboards that persevere emotion. The only factor I could do without would be the last song that is a Megadeth cover, Skin O' My Teeth.