Remember the early 2000s metal scene? It was a time when Finnish bands like Children of Bodom, Kalmah, and Norther dominated the airwaves with their unique blend of melodic death and power metal. But here's the thing: that sound never truly faded away. Enter Suotana, a band that’s not only keeping this legacy alive but also evolving it in exciting ways. And this is the part most people miss: they’ve been quietly crafting their sound since the mid-2000s, with their latest release, Ounas II, proving they’re only getting stronger.
Ounas II is a masterclass in songwriting, seamlessly blending melodic death metal, power metal, and hints of black metal into a cohesive and thrilling experience. Think of it as a Finnish metal feast where Children of Bodom’s influence reigns supreme, but Suotana adds their own twist. Founding members Ville Rautio and Pasi Portaankorva wield dual guitars with a classic ’80s flair, as heard in tracks like “Winter Visions” and “Twilight Stream.” Meanwhile, their melodic power metal touches evoke Stratovarius, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Tuomo Marttinen’s harsh vocals are a standout, delivering a frosty, vicious edge reminiscent of Kalmah, while Tommi Neitola’s keyboards add a symphonic layer that occasionally rivals Wintersun’s grandeur—without ever feeling overdone. Tracks like “The Crowned King of Ancient Forest” and “1473 Ounas” are prime examples of this balance.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Ounas II is part of a two-part concept, a risky move that often leads to bloated, uneven albums. Yet, Suotana pulls it off with remarkable precision. Clocking in at 39 minutes (compared to Ounas I’s 41), the album avoids the ‘B-sides’ trap, feeling tight and purposeful. Each song, from the energetic “Foreverland” to the intricate “Twilight Stream,” showcases growth in production, depth, and variety. And let’s not forget their cover of Children of Bodom’s “Hatebreeder,” which serves as a fitting encore, paying homage to their roots while standing on its own.
Suotana’s journey has been long, but the payoff is undeniable. Their songwriting is sharper and more dynamic than ever, blending catchy melodies with extreme metal elements in a way that feels both familiar and innovative. In many ways, they’re the melodic death metal counterpart to Moonlight Sorcery’s power/black metal prowess—both bands excel at delivering big riffs, melodic intensity, and keyboard-driven grandeur. While Ounas II shines as part of a back-to-back experience with its predecessor, it’s equally impressive as a standalone release, a testament to the band’s versatility and vision.
Thought-provoking question for you: Is Suotana’s approach to blending genres a refreshing evolution of Finnish metal, or does it risk losing the raw edge that defined the early 2000s scene? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Tracks to Check Out: “Winter Visions,” “Twilight Stream,” “The Crowned King of Ancient Forest,” and their stellar cover of “Hatebreeder.”
