Album: Guerilla Fighting Method
Artist: Valerian
Year: 2007
Format: CD
Genre: [Rock-alternative]
Overall Rating: 9.0
Music: 9.0
With the release of their sophomore album on the label City Canyons Records, the Finnish Rock band Valerian continue to grow musically and fine tune their sound. Their sound is reminiscent of the rock bands from the 80’s but Valerian has added their own unique style to that genre. Valerian hails from Helsinki, Finland, a city with diverse musical talents and where Valerian has effectively proven that they are not just another Finnish band but a band with real talent that should be recognized for their music, not based on their country of origin. They have won the honor of contributing to a Guns N Roses tribute album “It’s So Easy” with their own rendition of the classic GNR song “Mr Brownstone”. The outstanding and extremely talented musicians of Valerian include: Olli Koskela – vocals ; Janne Jääskläinen – bass; Tipi Andersson – drums; Toni Ritonin – guitar; and Matti Tolvonen – guitar & backing vocals. On their latest album, Guerilla Fighting Method, their music has evolved and illustrates their growth from their sophomore album “Intimations of Sorrow”.
It has been nearly 3 years since Valerian has emerged on the US music scene with their album “Intimations of Sorrow”. “GUERILLA FIGHTING METHOD is the third album from Valerian. While the band’s first album under the City Canyons Record label, INTIMATIONS OF SORROW, was hailed as a glam metal influenced classic, the Finnish five go in a somewhat different direction this time, blending such influences as Guns n’ Roses with post-Nirvana alternative rock and the social and political awareness of a Bruce Springsteen.–quoted from City Canyons Records website”. Over the past three years it has become evident that they show a definite evolution in their sound and will continue to grow together as a band as the years continue to pass. The songs on “Guerilla Fighting Method” are definitely worth the 3-year wait for new material from the band. With their in-your-face attitude and powerful riffs they illustrate their incredible skill in providing hardcore and entertaining music. Whether or not you are a fan of Valerian, you will find something you love about this cd.
The band has an uncanny ability to entice and draw the listener into their songs. Each track leads well into each other and at the end of the cd you are pleased that you didn’t get another crappy cd with bullshit songs. You never get that bored feeling and you are eager to listen to the cd over and over again. With song titles such as “Fugitive”, “Hard Done By”, and “Reservoir” you are exposed to their signature style and range. Olli’s vocals keeps you right on the edge of your seat and gives you the feeling that “ROCK HAS NOT DIED!!” His powerful voice eloquently portrays the message within each song.
Would I recommend this cd to others? Yes! Why? Valerian proves that their sound constantly evolves and keeps getting better right before our own eyes and ears. They are not your typical glam rock band hailing from Finland, they are a “REAL ROCK BAND” that works hard and their effort has proven to be sucessful. I look forward to seeing what they have to offer us in the near future and anxiously await to see them perform one day here in the States.
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July 26th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Hell yeah!