SAMMAL – Myrskyvaroitus
- Posted on 02-07-2015
70’s progressive rock continues to thrive, especially when younger musicians create their own ideas from the well of Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, and others. Welcome to Finnish act Sammal, who return to the scene with "Myrskyvaroitus". They sing in their native tongue, and musically you’ll get a lot of jam-oriented progressive rock – guitars and keyboards working in tandem, a rhythm section that maintains the groove and foundation while the vocals are clean and psychedelic/ spiritual in nature.
Expect a production job that matches the old-school, analog feel – the hum of the amplifiers, the buzz of organ tones ringing out, drums that are not triggered or sampled are the norm for Sammal. Exemplary respect for the arrangements and loads of musical interplay makes this 9 track, 48 minute record very enlightening – Emerson, Lake, and Palmer comes to mind on personal favorite "Muurahaisen päiväuni", if taken through a carnival turnstile, while "sulle haavan tein" showcases more of their slower, bluesy-oriented side. The final song "Herätkää!" is also the longest at 10:04, incorporating some pitch bending organ antics as well as quieter, introspective acoustic guitars, and even cowbell action that make this very dynamic from a softer to fun-loving perspective as the musical roadmap moves forward.
Open minds to progressive rock- or fans of 70’s progressive music in general – Sammal is another band to add to your growing list if you want to hear the current generation pay homage to the early roots of the movement.