Kalmah - For the Revolution [2008]

One of the most awaited albums from this year is "For the Revolution" of the band Kalmah. The Kokko brothers (pekka and Antii) came back with their 5th album taken from the core of Finland. Kalmah were often compared to Children of Bodom but in my opinion, they sound better. Like a lot. I do not deny the similarities but Kalmah owns!
Putting away this comparison, their new album doesn't have something extremely new than the last ones. I admit it, it is better made, the elements are better combined, but practically, there is nothing new, I do not see a big progress.

The first track has the same name as the album "For the Revolution" and it is a good example of what Kalmah means. It introduces you perfectly into the atmosphere of this album and it is definetly my favorite song too! The rest of the album is based more on the guitars, very melodic, the keyboard sometimes "loses the fight" and dissappears. I have nothing bad to say about this subject. The solos and the riffs are melodic and well executed.
"Holy Symphony of War" is certainly one of those tracks on which you will party and you'll headbang if you hear it in a metal club. It is catchy, it's melodic, kinda simple, very good guitars and a perfect rythm to bang your head, maybe also because of that chorus that appeares in the refrain.
"Ready for Salvation" is a "welcomed" track on this album as it breaks the monotony between the tracks. It much more softer and in the firs 30 seconds appeares an acoustic guitar. It's like a "break" introduced in the middle of the album to prepare the listener to "gather his forces" for the next half.
"Like a Slave", the last track has an impressive number of solos and riffs, like if they managed to keep the best things for the ending.
The Japanese edition also contains a bonus track, a cover of "Arise" by Sepultura.

Even if it isn't a very old band(it was formed in 1999), Kalmah managed to become an appreciated band throughout the world since their first album (Swamplord in 2000). But if they'll work more on diversity, they will become much more interesting.