Release:

Svart Records / Cargo
23.11.2012

Info:

"I am a brother to dragons, and a companion for owls." - Job 30:29

As they say, life will find its way. Named after one of the lowest, driest and hottest places on Earth, Kuolemanlaakso (”Death Valley”) took its first breath in the Spring of 2010. The band originally started out as a one-man project of guitarist Laakso (Chaosweaver). Much influenced by ”Eparistera Daimones” of Triptykon, Laakso’s mission was to create an utterly dark and heavy album, full of catchy hooks and originality: a tragically beautiful world all its own.

It was clear from the start that the lyrics would be recited in Finnish. They were inspired by Eino Leino’s (1878–1926) poem collection ”Helkavirsiä,” the mystique of the Finnish forests, and the morbidity of the modern world.

The feedback from an unreleased four-song demo recording was so overwhelmingly positive from fellow musicians that Laakso decided to recruit some of them and thus make Kuolemanlaakso a fully operating five-head outfit. And not just anybody, but some of his favourite bandsmen: vocalist Kotamäki (Swallow the Sun, Barren Earth), guitarist Kouta (Chaosweaver, ex-Verjnuarmu), bassist Usva (Elenium, The Nibiruan), and drummer Tiera (Discard, Cult of Endtime).

The band packed their bags in February 2012 and flew to Woodshed Studio, Germany, which is operated by none other than V. Santura of Triptykon and Dark Fortress fame. Santura not only co-produced, mixed, mastered and engineered the crushing debut album, ”Uljas uusi maailma” (”Brave New World”), but he also provided guest guitars on five tracks on it – upon his own request, as he liked the material so much.

So, here it is, Kuolemanlaakso’s first step into darkness, ”Uljas uusi maailma,” for you to check out. Life has definitely found its way. A very, very dark and heavy way.

Tracklist:

1. Minä elän (”I live”)
2. Kuun lapset (”Children of the Moon”)
3. Nostos & Algos
4. Roihusydän (”Blaze Heart”)
5. Etsin (”Searching”)
6. Ikiuni (”The Eternal Sleep”)
7. Uljas uusi maailma (”Brave New World”)
8. Aurinko (”The Sun”)

Line-up:

Vocals – Kotamäki (Swallow the Sun, Barren Earth)
Guitar & keys – Laakso (Chaosweaver)
Guitar – Kouta (Chaosweaver, ex-Verjnuarmu)
Bass – Usva (Elenium, The Nibiruan)
Drums – Tiera (Discard, Cult of Endtime)