Worth mentioning

I have many friends and acquaintances who create things. They create sounds and images, words and tastes, chills and thrills. I feel ashamed, for I have not spent a single word on this blog to praise and share the creative works of my friends. That changes now.

This weekend the winners of the Finnish Metal Awards were announced at the Finnish Metal Expo held in Helsinki (see the FME site  for winners and top nominees). I was dismayed but not surprised that Turisas won a bunch of awards with their newest album, which in my opinion was boring and repetitive and certainly not worth the attention they received. I was expecting to at least see Moonsorrow in the top-ten lists, for their "Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa" was one of the best albums and probably the best Finnish album of last year.

I was, however, overjoyed when I noticed the top newcomers of 2011. Of the ten bands mentioned I must mention two. First, there's Brymir, who made it to seventh place. I have followed their progress since they formed in 2006, as half of the original line-up consisted of my old classmates. They are all extremely talented musicians and I'm sure the band will continue to develop and create even more epic soundscapes in the future. Here is one of my favorite songs from their debut:

Second is Constantine. They were chosen the best newcomer of 2011 and they've certainly earned it. Although I have only had the pleasure of knowing the band for less then two years, during that time I've seen them perform plenty of shows and each time I have been blown off my feet. When they announced in 2010 of their new record deal, I new something great would come out of it. I'll let the music speak for itself:

Congratulations to both bands! As a personal reward for them, I shall finally go through and send them photos that I've taken from their gigs during the past two years :D

They come in peace!

Sorry for the long silence... needless to say, I've been busy. So have other people, as I have an outstanding movie trailer to share... The long wait is almost over and the theatrical trailer for Iron Sky is here! Please enjoy and spread the word: THEY COME IN PEACE!

The beach-season is here!

From the activity on Solstafir's Facebook page over the couple of months, I'm sure I wasn't the only one waiting for this to come out. And when it did two days ago (Jan 17th), I for one thing, forgot to post it here. I'm not that much into music videos, but this one's a real treat. The imagery and landscapes of Iceland is breathtaking and the mood absolutely heart-wrenching. A must see for anyone. ANYONE!

No-sleep-jazz

I'm back home and just when I thought my sleeping rhythm had adjusted, I end up rolling about in my bed for around six hours with no sleep. Anyway, I arrived in Finland on Monday and spent two nights in Helsinki, before heading back north. It was snowing for the entire train-ride and kept snowing until today. It's winter here, finally. Cold, white, winter.

A friend of mine was in Japan for new years and happened to link a song by the deceased Jun Seba, aka Nujabes. Some might've run into a mediocre anime series, Samurai Champloo. This man was behind the music. This is not the song linked or one from the anime, but it is a stunning example of what jazz samples can accomplish in the hands of a genius.

Only the wind remembers my name

Over three weeks in the US. The journey back home starts tomorrow. We had some local military officers and their families over for dinner today and I must say I'm done with small talk and other superficial bullshit for at least a couple of months. What I really need is a silent, freezing winter night, so I can walk in the woods, breathe in the cold air, feel the night inside me and be one with it. I miss you, home, the place where the quiet ones dwell.