Fuel for the Fire

I am a power metal apologist; there is simply no getting around it. I don’t like the term because after 10 years or so of not only listening to, but also composing songs in the style, I do not feel the slightest need to apologize for anything. However, in metal company I often stand alone amongst a large collection of thrash purists, death metal bruisers, and black metal ghouls, defending my sexuality for my passion for the perfect symmetry that results from this style being done right, I am ultimately seen as that.

Anyway, like any metal head of any persuasion, I am equally as revolted by the notion of musical integrity being compromised in the name of commercialism, though commercial success itself does not necessitate this. So when I heard that Finland had its own version of the Idols concept that has been plaguing America like a rotten apple filled with genital-devouring tape worms and that some karaoke bar veteran managed to win this putrid contest singing Maiden and Whitesnake songs, I was half curious and half terrified at what my ears were about to witness. Was this an actual metal head winning over a crowd of pop culture zombies, or some no talent with good looks who sang a couple measly glam rock songs to differentiate himself from the pop/rock trash he shared the stage with?

I have to admit when I first heard Ari sing, I thought the guy was 17 years old and had yet to reach puberty. His voice is extremely boyish, to the point of making me remember those old Latin choir chants from the middle ages that I studied in college music history where they used children instead of a mixed gender choir to achieve all of the needed voice registers. Stylistically he is a mixture of David Coverdale, Timo Koltipelto and Marko Hietala, all of them done fairly competently, although the thin tinge in his voice drags down what is otherwise a fairly competent performance.

The songs on here are mostly standard faire Stratovarius worship with an injection of NWOBHM guitar riffing sensibilities. Although there is considerably less keyboard presence on this album, a good comparison would be with acts such as Dreamtale, Ultimatium, “Starfall” era Dragonland and even post 2002 Mob Rules. “I fly” and “God of War” are the best musical representations of the lead happy guitar approach that is entailed in all of these similar acts, although along with most of the other material on here, conforms a good deal more to the radio friendly AOR structure of verse/chorus and so on.

The principle factor that keeps this out of the realm of drudgery and total mediocrity is the A-team of musicians who contributed their chops to this project. Timo Tolkki’s wild yet idiomatic leads are easily recognized and succeed in surpassing his sluggish work on Stratovarius’ lackluster self-titled album, although doesn’t quite shack up to the splendor heard on “Destiny”. Janne Wirman’s keyboard work, though surprisingly sparse, also plays a key factor in adding the needed flash to keep some of these predictable songs interesting.

When I consider how saturated the Finnish scene has become with Stratovarius emulators, it’s difficult for me to give this a glowing recommendation, even though it listens pretty well for a debut by a newcomer who didn’t quite get the same road experience that most in this trade do before getting signed. Bands like Dreamtale and Dragonland pull this style off far better than this, not to mention that if you’re an American you have to blow a whopping $33 to get this sucker imported. Perhaps Ari will improve with time; your guess is as good as mine. And hopefully Ari will find a different label than Sony who won’t gouge prospective western hemisphere buyers in amounts comparable to highway robbery.

Ari Koivunen is the young man who won the Finnish 'Idol' series for 2007. Before he made it to the show, he had also won the 'Finnish Karaoke' Finals for 2005 and placed 3rd in the 'World Karaoke' Championships in the same year. Ari sung his way to the Idol finish line by covering songs such as “Hunting High And Low” (Stratovarius), “Full Moon” (Sonata Arctica), “Here I Go Again” (Whitesnake), “Still Loving You” (Scorpions) and “The Evil That Men Do” (Iron Maiden). So after winning 'Idol', this is his debut CD, entitled ‘Fuel For The Fire’.

Many Finnish metal band members have contributed material to Ari’s CD, including Stratovarius’ Timo Tolkki, Tomi Putaansuu from Lordi, Marco Hietala from Nightwish/Tarot, and Tony Kakko from Sonata Arctica. The CD’s end result is a great mix of European melodic metal with Koivunen superb on vocals. The songwriting is also a stand out, as it should be, with many wonderful songwriters lending a hand to create this CD.

Musicians who recorded in the studio for the CD, and who plays live when Koivunen tours, comes from such metal bands as Kotipelto, Children Of Bodom, Thunderstone, Tunnelvision, Warmen and Olympos Mons. I must say these musicians did a fantastic job, having to come together for a project such as this. The guitar work, drumming and production are 2nd to none, and I've been left greatly impressed.

As far as the vocals go, Ari Koivunen is a very talented young man who will have a long career in the music industry. He has great range with loads of emotion, which flows out from every song on the CD. His voice ranges from the soft and mid-range, to the emotional high notes which he breaks out during the choruses. Most of the songs are very well done and quite catchy too, and I've been surprised that I enjoy this CD as much as I do. Koivunen covers everything in the release, from mid-paced tracks, to soulful ballads, and a couple of fast and heavy rockin’ tracks.

There are quite a few tracks on this CD which really took me by surprise and got my foot tapping and my head banging. IMO, the best track on the CD has to be “Our Beast”, which is musically the heaviest track on the CD. Still melodic metal, with a touch of power metal, this mid-paced killer absolutely kicks ass. The chorus is very catchy and powerful and is vocally for Koivunen, his strongest and most emotional effort. I believe the song was helped along by Marco Hietala, as there is a strong similarity with Tarot’s sound. Another fantastic track would be “I Fly”. This track has Stratovarius written all over it and I wouldn’t be surprised if Timo Tolkki contributed to it. It’s a soaring, emotional fast track, with Koivunen really showing off his vocal abilities. There is a great keyboard and guitar solo in the middle of the song, which really lifts this track and keeps you pressing the repeat button.

Other standout tracks on ‘Fuel For The Fire’ include the title-track “Fuel For The Fire” which has a Thunderstone feel; the rocking “Don’t Try To Break Me” with its 80s rock feel; the catchy “Hear My Call” (which you can currently see the video of on YouTube) and “Heartstealer”, another fast and catchy track with Koivunen’s vocals the standout.

After many spins of this CD, I am still left very impressed and still surprised at the amount of talent this guy has. His debut CD is excellent and anyone who is a fan of melodic heavy metal or fans of any of the above-mentioned bands, whether similar/in comparison to, or who’s members helped out on this release, will certainly enjoy ‘Fuel For The Fire’. Great job, Ari Koivunen. I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more of you in years to come.