Finnish Steel Storm

It's often mentioned how black metal has gone downhill in its spirit after the end of the 90s' Norwegian scene, and that, while there are still many musicians playing black metal, none has the right attitude to be one of its worthy spiritual successors. Enter Finland, and Goatmoon in particular, and all of the above statements are instantly refuted.

Today, we will be talking about "Finnish Steel Storm", the second full-length of Blackgoat's creature, and his best work to date. Completely packed with memorable riffing, masterful songwriting, vitriolic vocals and an unmatchable atmosphere, this masterpiece is born from an harmony of opposites, representing a transition from the band's devastating, purely raw black metal debut and the more folksy, melodic albums that followed, starting with "Varjot".

From album opener "Eclipsed by Raven Wings", to the closing "Forest of My Native Soil", the message is clear: take no prisoners. There is not a single dull or uninspired track to be found: the passion Blackgoat puts in his music is evident, and the result is nothing short of brilliant.

The guitar work is spectacularly memorable, matching melodic tremolo picking with punk riffing tò create something quite unique even for Finnish black metal standards. The folk instruments are used with great taste, adding a further layer of atmosphere which exalts the triumphalistic, epic and warlike attitude of the record.

The production is perfectly fitting, and the vocals sound absolutely spiteful and violent, some of the best to be found in the genre. Damn, even the old school album cover screams "trve kvlt"! While it's true that the general feel the album conveys is absolutely belligerent, this feel is explored in several different shades.

"Alone" is a perfect blend of folk punk and black metal, retaining a heroic and slightly melancholic vibe; folk/black masterpieces "Eclipsed by Raven Wings" and "Finnish Steel Storm" sound like real declarations of war in their epic and aggressive fashion, while "Nyt ei Kristus auta" and "Murder, Murder Glorious" radiate a menacing, anti-Christian aura, matched by both music and lyrics alike. Finally, well-executed Draco cover "Mythical Story" and the closing "Forest of My Native Soil" show us a more atmospheric and emotional side of Blackgoat's music.

There is but one verdict: "Finnish Steel Storm" is one of the absolute best black metal albums Finland has to offer, and a must-listen for any fan of black metal in its most primigenial, authentic incarnation. Get it, you won't regret it!