Riitti

Musically, there are generally two major approaches when combining black metal with Scandinavian folk music that come to mind: that of simply attempting to shoehorn folk instrumentation against the wall of sound guitars of black metal, or the more subtle (and usually preferred, at least in this writer’s admittedly biased opinion) methodology of incorporating traditional folk melodies and theory in harmony using tools more conventional to the metal genre. Paara, hailing from the always fertile metal scene of Helsinki, falls into the latter category, relying largely on their ancestral sense of musicality within the context of their chosen instruments. Their sophomore release, Riitti, is littered with these instances. Sung entirely in Finnish, Paara pulls their heritage through a blackened sieve of haunting, insidious fog to create a mesmerizing, and frankly, captivating exploration of ghastly folklore.

When thinking of the more culturally sensible side of Scandinavian black metal, the first images that come to mind are that of heathen warriors riding into battle, or perhaps deep dives into Norse mythology and legends of old. Paara have chosen to focus more on the eerie side of folklore. According to Metal Archives (I don’t speak Finnish, so I’m taking their usually reliable word here), the band lists ghost stories as a primary lyrical theme. It fits the mood of the album to a T; from the first notes, this is an album that is saturated in a cursed melancholy. The opening track starts admittedly slow, peeking through the sounds of wind and rain like the sparks from a campfire in the trees. The clean vocals ease in, setting an enchanting stage for the dark voyage to come. While it is a long build, it is not without purpose: the payoff of “Viilmeinen Virta” is well worth it. As soon as the full fury of the guitars sets in, it electrifies the senses. Even if this is a guitar tone heard much before, Paara have learned how to wield it with a masterful intensity that completely sells the record.

Throughout the duration of the album’s four songs and 42 minutes, Paara weave a tale full of hook-filled melodies across a larger-than-life sound. When the explosive moments hit, such as in the A-side climax of “Hurmeen Hauta,” everything is pushed to the front, providing an interesting contrast to the more dynamic “softer” passages on the album. The dichotomy works in the band’s favor, largely due to the songwriting: something is always happening. The instrumental passages are driven by melodious lead guitar work to keep things moving. Drummer Waara (of Paara, sorry, I had to) provides an excellent performance, serving the songs but not afraid to throw plenty of color with well thought out and executed fills. The vocals are of particular note, the band make full use of their two singers to tell their story. Paara mixes choral hymns with chanting, soothing and sorrowful cleans, as well as intense and powerful harsh vocals that hit hard at the more climatic points of the album. The band masterfully utilize the all of tools at their disposal to fill the record with color and accentuate the tension built by the music. Fans of the vocal approach of more contemporary Rotting Christ or acts like Batushka are sure to find plenty of enjoyment in moments such as the chants that close the album on “Kuiskaus pimeästä,” bringing a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the record.

Repeat listens of Riitti are rewarding; the melodic hooks dig in quickly, herding the listener in familiar territory but with enough going on below the surface to keep things fresh and interesting. The eerie folklore inspiration of the album is transcribed so well with the music; it just feels like a European ghost story based in mysticism and mythology, despite one’s comprehension of the lyrics. Being able to pull this off alone is no easy feat, and to do it within the context of catchy and memorable melodic black metal is to be commended.

I have grown obsessed with Finnish black metal. So naturally, being the elitist asshole that I am regarding black metal in general, and my criterion for what is superior in terms of country of origin and also sub-genres, I am an elitist asshole about it. So with that said, I have about 65 LPs from Finland that I listen to regularly. Second on my list in terms of brilliance in black metal would be Norway, unequivocally. So I am going to systematically review 60+ Finnish BM albums, and number one goes Paara's "Riiti."

What sets "Riiti" apart from everyone is the admixture of acoustic segues coupled with absolutely gorgeous clean vocals. The intro sets the pace with it, and everyone 15 minutes or so you'll get a healthy dose of it, along with clean vocals over ripping black metal riffs. Melody is not sacrificed for brutality here and the result is a sonic bashing consisting of whiplash inducing classic metal riffs, the best black metal vocals in the world, the best sung clean vocals in the world, tied together with the most brutal black metal in the world.

The juxtapose is masterfully done without ever becoming clichè or wandering into Opethian territory, and the album excels on every single level from lucid production in all elements of it, to atmosphere, to songwriting in general.

Of special note are the drums. It seems to me like Finnish black metal in general all have the most skilled drumming in the world. And "Riiti" is no exception. It's a universal trait of Finnish music, and it is so impressive that it makes Alex Hernandez of Immolation fame ("Unholy Cult") look like maybe there are others on his level of mastery. The drumming is so superior as to lend an untouchable degree of musical virtuosity to Paara's masterpiece opus "Riiti."

Quite plainly it's the best drumming I have ever heard in my life, easelessly transitioning from syncopated free style jazz one moment into brutal blast beat territory the next. The use of ascending and descending toms is staple of "Riiti" and adds a dimension of repeatability which can become borderline obsessive in replay value. From the guitar riffs to the bass and drums, it musically excels in every way.

For "Riiti" has no flaws in any regard. Sprinkled throughout the entire glorious 42 minutes of musical bliss found here, there are no weak or otherwise unneeded elements. Now what makes it glorious beyond compare are the impeccable lead guitar segues and the ethereal atmosphere which are also without parallel. The production is thick, clear, multi-layered, and masterful. Catering to every transition, the production is of the clear polished variety and perfect.

At 22 minutes, you're met with an intermission followed by harmonic clean sung melodies which are followed by soaring metal leads that lead directly into the sonic brutality which defines Paara. Paara sticks with occult subject matter and darkness for their subject matter, and honestly "Riiti" evokes darkness in terms of emotional effect. I honestly think this is one of the greatest musical achievements in all modern music, I don't think it has any peers at all. It makes old school Opeth -- which I am a die-hard fanboy of -- look convoluted and unfocused in comparison.

So basically, it's the best music of all time. With infinite replayability as a trait of this LP, the virtuoso level of musicianship, melodic brutality, and the absolutely mind-blowing beauty of the clean vocals and moments: it stands as one of the finest moments in history. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. Highly recommended along with Dark Seal of the Czech Republic.

Written for www.metal-archives.com

As on their first album, Paara opt for just four songs, starting with the long 15-minute track "Viimeinen virta" and then alternating with shorter, then longer, and shorter tracks. Yet with just four songs the band manages to pack in a variety of styles ranging from traditional melodic BM, atmospheric raw BM, elements of doom and post-BM, some death metal, folk and even sing-along heavy metal pop in parts - all with an epic, thrashy approach. The music includes nature-based field recordings and a mix of vocal styles (clean vocals, harsh and grim ghost-like BM vocals) that add drama and sometimes quite intense feeling to bulk up songs. The result is often very monumental, more so than the musicians might have originally planned for! All four songs are quite hefty in their sonic range, the twists and turns they take, to the extent that they risk losing their individuality as songs, and become generic pieces showcasing Paara's style. Listening to them all can be as much an endurance test as an adventure and listeners are best advised to give this album their full attention.

In putting the epic track "Viimeinen virta" in front, Paara are risking a great deal: if this very long song doesn't hold onto listeners' attention, they'll desert the rest of the album. The song pays off though by building gradually, adding instruments and layers of sonic texture along the way, dropping in unexpected surprises and taking detours, until it becomes a virtual mini-opera combining raw BM, melodic thrash and gentle folk music. A mix of vocals - clean and grim BM, with background singing as well - adds to the song's intensity. In parts there is a strong post-BM mood: brooding and melancholy, at times filled with longing and searingly hot. The fire and energy of "Viimeinen virta" continue into "Hurmeen hauta", a more conventional atmospheric raw BM song with power, death and thrash metal influences and even some piano and synth melodies. Much of that energy goes into greater aggression and speed, and also some very punishing riffs. Yet when the song ends, the feeling left behind is not sheer exhaustion or deflation but something like restraint.

The rest of the album feels like a footnote, the songs being something of a recreation of the album's first half as they build up momentum and force again. The third track features passages of sing-along choruses - a bit of a cheap escape route in my book when you're into the difficult part between the halfway point and the final track of an album - along with lots of cold atmosphere, mesmerising lead guitar wobble tremolo solos and pummelling rhythms. While “Kuiskaus Pimeästä” does a good job finishing off the album with post-BM melancholy and regret, it does have a very commercial sound with more sing-along vocals and a quiet section where you can imagine an audience of thousands bobbing their heads and hand-clapping in unison with the tambourines.

Technically this is a very good album with great musicianship and virtuoso vocal performances. The percussion could be a bit stronger in parts but as the music is already powerful I guess there's a risk that a deeper sound could be too overpowering. On the other hand, there's not really much that is original or which other bands haven't done before, and for music that revolves around Finnish folklore, magic and ritual, the band's style can be very bombastic, perhaps too serious and over the top. Some songs could be trimmed for length without sacrificing the music's power and intense emotion.

Now that I've got the carping out of the way, I can see Paara have a clear and definite sound and style, and a lot of determination and energy on their side. They need a more original approach and they can now afford to take more risks with their music so that in future they don't have to resort to using catchy melodies and tried-and-true tactics that make their songs sound commercial and generic.