Background:
Marko Hietala is probably best known as bassist and the harsher voice of symphonic metal outfit Nightwish. For the first time, he has stepped out on his own with his album Pyre Of The Black Heart. The album has been available for a while now in his own language of Finnish, but he has opened it up more for English spoken fans. It is interesting to me how sweet and versatile his voice is due to him normally doing the harsher male vocals for his day job. I knew he had a good voice but to be honest I hadn’t realized how impressive it is. My humble apologies for that! The music is also quite different to Nightwish as there isn’t any symphonic stuff on the album but there is the more folky side represented. There is a mix of sounds and styles here including classic rock, metal, folk, electronic and light industrial. The songs are strong and the band he has put together is solid with each player being top class in their own performances and in what they bring to the table.
Now Onto The Songs:
The album opens with a song that was released as a single and has a YouTube video so might be known to some readers already, that being “Stones”. With an acoustic opening leading into a strong folk-rock chorus the song shows the beauty of Marko’s voice. There are moments of power metal and one little section reminded me quite a bit of early Rainbow with Dio. There is some lovely drum fills from Anssi Nykanen as the song progresses. This is good anthemic stuff. Celtic and or Viking vibes that make you punch the air and sing along. Second track “The Voice Of My Father” changes tack being more of a full-blown ballad. Again quite a folky start but heading into a sort of 1980’s pop-rock ballad especially with the sound of the keyboards on it. It is a lovely reflective song which to me suggests that he has noticed that he says the same sort of things, or gives out the same sort of advice as his father did now to his own children. The song suggests how some of the sayings of old still hold true when bringing up the following generation.
“Star, Sand And Sorrow” changes the mood and style going almost electronic with synths. Even when the guitar, bass and drums are in the mix it still has that ’80s electro vibe. “Dead God’s Son” has a touch of Leprous about it on the chorus. His voice is so easy on the ear even when on the heavier chorus. Sweet yet with an element of warning or danger.
The longest song on the album is particularly strong. “For You” sounds amazing on headphones. There is a hint of Fleetwood Mac on the opening refrain. Full of atmosphere, continuing the electronic sound including the drums in places yet having a blues guitar solo from guitarist Tuomas Wainola. This is very different from what one might expect from a member of Nightwish, as he shows his love of the wide world of music. Is there a genre for electronic blues ballads? The thing is totally hypnotic and almost otherworldly. Quite superb.
Each song seems to take a little from each other and build around it, “I Am The Way” starts just piano and vocals, a ballad that when the guitar comes in goes almost into musical theatre. He and the band are not scared to branch out in what they do. Marko could easily go into Broadway on this performance. Oh, and it has a strong guitar solo on it for good measure.
“Runner Of The Railways” is probably the closest track to his day job. A rollicking little number that roars along nicely, or more accurately like a locomotive as befitting the title. There is some Hammond organ on this bringing to mind classic Purple or Heep. The chorus is old school hard rock but still has that Viking folk metal thing at its roots. This is one of a couple of songs that sound like they have other folky instruments on them. There is no mention of other musicians so I assume that those strings or wind sounds are via guitar and keyboards. “Death March For Freedom” is another rocker, a foot stomper. One of my favourite choruses with a warm fuzzy tone from the bass (I think) under it, more Hammond sounds, guitar and drum fills aplenty and an undercurrent of threat this is a belter of a song with a fun ending.
“I Dream” takes things down a notch or two after the rockers. With his voice a tad more raspy and in quite a high register (again he does have a great range and knows what is effective for the song or lyrics he is putting out there), this ballad has plenty of character, taking its time to build before it drops back down at the end.
The album finishes on a reflective lilting piece. The song “Truth Shall Set You Free” is carried along by his voice. There are moments again that sound like strings. The acoustic guitar is sumptuous and almost classical (at one point it almost reminded me of a classical piece but I can’t think of the name of it). I was captivated almost by its simplicity and heart.
Concluding Thoughts On An Excellent Album:
It might have taken him all this time to record his own album but it is well worth the wait. Even this early in the year I can see this as a candidate for top 10 of the year. An album to put the headphones on and enjoy. The mix is excellent and each listen you can notice little touches that show the love and care that went into it. Give this a go, you won’t be disappointed!
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