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Review By Glen Parkes

Legendary musician Marko Hietala is back, and he’s bringing Roses From The Deep, an album as expansive and textured as his storied career. Scheduled for release on February 7, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records, this collection is a testament to Hietala’s ability to blend decades of musical experience into a cohesive and captivating whole.

Marko Hietala has long been a name synonymous with excellence in heavy and symphonic rock. Whether you’ve followed his journey as a founding member of Tarot, a cornerstone of the supergroup Sinergy, or a key figure in the symphonic metal powerhouse Nightwish, you’ve likely felt the seismic impact of his music. From delivering thunderous bass lines to venues like Wembley Arena to captivating audiences at Rock in Rio, Hietala’s contributions to the genre are undeniable. Now, with Roses From The Deep, he carves a new chapter in his illustrious career.

The Roots and the Rebirth

Listening to Roses From The Deep feels like stepping into a lush, sonic garden, where every track blooms with its own distinct personality. While some might liken the album’s sound to classic rock titans like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Alice Cooper, it’s far from a nostalgic homage. The album pulses with a fresh, contemporary energy, blending Hietala’s signature melodic bass lines and evocative vocals with modern production and inventive songwriting.

Marko has assembled an exceptional band to bring this vision to life. Tuomas Wäinölä’s virtuosic guitar work, combined with his synths and programming, adds layers of complexity, while Vili Ollila’s Hammond organ and piano inject soulful depth. Anssi Nykänen on drums anchors the sound, bringing precision and power to every beat. Together, they create a soundscape that feels both timeless and thrillingly current.

Track-by-Track Highlights

The opening track, “Frankenstein’s Wife,” sets the tone with a thunderous riff and a haunting narrative. It’s a bold introduction that showcases Hietala’s knack for storytelling and his ability to craft anthemic rock.

“Left On Mars” ventures into progressive territory, with intricate time signatures and a spacey atmosphere that echoes the cosmic themes of isolation and exploration. The layered instrumentation here is nothing short of mesmerizing.

“Proud Whore” delivers a biting critique wrapped in gritty, blues-infused rock. The track’s raw energy and unapologetic lyrics make it a standout moment.

With “Two Soldiers,” Hietala slows things down, offering a poignant ballad steeped in melancholy. The combination of Ollila’s piano and Hietala’s emotive vocals creates a stirring experience that lingers long after the track ends.

The aptly named “Dragon Must Die” erupts with fiery intensity, its galloping rhythm and searing guitar solos reminiscent of power metal’s glory days.

“The Devil You Know” brings a darker edge, with lyrics that delve into existential musings, carried by a sinister bass groove.

“Rebel of the North” pays homage to Hietala’s Finnish roots, featuring folk-inspired melodies woven into its heavy framework. It’s an anthem of defiance and pride.

“Impatient Zero” ramps up the tension with its frenetic pace and pulsating synths, capturing a sense of urgency and chaos.

“Tammikuu,” the Finnish word for January, is an atmospheric instrumental that feels like a winter’s night come to life. The track’s sparse yet evocative arrangement showcases the band’s ability to paint vivid auditory landscapes.

Closing the album, the title track “Roses From The Deep” is a sweeping epic that encapsulates the album’s themes of resilience and renewal. Hietala’s vocal performance here is nothing short of breathtaking, as he channels raw emotion into every line.

Final Thoughts

Roses From The Deep is a reminder that Marko Hietala remains one of the most innovative and compelling artists in rock and metal. From its lush instrumentation to its poignant lyrics, this album is a masterclass in musical storytelling.

Tracklist:

  1. Frankenstein’s Wife
  2. Left On Mars
  3. Proud Whore
  4. Two Soldiers
  5. Dragon Must Die
  6. The Devil You Know
  7. Rebel of the North
  8. Impatient Zero
  9. Tammikuu
  10. Roses From The Deep

Verdict:

Marko Hietala has delivered an album that’s both a nod to his roots and a bold step forward. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to his music, Roses From The Deep is an album you’ll want to experience again and again. In a word: brilliant.

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