Agarwaen - Dottore I

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The evolution of the Finnish Metal scene needs a Doctor’s Degree thesis to be explained, but in few words: until the end of the 80’s, nothing could be said about the bands of there (remembering: there wasn’t internet musical media back then), but as the 90’s came, names as BEHERIT and IMPALED NAZARENE started to become known throughout the world. And as the second half of the 90’s came, an invasion came from Finland to take over the Metal scene worldwide, because names as STRATOVARIUS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, NIGHTWISH, …AND OCEANS and many others came to show the power of Finnish Metal scene. Today, it’s not easy to remind, at least, 10 names from the country. And AGARWAEN is really a strong name that is arising from the underground and its strength can be felt on “Dottore I”, their first full length.

Born from the ideas of Pauli “Vryko” Hodju (who wrote all lyrics and songs), who got along with Mika Lumijarvi (from SOLAMNIA, VOIDFALLEN, and former member of ENTHRING), they created a precious Black Metal gem. It can be described as the traditional Finnish Black Metal with some Thrash/Death Metal influences, and mixed it with a strong melodic aesthetics (created by the orchestrations), but without leaving out the sharp and somber aggressiveness of the genre. The technical level is very good as well, besides it’s not their main focus. The songs are really excellent, bearing a strong and crushing energy, and hooking harmonies.

Mika produced and mixed “Dottore I”, and created a very good sound quality that able the listener to understand everything that is being played, but balancing the sound clarity with a brutal aggressiveness and some very nasty instrumental tunes (that are needed to sound as a Black Metal release). The entire album is excellent, and all the songs can satisfy every extreme Metal fan that listen to “Dottore I”. But the battering ram brutality of “The Path Beyond Existence” (very good contrasts between guttural grunts and some nasty shrieked tunes), the somber ambiance created by keyboards on “Misantrophy”, the slashing fury of the fast “Witch Hunt” (excellent guitar riffs and seductive harmonies), the sinister slow tempos of “Beautiful Flesh”, the catchy brutal melodies of “Amuku Be”, and… Better give up and hear all the songs, because their musical talent is mature enough to create something that no one can resist.

It’s only their first album, but “Dottore I” is enough to say that, surely, the future will be great to AGARWAEN, if the band can deal with their cards wisely.

Musicianship: 10
Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 9
Production: 8