How often did the muse kiss Juha Kokkonen? The keyboard player of DARK THE SUNS comes up with genius piano melodies without cease so that every musician must turn pale because of this fact.
Embossed beauty combined with sweeping mood that gets you by the throat and a highly emotional voice not sounding weepy or far too pathetic at all – these are the ingredients of this Finnish quartet. I admit that this procedure is definitely not new but presented with freshness and enthusiasm. Consequently the ten songs featuring a right dosed heaviness flatter my ear. The first track called Reflections offers a melody that turns out to be a direct hit. Singer Mikko whispers or grunts in touching manner; in addition he is responsible for some powerful guitar chords. DARK THE SUNS remind of outstanding bands Before The Dawn and Eternal Tears Of Sorrow because of their intensity, with the difference of continuous present keyboard. I imagined that the constant keyboard play would step on my nerves, but I rather feel the other way round: every track holds a certain charm and pleases me. In further course of In Darkness Comes Beauty the guitar takes on the lead in melody every now and then.
In Darkness Comes Beauty sounds as if prettiness had become music…some riffs may be not the most inventive ones but that does not bother me in this case. Furthermore the marginal electronic influences are not annoying at all. Sometimes the guys speed up quite hefty, drummer Markus Lehtinen knows how to use his double bass felicitously and cares for the necessary punch forward. This record unites clam, heart-warming emotionality with moderate intense parts which are interweaved artfully. Consequently this album seems to flow like a majestic river, partly cantilevered gliding to be agitated by cataracts a while later.
This work offers much more besides musical allures. The CD’s design shows up very stylish, including a dark romantic cover motive and a wonderful booklet.
I certify that DARK THE SUNS recorded a very pleasing album, which does not hold revolutionary ideas but simply wonderful delight in listening.