1. Ghost, 2. Mardness, 3. Plead My Guilt, 4. Red Wine Sleepless
Kimmo Savilampi, a producer, guitar player, singer and DJ who's also a musician in the Swedish band Harlequin Park came out with a mighty solo EP in 2012. Not only did he compose the songs based on both traditional and modern metal arrangements, but he also made a lot of his authentic ideas come to fruition by putting them in the music.
Unending Hearts contains a track-list that includes 4 brand new, high-energy and professionally composed songs featuring "Ghost" as the opening of the EP. The first thing you may notice when listening to the track is how rhythmic and compelling it sounds. You may find segments somewhat reminiscent of Megadeth, Testament as well as Ministry in the substance of "Ghost" thanks to low, edgy, looped guitar riffs that are mixed with slightly more contrast due to being created by very passionate and skilled guitar player. You can enjoy both metal and rock vibrations spliced with heavier, partially screaming and sometimes growling vocals. The dynamics of the choruses truly bring the image of a machine gun rotating on a rack and sending bullets all around its axis.
On the other hand, the tempo of "Mardness" is slower so the song sounds heavier. Wisely thought out arrangements and repetitions create a lively composition based on low tuned rhythmic guitars and additional drum beats. What's most important, professional growls mixed with a regular voice in the vocal tracks create a powerful connection. You can also hear graded, virtuoso guitar arrangements which are characteristic for both the progressive and heavy metal genres. Kimmo toys with moods by bringing out these heavier melodies once aggression strikes.
Graded guitar riffs along with non-intrusive, although solid rhythmic sections make "Plead My Guilt" a particularly good candidate to have hit potential. It brings with it the most heavy metal virtuoso soloing, but also a spiral of constantly spinning dynamics. "Plead My Guilt", even with a bit of growling vocals is probably the most hooky song on the entire Unending Hearts EP.
The final, shortest track called "Red Wine Sleepless" is an instrumental song, however it is very complex and potent. Diversified soloing which is tightly stitched to rhythmic guitars and drum beats move along the track. Later, the composition broadens to create more space, but also the rhythm slightly slows down. Still, you can enjoy hard rock soloing when the heaviness begins to dominate and come through. The ending segment of the song is a tasty dish for anybody who appreciates solid and vivid guitar playing.
Swedish metal musicians have been world famous for their intense music and intelligent song writing. These usually include arrangements which are required to be utilized in terms of rock or metal genres, but often contain their own genuine additions too. These ideas allow for the bands to be pleasing for listeners who are oriented towards new talent as well as fans who prefer to hear a more classical approach in music. Kimmo Savilampi's Unending Hearts solo EP will definitely satisfy a wide circle of audiophiles.
(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, January 12th, 2013)
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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine