Soulcage are a Finnish five piece that are set to embark their brand of metal onto the UK public. As many music enthusiasts may know Finland is a country that loves its heavy metal, and have produced some fine bands. So will Soulcage be good enough to join the elite?
Like a lot of heavy rock music there can be moments of predictability and lazy comfort but these guys have managed to nullify that with a fantastic performing energy and ability that many other bands struggle to achieve.
Opening track 'Flaming Flowers (Send In The Clowns)' is as catchy as they come, the guitars and vocals shooting out with lightning speed. It would be a very good choice to release as a single in the UK due to its radio friendly sound. It is head and shoulders above anything bands like HIM are capable of. Second track 'I See' is a more clichd affair, rather forgettable bar a few good guitar crunches. 'My Canvas, My Skin' again has some great guitar work and grows into a very good song, with great keyboard work as the song builds to its finale. Whilst 'Ride On' is nothing to shout about 'Until You Find Me' is a well structured song with its heart (and harmonies & keyboards) firmly in the 80's. It's another highlight and would make another great single. 'Satellite Children' is musically the best song on the album, with stripped down acoustics and sorrowful keyboard work. Some of the lyrics are a touch trite but it's easily forgiven for such a great piece of music. The next three songs. 'Bleeding', 'Origin' and 'Stranger In You' are all just good old school metal rock fun, plenty of growled lyrics and great guitar/key work. 'You Get So Alone' is a great rock anthem in every sense. Guitars are blazing and the drums batter through a furious lyric. It has the hallmarks of a live classic. Album closer 'MIA' is a damp squib of an ending, especially after what preceded it.
Overall the album is a great piece of entertainment, with a few exceptional songs and a few dodgy ones. Soulcage are definitely a Finnish import worth investing in.