Entwine are one of the finer bands to come out of Finland in the past decade or so. Having shed themselves of their Death Metal roots long before they recorded their first album for Spikefarm Records (1999’s The Treasures Within Hearts), Entwine delved into the world of gothic rock.Since that debut, the band have continued to evolve their sound to something completely their own – namely, dark themed, bombastic rock. On Sliver, a stop-gap EP before the release of their fifth full-length, the band are slaking the ravenous thirst of their fans for something new.
The three new tracks – “Break Me”, “Carry On Dancing” and “Still Waiting” – are all excellent examples of what the band are best at. Namely, big choruses and stirring musicianship. “Carry On Dancing” shows the band stretching their sound yet more, incorporating some new harmonies and stylistic elements that bode well for the new album. Mika Tauriainen's vocals in particular are on top form, with the rest of the band also sounding tighter than ever.
Sadly, the release is let down by the two live recordings. The energy of these two songs is no where near that of the studio recordings –often the case with live versions. The sheen and perfection of the studio is replaced by a rather limp sound. Still recognisable as Entwine, but after the perfection of the first three tracks, this is a great let-down.
With a wider appeal than HIM (yes, really), not as gloomy as Sentenced or Katatonia, better songs than most bands in any genre, and a hopelessly romantic air about them, it really is a wonder more people aren’t falling for these Finns’ music.
Recommended. Role on the fifth album proper!
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