None of the info sources making a mention of it, I have no idea of when this extraordinary Finnish Noise Rock quintet was founded. In fact, there's not a lot of info on the band on the Internet at all, but here's what I dó know...
In 2011, the quintet of singer/ lyricist Esko Lönnberg (a shady-looking character with a beard which seems to put him on the other side of his '60s in age), guitarists Jussi Lehtisalo and Mika Raeviki, bassist Eatu Henttonen, and drummer Tuomas Laurila self-released a now completely sold-out self-titled lo-fi demo tape with three lengthy improvisation tracks (more about that later) through Ruton Music. Now originally, I though that it must've been this demo (possibly in connection with attendance of local shows), which attracted the attention of the label, but that was before I got down to actually writing this review, and noticing that Jussi Lehtisalo is one of the members. I mean, that's the founding member of Finnish band Circle, isn't it?...and, I've done a review on the band's latest album, which was posted only recently (July 14 to be correct!). Darn, does that guy gét around! But anyway...a fellow with such a rich history as Lahtisalo (and of the latter part a lot in collaboration with Ektro) was certainly not gonna have much trouble getting a deal?
And so it happened that, at the end of 2011, the original version of this album (11 tracks) was put out on a limited vinyl edition in collaboration with Svart Records, in an attempt to penetrate the markets of Finland's neighboring countries, using the awkward catchphrase “The most Swedish Noise-Rock of today comes, most surprisingly, from Finland”. Was the music too surprising or uncompromising? Was a wrong vehicle (vinyl) chosen to make the break-though? Who knows...fact it that the album never quite broke waves. Until now, perhaps, because this re-issue on CD will obviously find a much larger market.
Containing the original 11 tracks (with a length between 1:51 and 4:08), the CD also includes the 7:13 bonus track “Liemannen”, and the demo talked about above (3 tracks with a total length just over 38 minutes). Now, to start off with the demo...ain't it surprising what they call “lo-fi” these days? Obviously, in spite of all the improvisation (through wacky overdrive distortion and feedback), the songs must've had sóme basis to 'em, and the bass and drum provide a perfect foundation for the two guitarists to let go upon. The singer waits for the appropriate moments to go though his lyrics with a voice that is part wail, part spoken word, definitely quite hoarse...and the fact That I don't understand a word he says (due to my complete lack of knowledge concerning the Finnish language) gives that part of the music an exotic touch which is very pleasing to yours truly! Truth be told, those recording sessions sound like having happened after a serious bong party, because in spite of all the improvisation, there's still structure underneath, and one can hear that the musicians behind the music are in fact darn good. Something which is proven with the shorter-length material of the Aquila Helvetos Asfaltos album. Funny detail : although the label uses “Noise Rock” to describe the band's music, and while the largest part of it indeed concurs to that description, there's an angst and intensity in the music which had me feel the band had an Hardcore background (a feeling enhanced by the conceptual lyrical content of the album, which deals with the ill fates of a kid of a broken immigrant family living in Stockholm). Obviously, I was wrong. No matter though, because the music is not only somewhat hypnotic, but also quite catchy and addictive (I mean, I've held off doin' this review, because usually, having done a review means a separation...as other stuff is awaiting my attention, you know!)
For your earful of Slussenanalys (okay, I knów I mentioned not understanding the language, but that word must mean 'end analysis', right?), surf to (www.) ektrorecords.com, and scroll down the page until you come across the album's announcement. 3 songs of the (original) album await your listening pleasure there. Of course, I strongly recommend you simply go out to your local record store, and buy the album! Whatever you've got to pay or it will be well worth the 78 minutes of music you get in return! Yeah dudes & dudettes, we've got a winner for the year-lists here...even if I'm a bit confused about which year I should place it under! Gee...I find myself eagerly anticipating the band's next outing! Absolute top rating!!!