Many people who know about Aslak Tolonen know of his neofolk project Nest, which also features Timo Saxell.  Agalloch fans that know about Tolonen know of his artwork for Ashes Against the Grain.  Now, Tolonen has formed a project with Andy Koski-Semmens from Ereipia in the form of Syven, and if their debut is anything like the first album Aikaintaite (roughly translated, meaning “the passage of time), then Tolonen has one more accomplishment on his hands.

Make no mistake, Syven is similar to Nest.  However, where Syven differentiates itself is that it takes on more of a Shamanistic sound, with more rhythmic chants.   The songs themselves are slightly easier to get into, yet are also just as easy to get lost within.  The electric guitar is more evident, as it wails with the Shamanistic chants, and though it provides something different, there is also hints of Nest within the sound, as the kantele (a traditional Finnish string instrument) is evident throughout the album.  Attempting to dissect the album by song is next to impossible, as it is with most neofolk albums.  The music itself is fairly balanced, as the electric guitar has as much involvement as anything else on the album.  The vocals have a surprising amount of range, as it can go from chant-like droning to a low, traditional black metal growl that isn’t overdone. 

Syven has some differences from its neofolk brethren, but it still manages to create some of the most beautiful music in any genre.  Like most neofolk albums, Aikaintaite is an album that is best enjoyed in a specific setting with the right elements.  Syven is not for everyone, but when the mind is shut off from deep thought, it just connects with the listener.  How it does that, words cannot accurately describe, but only a thorough listen can unlock the secrets within Aikaintaite.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1. Syvyys
2. Jäljet
3. Ne Jotka Selviävät Talvestamme
4. Jäänkätkemä
5. Tuulenvire

Total playing time:  66:36

Release Date: February 17, 2012
Label: Vendlus Records

Syven - Aikaintaite

Reviewer: Peter

February 1, 2012