Marko Hietala, widely known for his time as a bassist and back vocalist of symphonic metal giants Nightwish, has released his second solo album titled “Roses From The Deep” via Nuclear Blast. I personally have been familiar with Hietala since his ethereally haunting performances of “Phantom Of The Opera”, alongside symphonic icon Tarja Turunen, and value his music a lot. To see him open up and release his own solo music into the metal world after his Nightwish departure, is surely exciting. This album consists of eleven tracks, each one lead on beautifully by the previous. The groove he brought to Nightwish performances is still there, more prominent than ever. His vocal lines are soft yet daunting and convey such a wide range of emotions it’s impossible to miss. Hearing Hietala’s compositions is truly a beautiful roller coaster of an experience. My personal favourite song is the self titled, “Roses From The Deep”, a ballad that’s so emotion conveying it made me tear up while hearing it. Hietala is truly a gorgeous storyteller. I would say this is what I expected but this record has truly exceeded it and I find myself longing to hear it time and time again. If you are a fan of his previous bands, I truly recommend you hear this record. It feels more personal and the connection Hietala conveys is astronomical.
♦ 10/10
Christina X
