This is quite the surprise release by this relatively new Finnish seven piece. There's an immediate atmosphere here that's both unique and captivating -- a retro heavy rock psychedelia that doesn't sound quite like anyone else. That said, the Finns obviously pull their musical inspiration from the likes of Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy and Mercyful Fate as is evident on numerous occasions throughout the album. There's also a slight hint of early Metallica found here and there, although it must be stressed that this isn't a metal album by any stretch. Frontwoman Jess has a great sounding voice, although it seems to lack power in some areas, most likely a result of the vocals being slightly dimmed in the mix. There's a touch of a feminine Patrick Dubar in her voice who, for those of you who don't know, was the extremely underrated vocalist of '90s hard rock band Mindfunk. For the most part this album is upbeat, driving stuff, with incredible musicianship on display -- from the Maiden/Lizzy pummel of "Ghost riders" to the "People are strange" vibe of "Devil (in g minor)" and the subdued Opeth-prog of closer "Come crimson death" -- and almost perfect pacing throughout. It's an exciting body of work with a powerful production that hints at bigger and better to come from these occultists. - John Norby
Avant-garde Metal is not too impressed with the self-titled debut from Finnish occult-rockers Jess and The Ancient Ones: http://avantgarde-metal.com/content/beyond2.php?id=180
Sad to say that I'm in agreement; they're a good sounding band on the surface, but it's far too safe sounding and the songs are lacking. puts out a ton of amazing releases, but this is not one of them.
Excellent Finnish occult rockers Hexvessel have announced that their sophomore album will be called "No holier temple" and will be released on September 5 via , both on CD or 2LP. And speaking of Svart, their latest release from similarly-minded act Jess and the Ancient Ones is streaming in full now via Terrorizer: http://www.terrorizer.com/blog1.php/2012/05/22/terrorizer-stream-jess-and-the-ancient-ones
' upcoming release schedule is bonkers -- in addition to the new Beastmilk and Hexvessel 7"s, as well as the "Dawnbearer" 2LP repress, they've also got like 5 new releases coming out every week from May through June. Here's the Finnish/Scandinavian highlights:
05/09 - Sähkö-Isku - Sata kaljaa 12"
05/09 - Kovaa Rasvaa 7"
05/09 - Problems? - Ei tää lama päähän käy 7"
05/09 - Unicef - Käkimassaa 7"
05/09 - Kollaa Kestää - Jäähyväiset aseille LP
05/16 - Abhorrence - Completely Vulgar 2LP / CD
05/23 - Jess and the Ancient Ones LP/CD
05/23 - Callisto - Noir 2LP
05/23 - Sarcofagus - Envoy of Death LP
05/23 - Sarcofagus - Go To Hell 7"
05/23 - Kimmo Kuusniemi Band - Moottorilinnut LP + DVD
05/30 - CMX - Kolmikärjen veljeskunta 4LP
05/30 - Musta Paraati - Peilitalossa LP
05/30 - Reverend Bizarre - Crush The Insects 2LP
05/30 - Rattus - WC räjähtää LP
05/30 - Mana Mana - Maria Magdalena 7"
06/06 - Pelle Miljoona & NUS LP
06/06 - Pelle Miljoona & 1980 - Pelko ja viha LP
06/06 - Carpathian Forest - Strange Old Brew LP
06/06 - Candlemass - Ancient Dreams 2LP
has announced the signing of Finnish occult rockers Jess and the Ancient Ones and will be releasing their debut 7" on October 26 with a full-length LP to follow next year.
Svart will also release the new Fleshpress album "Acid mouth strangulation", their fifth overall, on the same date. In a similar vein, look for the new album "Holy testament I" from like-minded black/doom-metal act Sink which will be unleashed in 2012. Preview that one below:
Beyond all that, the label will also be doing a bunch more reissues (as usual), including stuff from Mana Mana sideproject Silmienvaihtajat, murder-punks Rytmihäiriö, cult punk-rockers Stalin, death metallers Disgrace and Xysma as well as the previously announced CMX 4LP box, the rest of the Sarcofagus discography and lots more. Start saving now -- shipping from Finland ain't cheap!
Jess and the Ancient Ones