4Order
Angry Spirits/Truth Hurts CarminaDavina Media

by Franco Wissa
Staff Writer

Comments: 4Order, one of the great goth metal bands out today has done it again, this time with a demo made up of only two tracks, “Angry Spirits,” and “Truth Hurts.” If their upcoming full length CD is any indication of what is heard here, this Finnish six-piece will have a stunning kick-ass goth/speed metal CD on their hands.

Making their brand of “ghost” metal since 1999, 4Order released their first full length CD The Journal in 2007, which told the devilish tale of a delusional wanderer who falls in love with a vampire. The Journal was a hauntingly beautiful collection of tracks that brought to the listening public a band not unlike Sleep Thief or The Changelings. However it was the stunning voice of Marie Helsingfors that made The Journal a CD that followers of goth metal should absolutely check out.

While The Journal was a mix of opera, classical, progressive, melodic and speed metal all mixed with the hard rock voice of Ozzie Rissanen and the operatic range of Marie Helsingfors, here on this demo, the band takes a harder approach to their songwriting and vocal style with the first track, “Angry Spirits.” What makes this a great track is the fooling that it does. With a soft introduction, one gets lost in the tranquil feel, but then the unwary will piss themselves, as it explodes into a metal upon metal track with knockout drums done to perfection by new drummer Ville Matilainen hitting the cymbals as if his life depended on it, while guitarists Kalle Vuorinen and Pasi Jovonen’s massive use of power guitar chords complete the head banging experience. This is all done while at the same time keeping with the underlying use of soft piano riffs. The angry lead vocals of Rissanen are perfect for “Angry Spirits,” as the feeling hits home, while at the same time the sound that is telltale 4Order stays true with the angelic voice of its female vocal counterpart. Dark, heavy, livid with a true sinister feel makes “Angry Spirits,” a track that will have one reaching for the volume knob.

The second track, “Truth Hurts,” if it is possible changes the vibe completely around, this time taking the level to an even more sinful place and twisting it in shapes while the guitars and voices swirl around you, until the sound cascades over you, and you get lost in this gigantic operatic venture of sound. Keyboards abound here, with voices that seem to be off-key but only add to the ominous vibe. At .56 seconds the pure vocals of Helsingsfors come into ear shot, minutes before “Truth Hurts,” escalates to an even higher plane, and one has to wonder, how on God’s green earth does she sing like this? “Truth Hurts,” in places is sultry, in others as wicked as hell, in others majestic and still in others a metal monster. It hits all the emotions, and goes straight for the heart. Pay close attention to the final 11 seconds of “Truth Hurts,” as the drums and machine guitar riffs go straight for the jugular.

With little here to improve upon, one has to hope and pray that 4Order’s upcoming release is a collection of tracks like that which can be heard here. If it is, God help the listening public, for this Finnish band could very well have what is sure to become one of 2008’s best.

Musicians:
Marie Helsingfors – vocals
Ozzie Rissanen – vocals
Kalle Vuorinen – guitars
Pasi Jovonen – guiars
Pasi Nousianen – bass
Ville Matilainen – drums

Track Listing:
Angry Spirits
Truth Hurts

Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10