BIO
Words will easily fail when attempting to describe the sonic worlds
created by the Turku-based sextet Callisto, as no language can
adequately convey the feelings of pathos and elegance this music
evokes. Their sound is deeply rooted in the somewhat somber atmosphere
so characteristic of the northern landscape they inhabit, but instead
of toying with suicidal themes they seek the beauty in melancholy, and
manage to make it sound strangely uplifting....
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BIO
Words will easily fail when attempting to describe the sonic worlds
created by the Turku-based sextet Callisto, as no language can
adequately convey the feelings of pathos and elegance this music
evokes. Their sound is deeply rooted in the somewhat somber atmosphere
so characteristic of the northern landscape they inhabit, but instead
of toying with suicidal themes they seek the beauty in melancholy, and
manage to make it sound strangely uplifting. Lyrically Callisto is
christian but cryptic, walking a similar path as bands like Trouble or
Woven Hand.
Callisto began their musical exploration
in 2001 inspired by such 'post-hardcore' bands as Neurosis and Breach.
In mere eight years they have progressed far past any genre boundaries,
from the godly racket of their early days and their first album True
Nature Unfolds to the dark cinematic sophistication of Noir and
ultimately to their adventurous masterpiece Providence, set to be
released February 2009. The most striking change in Callisto's sound is
the new singer Jani Ala-Hukkala, whose varied vocal styles mark a
departure from the band's earlier style. The original vocalist Markus
Myllykangas has not quit the band, but will instead concentrate on his
guitar playing duties from now on.
Never interested
in repeating themselves, Callisto have taken a bold step away from
their earlier, more instrumental material and composed a vocal record.
The songs on Providence are built upon layers of melodies, but this is
not pop music. The band colour their sound with mellotrons, prog rock
overtones, some jazzy bits and other stylish influences drawn from the
seventies, and wrap everything up with vocals that range from screams
of anguish to peaceful melodies and beyond. Those who have adored
Callisto's past works will still find a lot to digest in these majestic
compositions, and also those into progressive heavyweights such as King
Crimson, Landberk or Opeth are in for a real treat.
"Providence"
is produced, engineered and mixed by Jonas Olsson and mastered by
Svante Forsbäck. The artwork is contributed by Martin Kvamme of Unit
Delta Plus (Fantomas, Satyricon, Turbonegro).
–Tomi Pulkki / Svart Records
MEMBERS
Ariel Björklund - drums
Johannes Nygård - guitar
Juho Niemelä - bass
Markus Myllykangas - vocal, guitar
Arto Karvonen - keyboards
Jani Ala-Hukkala - vocals
Domestic
