The Rock Blogger

Tenhi . Maaäet . 2006. 5 stars .

Tenhi’s serene, neofolk compositions are so heartbreakingly beautiful, I feel guilty not having heard this record since it came out two years ago. I have been missing out on one of the most superbly executed works not only in the dark, neoclassical genre, but in all underground music scenes together. With strings, acoustic guitars, delicate piano keys and haunting baritone vocals, Tenhi produce one of the deepest musical experiences since Godspeed You Black Emperor redefined progressive music at the beginning of the decade. This album, while still sporting Finnish vocals I can’t decipher, still has universally powerful elements to make it a modern masterpiece.

Everyone of these 12 songs features moments of incredible emotional clarity, whether its in the stirring swells of cello, the gently plucked acoustic guitars or the mysterious chanting vocals hovering in the background, Tenhi color their work with subtle mastery, luring you into different shades of contemplation and release. There are many breathtaking parts to take in, like the glorious piano-driven crescendo of Vähäinen violetissa or the mournful, full-bodied string opening of Kuoppa, where you’ll taken back by the stunning and almost operatic lifts in mood and tension.

While Tenhi’s aesthetics are highly influenced by folk and classical traditions, the level of sophistication and emotionality rivals the greatest post-rock acts, diving into a unique and enveloping atmosphere with the same abandon as early Sigur Ros or Ulver’s highly influential Kveldssanger. It may take several listens to really get to into the album’s twilight atmosphere, but the journey is undoubtedly a rewarding one, as its many details reveal themselves over time. An astonishing work of art, Maaäet should be a milestone for bands of all genres, especially those within neofolk and post-rock circles, to consider.

Tenhi: Sarastuskävijä

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 at 10:51 am and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.