Kalmah Album: “12 Gauge”

I got into these guys with 'Swampsong', but was kind of bored with 'The Black Waltz' and 'For The Revolution'. They have my attention again with this one. Their sound is the same, so it must just be the songwriting. All I know is that as soon as I listened to the first song and the catchy as hell riff started, I knew I was going to like this one. Solid stuff. For those who don't know this band, this is some very well done melodic death metal.

Once again, Kalmah delivers with melodic death metal. The guitars are brutal yet melodic, the drums kick ass and the vocals are the best to date. The production on this album is flawless, and they certainly outdid themselves. I have been listening to these guys for years, and it's a shame they are not more popular than they are. This has a very Finnish sound to it. A lot of people talk about the Swedes, and they are right, but these guys play Viking folk metal with so many memorable melodies that you will have them in your head all day. If you like these guys, try a band called "Heathens Foray."

I would give it 4.5 stars if I could, but I may be slightly bias because kalmah happens to be one of my personal favorites. Anyway, I was instantly hooked on this album and was impressed by the complexity. These guys know how to deliver when it comes to satisfying a hunger for good melodic death metal. Regardless of what your tastes are I think this is worth at least a listen based on it's guitar work and the solos. If you are a Kalmah fan, then of course this is a must have. I agree with the earlier posters that this is better than 'For The Revolution' but not really a return to the days of 'The Black Waltz'. However, it really shouldn't be about returning to old form anyway, just like every other band they are evolving and I can't say that I really have anything to complain about. IMO best songs on the album - Swampwar, Hook the Monster, Godeye, and Sacramentum.

I wasn't sure about this at first, but after the second or third time through I was hooked. Its not very often I keep returning to the same CD (except perhaps blackwater park from Opeth) but this one keeps me coming back for more. I particularly like the rhythm guitar work and the smooth transitions within the song.. very intricate, but still ear-bashing heavy.

there is a heavier, thicker sound to this one compared to earlier Kalmah - and perhaps not as fast as some of their work on swamplord. The vocals are rougher and I have some difficulty discerning what they are signing about (but really - I could care less if they're singing English or whatever - I'm more about the music!)

The CD kinda peters out on the last 2 songs, but the first 8 are worth the investment. I'd buy this one again.

I wish these guys would tour in the US sometime soon - I bet they give a hella live show!

As someone who has all of Kalmah's albums, I don't think this measures up to Black Waltz which was one of my favorites, but is better than For the Revolution. The songs tend to be a bit too 'bright' nowadays, refusing the darker sound of their earlier material. But this is a fantastic guitar album, with an exellent tone on the guitars. Its routine to hear moments that will take your breath away, without ridiculous solos ruining song structure. Recommended for fans of the Finish melodic death metal style.