Hard 'n' heavy Finns Tarot released this, their latest album, in March 2010. Vocalist/bassist Marco Hietala had been in Nightwish for around nine years back then, and doing Raskasta Joulua metal/rock Christmas song albums and tours since 2004 (plus Northern Kings and Sapattivuosi...). His brother in arms, guitarist Zachary Hietala had Marenne and A2Z. Drummer Pecu Cinnari had Lazy Bones with second vocalist Tommi Salmela, who in addition is part of Raskasta Joulua too. Keyboardist Janne Tolsa is in insane clown posse Turmion Kätilöt and dark metallers Eternal Tears Of Sorrow (plus Marenne and Lazy Bones). Phew! It's bloody nice that guys found time to record something under the sign of mighty Tarot, since the previous album 'Crows Fly Black' was released in fall 2006.
The band's affection to British heavy metal and rock music can be strongly sensed. Tarot's cover versions of Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Genesis and Jethro Tull songs are quite big hints, you know! They did a Accept one too, but... Anyway, Zachary was highly influenced by Ritchie Blackmore, and his brisk touch and sound partly come from there; both have scalloped fingerboards in their instruments to get some lovely vibrato to entire chords. He often plays open chords, instead of palm-muting and chugging away. Marco's rumbling and loud bass guitar actually is the rhythm guitar whenever Zachary does leads and is soloing. There is no need for multiple guitar tracks, really. He does perform some insane, unique things here, and his solos are always gripping. And while Marco's bass playing isn't something incredibly technical, its presence is huge and into-the-point. And Mr. Cinnari knew how to hit drums.
Marco handles most of the main vocals. His characteristic voice is very powerful here. His range is still broad. 'Gone' contains parts with very fragile singing from him. Mr. Salmela's voice is more high-pitched and rather nasal. Guys' voices complement each other, more than contend for space, when they sing simultaneously. Lyrical themes include corrupted powermongers, be they politicians or religious people, science fiction and life's obstacles. There are some clever lines, and the style of writing is really unique. Here's one for all sci-fi freaks: "I've seen the wonders of the molten flesh. The 'Thing' and the 'Fly' through 'Predator's eye. At every quantum leap, the terror also creep."
The keyboards and samples (nothing like speech or movie samples, no) are there for melodies or backing up other instruments. Sounds are mostly from past, something like Hammond for example. There are no guitar/keyboard solo duels, that are so old news these days. These guys do not need to mess around like that, they are old school. Some annoying bits occur, like 'Calling down the Rain's meowing sounds and 'Rise's "techno" stuff, but then again, we get fantastic atmospherics of 'Hell Knows' (then again, it also has this "halloween" squeal I love to hate). Well, no so old school...
'Gravity of Light' has both the moon and the sun on the cover. The band have never been very much on the lighter side of things, and this one certainly is no exception to that rule. The album is mostly mid-tempoed. I think it is that Finnish melancholiness that can immediately be sensed. 'Rise!' at least has a tad more joyous chorus... After the most chirpy and fastest piece, 'The Pilot of All Dreams' it slows down. Dio era Black Sabbath can be heard on 'many, many songs, so I think it really can be named as one of Tarot's main influences. Just try 'Magic and Technology' with its soaring vocals and everything else that is heavy. 'Gone' shows the band at their most fragile, but also with some clear influences from Nightwish, when the song goes soundtrack-ish and dramatic. Anyway, mostly it is about sturdy heavy metal, the Tarot way. 'Gone' is one of the more adventurous songs from the band, but there is also some safe compositional solutions. The album feels like being a continuation for Tarot stuff since 1993 album 'To Live Forever', and for sure there's no vibes from 'The Spell of Iron' (1986) (but surely from its 2011 remake).
The songwriting isn't totally waterproof, since there are some moments with unnecessary parts that just go in one ear and come out the other. However, there are some very, very fine bits in every single song, and generally good moments happen much more than shoddy ones. I have to admit I find it a bit too sullen as a whole. The album can still kick arse, but the boot won't be very deep in where the sun doesn't shine. Maybe due to the band member's other activities, this feels like the brightest of spark is missing at times, or perhaps was not captured on "tape".
The production values are different than in 1986, when their debut album 'Spell of Iron' was released, of course. Every instrument and the vocals have their place in the mix, and it does not get clogged when everything is at their loudest at the same time. There's no too much studio trickery utilized, as it does sound organic.
Drummer Pecu Cinnari's unfortunate and untimely passing in September 2016, after the long fight against severe illness, left a question in the air, if Tarot will ever make another album again. Only hell knows, I presume... 'Gravity of Light' is a heavy, vivid and majestic piece of Finnish heavy metal, and also such in worldwide scale. Those who love heavy metal with Finnish and British vibes, should not miss out on this band and their voluminous discography.
Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Lane
11/14/2018 09:57
