Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Review
On June 23 the Finnish gothic metal Band Entwine has released “Rough n’ Stripped”, their first “best-of”´collection by Spinefarm Records. The collection is a double album:  the first CD contains the original versions of the best songs of the band, the second one features new acoustic or remixed versions of the group’s lighter and mellower songs. Both CDs also feature brand new songs as opening tracks.

Eleven years ago Entwine released their debut album. Since then, the Band has gone a long way from their death metal roots, changing over the years to the sharp gothic rock of today. After six albums, one EP, and several singles, the Band has now published their first collection. The collection includes their most relevant songs, and of course, it is flavoured by 2 extra tracks, previously unreleased, hence the collection meets the “compulsory figures” without problems.

First double-disc called “Rough” is rather rough, as most of the songs represent the band’s waspish era. Listening to this first CD has been for me a good “get-to-know-Entwine” as I had not heard yet the majority of their old songs, and I admit that their gender is not the one I normally like. But listening to this collection, I found a nice surprise. Not bad at all. “Save your Sins”, the riffing opening track, presents the current trend style of Entwine. The incredible guitar parts of Tom and Jaani, as well as Mika’s “Fuck off” declare “Rough” very rough indeed…

The song selections is obviously focused on the material of Eversity and Fatal Design, as those two were the albums which has risen Entwine from “nearly nobody” to “known” also to the international metal public. I ignore the previous album, Painstained, as well as most of the band’s previous carrier, without thinking twice… The only valid indication I can give is about Entwine’s first vocalist Panu Willman, with his excellent voice in the track “Thy Guiding Light”.

However, in many ways, I like more the 2nd CD “Stripped”. It includes 8 new versions of old tracks plus one unreleased song. Yes, I’d say it’s much more interesting, maybe because these new versions are, overall, “easier” compared to the originals; acoustic instruments and smooth mixes bring out the sensitive aspects of the compositions.

Nothing to say about the new song “Another Life”, sorry, it doesn’t give me any feelings. BUT instead, the stripped remixes, Say Goodbye and Lost In My Denial, are truly worth hearing! Even though the second CD gives me more vibes, the track “Frozen by the Sun” loses its power in the acoustic remix, so my vote goes absolutelly to the original one… On the other hand the MGI remix of Time of Despair, needs not to be ashamed of the first disc 2010 version.

My Final vote: This Entwine compilation ‘Rough n’ Stripped ‘ is a successful and massive package of 27 tracks highlighting the different aspects of the Band. A good “8” -mark, also due to the generous amount of new versions. All collections should be done in this way.

Line-up:
Jaani Kähkönen – guitar, Joni Miettinen – bass, Aksu Hanttu – drums, Mika Tauriainen – vocals, Tom Mikkola – guitar

Tracklist ‘Rough’:

01. Save Your Sins *
02. Chameleon Halo
03. Still Remains
04. Surrender
05. Twisted
06. Frozen By The Sun
07. Bitter Sweet
08. The Pit **
09. Strife
10. Curtained Life
11. Break Me
12. New Dawn
13. Caught By Desire
14. Losing The Ground
15. Out Of You
16. Refill My Soul
17. Time Of Despair **
18. Thy Guiding Light

Tracklist ‘Stripped’:

01. Another Life *
02. Lost In My Denial (stripped remix)
03. Closer (My Love) (acoustic version)
04. Everything For You (acoustic version)
05. Say Goodbye (stripped remix)
06. Until The End (acoustic version)
07. Time Of Despair (MGI remix)
08. Frozen By The Sun (stripped remix)
09. Grace (acoustic version)

* new songs
**  2010 versions

For more info: http://www.entwine.org