Taivallaki, Finnish prog rockers proudly present their debut album Distant Passage – It lights a new star in the northern progressive rock sky. It takes the listener through time and place, telling stories of history and nature. You will find yourself struggling on the icy sea, floating in an airship or exploring ancient geoglyphs. Human history with its wars and diseases as well as exploitation of nature have also provided inspiration for the lyrics. This new progressive sound has now been freed and it has a lot to offer to listeners of, for example, Rush, King Crimson, etc. Niina Maar of Viper Arms is shining on lead vocals.
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Taivallaki was formed in Finland in 2020, from the remnants of a heavy metal band. Our group set out on a new musical journey. Driven by a desire to explore different sounds, we embraced a progressive hard rock style. Initially, we started as a trio, focusing on instrumental tracks. However, it quickly became clear that our music needed a vocal element to truly shine.
Later that year, Niina joined us as our vocalist, and her arrival marked a turning point. Her powerful melodies and deep, story-rich lyrics brought our songs to life, steering us in the right direction.
Taivallaki – Distant Passage
Music by Sebastian Forma & Niina Maar
Lyrics by Niina Maar
Recorded by Jussi Vuola, V.R. Studio & Taivallaki
Mixed by: Jori Saloranta & Jussi Vuola, V.R. Studio
Mastered byi: Jarno Alho, Alho Audio Mastering
ISRC: FIV2U2400069, FIV2U2500011, FIV2U2600020-24
Catalog number: VRDIG360
Distributed by Playground Music Scandinavia
Cover art & photos by MikVisuals
About the songs:
130 (Lost Children of Hamelin) is based on the world-famous story of the Pied Piper, in musically the song represents the heavier side of our music. Many don’t know that the story is based on a true historical incident. Hamelin lost 130 residents – possibly children or young people – on 26th of June 1284. Their destiny still remains unknown. Taivallaki’s take on the legend uses the viewpoint of a mesmerized child, who in a dancing mania follows the magical tune to an unknown destination. With its powerful and eerie melodies the song engages you to… follow.
Sarajevo Roses – When you go to Sarajevo, you can see grenade traces on the streets, painted red. They honor the victims of the Bosnian war. The song is about the incredible tragedy that befell the Balkan region in the 1990s. The song simultaneously plays with the relentless rhythm of war and the glimpses of beautiful moments in life.
Chasing Shadows is about Franklin’s lost Arctic expedition. The HMS Erebus and HMS Terror carried the crew in search of the Northwest Passage from the northern side of Canada in year 1845. Being stuck in the ice eventually led to disease, starvation, and cannibalism. The song is about the hope of finding a new passage, but also about the desperate march across the ice to escape the Grim Reaper.
Passarola – Short Manifesto for those who are unaware that is possible to sail through the element air.
Passarola was a conceptual 18th century airship designed by a Portuguese priest Bartolomeu de Gusmão. However, his advanced ideas were seen as wizardry, and afraid of the Inquisition he burned his manuscripts and fled to Spain. With subtle melodies Taivallaki’s song floats in the air celebrating the mystery of flying that so strongly inspired Gusmão, padre voador.
BS – Well, just for the jam and bit of fun.
For Eyes That Are Not Mortal – Native Americans carved images and mazes into the desert sand, best seen from above. Who were they intended for, perhaps the gods? The song evokes a feeling of hot, dusty sand in the air and a hypnotic, pounding rhythmic pattern. The distortion of the guitar and bass intensifies the worship.
Crown of Thorns – Sometimes the paths of man and the animals of nature collide violently. Even the king of the forest is brought to his knees by the problems created by civilization. Taivallaki unexpectedly combines this scene with a wistful surf rock guitar and an old prayer. The encounter between nature and man is also often equally contradictory.
Taivallaki is:
• Niina Maar, Vocals & keyboards
• Sebastian Forma, Guitars
• Atte Mäkelä, Drums
• Aki Paulamäki, Bass
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