It’s astonishing when you suddenly realise that Von Hertzen Brothers have been in existence for over two decades. Comprising brothers Jonne, Kie and Mikko Von Hertzen, the band’s progressive rock has been a continual journey of excellence right from their 2001 debut Experience through the to classy and sophisticated tones of 2019’s War is Over. Their last few albums have been nothing short of spectacular, with wide ranging melodies, delicious harmonies, and the ability to blend heavy rock segments with catchy, pop songs which appeal to a wide range.
Red Alert in the Blue Forest sees the band in experimental mood, incorporating more instruments than before. Not afraid to go off down the eclectic and expressive rabbit hole, this double album is more diverse than ever with psychedelic, folk, rock and pop all free flowing in a swirling mass of stunning soundscapes. Stirring emotional elements abound, in a swirling tempest of musical chaos.
On Red Alert in the Blue Forest the Von Hertzen Brothers have expanded on the impetus obtained from 2015’s New Day Rising as well as War is Over with more expansive and freestyle creativity. There are long songs, with a couple reaching the ten-minute mark, but also a few shorter ones for those with limited attention spans.
The band weave some intensely personal themes within the album. Finnish musicians often draw on their country’s natural beauty and folklore for inspiration and influence. Having been brought up immersed in Finnish mysticism it’s no wonder that this is an album that dives deeply. The track “Northern Lights” for example, features rarely heard sounds of the Aurora Borealis as recorded by Professor Unto K. Laine.
If you like what we do, consider ing us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
There are many fantastically memorable moments. The reflective and dark opening “Day of Reckoning” moves from acapella intros to a pulsing bass line and a typically catchy opening song. The pure clarity of the brothers combined vocals locking together as neatly as ever. The dramatic acoustic intro of “The Promise” expands into a robust semi-folk infused anthem which soars with intensity of fiddle and guitars. Nothing else needed.
“All of A Sudden You’re Gone” merges ethereal guitar tones, delicious harmonies, and melodies to die for. The use of violin and lush keyboards adding to the emotional and diverse flavours that permeate this stunning release.
No two songs sound alike here. There are progressive pop sensibilities on the ten-minute “Peace Patrol” which will have you singing and dancing along, especially when the wild jazz infused saxophone break explodes in epic form and then lingers even as the track fades. Then dive headlong into the electronica shanty feel of “Pirates of the Raseborgian”, another mind-bending song that bears little resemblance to its predecessors.
It really is an album of hugely eclectic flavours. Each play reveals more sounds, stimulation of the senses and surprises. Gentle, calming, poignant and deeply personal, this is an album that you can only truly appreciate once you’ve spent several hours with. It’s certainly an album of contrasts. If you want to challenge the old grey matter and appreciate some of the finest musicianship of 2022, then Red Alert in the Blue Forest is a must.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Red Alert in the Blue Forest is out on March 18th
Check out all the bands we review in 2022 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!
Von Hertzen Brothers: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | youtube
