Suotana – Ounas II [Things You Might Have Missed 2025]
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the vibrant fusion of Finnish melodic death metal and power metal that captured the spotlight in the late '90s and early 2000s. Bands like Children of Bodom, Kalmah, and Norther were at the forefront during this exciting era. Even groups like Ensiferum brought a folk twist to the genre, while Catamenia added a touch of black metal to the mix. What’s fascinating is that this sound never truly faded away. Suotana stands out as a prominent band dedicated to preserving this musical legacy, and their journey is more intriguing than you might realize. Formed in the mid-2000s, they didn’t begin releasing music until 2014. Fast forward over ten years, and they’ve just launched their fourth studio album, Ounas II, which seamlessly picks up from where its predecessor, Ounas I, left off two years ago. A comparison of the two reveals that the band’s collective prowess continues to strengthen.
Ounas II is packed with exceptional songwriting. It features an exhilarating blend of melodic death metal, power metal, and even elements of black metal, reflecting the rich culinary tradition of Finnish music, with Children of Bodom undeniably serving as the primary influence. Founding members Ville Rautio and Pasi Portaankorva employ a classic dual guitar approach reminiscent of the '80s, evident in tracks like "Winter Visions" and "Twilight Stream." Meanwhile, the influence of Stratovarius enriches their frantic melodic power elements, which is always a plus in my book. Tuomo Marttinen's harsh vocals are cold and fierce, evoking the sound of their swampy counterparts in Kalmah. Adding to the experience, Tommi Neitola’s keyboard work provides a symphonic layer that echoes the bombastic style of Bodom, occasionally reaching the epic heights of Wintersun without becoming overwhelming, particularly in songs like "The Crowned King of Ancient Forest" and "1473 Ounas."
Tackling a two-part concept can be quite daunting, but Suotana clearly came prepared for the challenge. They appear to have enhanced the already impressive qualities found in Ounas I: the production is broader, the album’s layers are more intricate, and there’s greater energy and diversity across the tracks such as "Foreverland" and "Twilight Stream." However, the most remarkable aspect of Ounas II is its increased density compared to its predecessor. Despite being slightly shorter—39 minutes compared to the first part’s 41—it avoids the common pitfall of feeling bloated with unnecessary B-sides that often plagues double albums. Even within its concise runtime, the songwriting has ample room to develop, as shown by the standout track "1473 Ounas." Additionally, to complement the Summoning cover that featured on the first part, Ounas II includes an energetic cover of Children of Bodom’s "Hatebreeder" as its closing track. Whether viewed as a main song or a bonus, it serves as a thrilling conclusion to the album while paying homage to their influences.
Suotana's journey to this point has been lengthy but undeniably rewarding. Their songwriting continues to evolve, becoming increasingly dynamic and catchy, reinforcing their position within the genre. In many ways, Suotana emerges as the melodic death metal counterpart to Moonlight Sorcery’s outstanding brand of power/black metal. Both bands impress with grand riffs, melodic ferocity, and keyboard grandeur executed perfectly. While experiencing these albums back-to-back is a delight, Ounas II also stands strong on its own, marking another success for the band. I eagerly anticipate what these self-aware musical wizards will conjure next, whether it’s related to Ounas or something entirely new.
Tracks to Listen To: “Winter Visions,” “Twilight Stream,” “The Crowned King of Ancient Forest,” and a special mention for the fantastic cover of “Hatebreeder.”
