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VIP - Sokeita

VIP has once again had some lineup changes. This time a major one as not only the drummer but also the former guitarist/vocalist Johannes Ylinen left the band. Thus lead guitarist Jussi Pajunpää has taken on the vocal task as well. The twins Tero and Tuomas Vuolteenaho that now handle the second guitar and drums have brought some fresh energy into the band. Never before has the drumming on a VIP album been this intense and there are even more fast guitarsolos, sometimes with dual guitars sweeping forward, all over the album. Gone are most of the progressive elements although there's still some present and the distinguish VIP sound still remains. Sokeita is however a full power metal onslaught unlike any previous Christian metal album from Finland.

The album starts off very good with a very powerful trio of songs. Kyyneleet is a fast paced power metal tune, Mihin sä meet slows things down some and the pace is returned in Isä meidän, which is VIP's version of The Lord's Prayer. While the vocals of Jussi Pajunpää remind a bit of those of Johannes, I think they also showcase the best ones the band has had to offer so far, so the change was definately positive. Now with two very talented lead players instead of one the guitar work on the album is superb throughout as well. There are some very good melodies presented on Sokeita. Some are fast and energetic while others slower and emotional. Everything sounds good however. The production is also better than on the previous albums and everything sounds crisp, clear and in place.

In the middle of the album there are a few songs that don't stand out as much as the other really great ones. Still, there are no bad songs on this album. The high quality of the songs quickly returns and especially the final two songs catch my attention. Ei päivääkään is a nice mid pace rocker while Näemme vielä is a very beautiful ballad and a perfect ender for the album.

I had quite high expectations on the album as I heard some of the new songs with the new lineup live a year before the release of Sokeita and that concert really blew me away. VIP doesn't disapoint, this is one of the best releases of 2004 and fans of melodic power metal should check this one out. The only slight disapointment is that bass player Roope Pihlajanmaa doesn't really provide any growls anymore, that used to be one of the trademarks of VIP. I suppose they wanted to be more mainstream with this release.

Favourite songs: Isä meidän, Näemme vielä, Ei päivääkään, Mihin sä meet, Kyyneleet
Style: Power Metal  
Overall:
Year: 2004
Review by: Whitewashed