CALLISTO ‘True Nature Unfolds’
Earache(2005)
Sometimes, taking the decision to promote the existing work of a really good band can be equally important as having been the one to discover that band in the first place. In the case of Callisto, it was the English label Earache records which showed such an interest. In order for this to happen, though, the “eyes” of the label’s scouts had to turn towards Scandinavia, and more specifically towards the country of the thousand lakes, the place where these four young musicians decided to put together a band whose sound would pay tribute to atmospheric/doom Metal giants such as My Dying Bride and Anathema.
The band’s first studio album “True Nature Unfolds” was originally released in April 2004 by the local record label Fullsteam Records. I really don’t know the impact that this album managed to create during that period in time, but it must have really raised quite a few eyebrows in order for Earache to offer them a contract. Was that a smart move on the part of this veteran Metal label?
Well, I strongly believe that it was! As with most of the bands that I know which originate from Finland, Callisto’s music will undoubtedly put you in a very depressive mood. The only difference is that the band has chosen to move in many different directions and instead of simply following the typical mellow-depressive path, they quite often release all their negative energy through tons of low chorded guitar riffs and unearthly screams. “True Nature Unfolds” is not the kind of album that will beg for your attention – it will demand it!
There is not an easy way to get acquainted with this ten-track release, and even if your intention is not to allow yourself to be carried away by the musical experimentations of Callisto, you will realise that the more you get to listen to this album, the more you’ll get hooked with it. It is really strange how much songs like “Limb: Diasporas”, “Caverns of Khafka” and “Like Abel’s Blood Cried for Revenge” will manage to grow on you as time passes by. Strong and aggressive, but also emotional and down to earth, the music of Callisto can only be compared to a colourful musical canvas where shapes and colours “live” together in relative peace and harmony.
I really don’t think that there are many more words that will allow me to better describe my excitement about this album. It is also quite scary to realise that a young band like Callisto is capable of creating such an important album at such an early stage of their career. The only other band that has managed to achieve such a thing that easily comes to mind is Cult of Luna, and I think that those of you who know them well enough have already got the full picture. I really hope that the members of Callisto will take full advantage of this great start and will use their “strength” wisely. It will be a real shame to see them “burn out” halfway through the race!
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Review by John Stefanis
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