Reviews

A deeply resounding start and a literal temptation that I have chosen to listen to this album now, while I am reading about the Gulag (Applebaum). The Temptation (Houkutus kouriintuntumus) being perhaps the yearning to escape the vicious boundaries that existed to the Out(er)world (Ulkomaailma), a transient, shifting concept it may well [have (be)en]. Bodily Torments (Keholliset kärsimykset) within the camp system could involve a whole host of interpretations, from punishment, hunger, self-harming, disease to just the sheer cold, like this track is a bite of frost.

A Birth Of Chance (Sattumasyntymä - luovan työn juhla), being a 'celebration of creative work', makes me think of those who utilised their own creativity to entertain other prisoners in order simply to survive, storytellers, musicians, drama, poetry. A nicely-balanced track with variation enough to support my own imagination. There has to be an element as a celebration of the joy of life, perhaps only as hope in a hopeless system/situation.

Mind's Wandering (Mielen harhailu - tyhjyys), an understandable sensation in such a situation, emptiness without even being in solitude, loss of sense of being human perhaps. Joyous Purification from Indecency (Iloinen puhdistautuminen rivoudesta), I will avoid details but religious groups developed within the camp communities, as did other means of purification from the debasement that could take place in such a vile atmosphere.

Fear - aftermath of the vision (Pelko - näyn jälkitila). Is this our own fear that not only has this manner of existence been perpertrated, but that horror is still committed all over the world, some places moreso perhaps, but it all adds up. Overall, wonderfully created, cold, barren in places, pessimistic, dark, human, and as much hope as that final fear will allow us, knowing what goes on to this day. Nice work. Thanks for sharing.