North from Here

『North from Here』は、テクニカルなデス・メタルに北欧的な陰影と旋律を織り込み、SENTENCEDが独自性を強めた第2作だ。ベーシストのタネリ・ヤルヴァが新たにヴォーカルを兼任し、その個性的な咆哮が作品に強烈な刻印を残している。デビュー作の直球のデス・メタルから、より技巧的で叙情的な方向へと踏み込んだ。メンバーがまだ18〜19歳前後だったことを思えば、その旋律とアグレッションを両立させる手腕は驚異的だ。フィンランドのSpinefarmからリリースされた。 “My Sky Is Darker Than Thine”“Northern Lights”“Epic”といった、冷厳で構築的な楽曲が並ぶ。歌詞にはフィンランドの叙事詩『カレワラ』や、北の大地への郷愁が色濃く反映されている。ミーカ・テンクラとサミ・ロパッカのギターが織りなす旋律は、この時点で既に高い完成度を誇る。本作はドイツのCentury Mediaの注目を集め、バンドを次の段階へと導いた重要作である。リリース後には、IRON MAIDENの“The Trooper”をカバーした同名のEPも発表している。IRON MAIDENへの敬愛がうかがえる一幕だ。

North from Here is Sentenced's second album, on which they strengthened their individuality by weaving Nordic shading and melody into technical death metal. Bassist Taneli Jarva newly took on vocals as well, and his distinctive roar leaves a powerful stamp on the work. From the straight death metal of the debut, they stepped into a more technical, lyrical direction. Considering the members were still only around 18-19 years old, their skill at balancing melody and aggression is remarkable. It was released on Finland's Spinefarm. Cold, structured songs like "My Sky Is Darker Than Thine," "Northern Lights" and "Epic" line up. The lyrics strongly reflect the Finnish epic Kalevala and a nostalgia for the northern land. The melodies woven by the guitars of Miika Tenkula and Sami Lopakka already boast a high level of craft at this point. An important work that drew the attention of Germany's Century Media and led the band to its next stage. After its release, they also put out an EP of the same name featuring a cover of Iron Maiden's "The Trooper." It was a clear nod to their love of Iron Maiden.