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Music: Progressive Death Metal Country: Finland Cool Songs: Sixty-Nine, Recondite, Wings FARMAKON’s musical foundation is a near parallel to OPETH. The likeness between the two is so close; it would not be a stretch to call FARMAKON the Finnish OPETH. FARMAKON uses OPETH’s method of structuring their songs: during up-tempo, high energy moments, vocalist Marko Eskola unleashes savage growls, and during calm, melodic passages he dons a clean, soul-filled voice. FARMAKON’s progressive chords and unconventional timing also bears a striking resemblance to its Swedish counterpart. Saying FARMAKON is influenced by OPETH would be pointing out the obvious; however, FARMAKON is not an exact replica. There are subtle, though noticeable differences between the two bands. Eskola applies the same dualistic vocal approach as Michael Akerfedlt, and his death metal vocals display the same timbre and tone. His clean tone has more in common with Vincent Cavanagh of ANATHEMA than Akerfedlt. Eskola even sounds a bit like Mike Patton during jazzier moments. The incorporation of jazz elements is another contrasting point. Like a John Zorn album, FARMAKON inserts a few wild saxophone parts on “Recondite.” “Recondite” is one of the better songs on the album. The saxophone brings a wild card to the game. Eskola jumpstarts the crazy sound of the sax by going off on a screaming tangent. The wailing notes of the sax take this song to a bizarre, chaotic conclusion. The jazzy percussion, undistorted guitar tone and relaxed vocals during “Wings” reveal a possible Mike Patton, ala Faith No More/Mr. Bungle, inspiration. Toni Salminen’s guitar playing fuses jazz, blues, prog and death metal. Consumers can look at “Robin” in a couple of ways. They can view this group as a rip off artist, cashing in on the ideas of another artist or enjoy OPETH to the point of welcoming a similar band. Another thought is this group sounds a lot like OPETH, but there are enough differences to separate the two bands. I am with the third train of thought. FARMAKON does an excellent impression of OPETH, but there is only one OPETH. “Robin” is a strong album, but loses points in originality. - Darren Cowan U.S. Release by Candlelight Records, Four Seasons Released Album in Europe in 2007 Tracklist: 1. Time-Tables 2. Coma September 3. Sixty-Nine 4. Faint Light 5. Recondite 6. Wings 7. A Temporary Death 8. Helpless 9. Monster 10. The Mentally Disabled And The Artist Total playing time 58:14 Band line-up: Marko Eskola - Bass, Vocals Toni Salminen - Guitars Matti Auerkallio - DrumsRead full review
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