‘Ajan Ja Tilan Rajamailla’ is the debut recording for a this new Finnish Black Metal band. Loosely translated, the title in Finnish means something like “At The Frontiers Of Time and Space” and that seems exactly what the band is putting on the table: the sort of Black Metal that transcends time. Alkemisti is definitely onto something here, using the touchstones of classic Black Metal as well as utilising more modern takes on the genre.
This 3-track demo, with a playing time of just over 12 minutes, is indeed based on the more or less standard Finnish Black Metal fixtures, grainy and abrasive riffs, fast pummelling drums and a well-developed sense for melancholic melodies. The rough riffs, subtle use of melody and overall raw production are more than once reminiscent of Horna. Especially the hoarse barking vocals also fit in well here and also creep up against the most unpolished phases of Horna. To make it all even more Finnish, Alkemisti uses keyboards to add some harmonious touches here and there, but never does the instrument serve as musical wallpaper. Consequently, this first demo remains free of atmospheric elements and fits perfectly into the Finnish straitjacket we have all come to appreciate so much. Little original perhaps, but it is brought with conviction and with clear passion for the music that inspired them. Needless to say, I heartily recommend this.
