Meänmaa, literally translated as Our Land, is a region straddling the border between Finland and Sweden, commonly known as the Torne Valley. Rich in folklore and cultural identity, the area has its own language and, in recent years, even its own flag. It is from this evocative landscape that Ari XIII hails, the sole force behind (The True) Rietas, a project that has been quietly but consistently releasing compelling material since 2020. Beyond Rietas, Ari XIII is also involved in Coraxul and Curse Upon a Prayer , and can regularly be seen performing live with Iku-Turso.
The name Rietas, meaning “Devil” in the Finno-Ugric language Meänkieli should not be confused with the Folk Metal band from Rovaniemi that bears the same name. The addition of The True serves as a clear distinction. While Rietas is firmly rooted in fierce, unyielding Black Metal, strong folk influences run through the music, becoming particularly prominent on the new album.
Following a demo, a single, and a split release with Riivaus, The True Rietas now unveils its long-awaited full-length debut, and it delivers with conviction. As someone who has followed Finnish Black Metal closely since the early 1990s, arguably even more passionately than its Norwegian counterpart, it’s safe to say this album makes a formidable impact.
The record is propelled by dissonant guitar work that evokes the sound of a rusted chainsaw left embedded in a tree for decades: abrasive, raw, and strangely mesmerizing. This tone anchors a production that strikes an excellent balance, suitably harsh, yet clear enough to let every nuance surface. The resulting Torne Valley Black Metal sound is both punishing and deeply satisfying.
What truly sets this album apart is the breadth of its songwriting. No track feels repetitive or flat; each composition brings its own character and purpose. The use of varied vocal styles further enhances this sense of diversity, lending every song a distinct atmosphere. Each track feels like a self-contained journey, while the album as a whole remains remarkably cohesive and immersive.
Ari XIII also isn’t afraid to step outside strict genre boundaries. Subtle excursions into other styles, such as the understated waltz section in ‘Pirun walssi’, keep the listener engaged and add further depth to the material. These moments are unexpected yet perfectly integrated, expanding the album’s scope without ever diluting its Black Metal core.
Special praise must also go to guest drummer Anzillu (Iku-Turso, Order of Nosferat), whose performance is nothing short of exceptional. His drumming is powerful, dynamic, and richly varied, adding tension, momentum, and narrative flow to the songs. Rather than merely keeping time, the drums actively shape the album’s adventurous spirit.
An emphatic recommendation, this is Black Metal from the Torne Valley at its very finest.
