Review Summary: Roope Latvala's oft forgotten instrumental progressive thrash magnus opus. Proving once and for all why he is the greatest guitarist to have come out of the early metal scene in Finland.
Roope Latvala, a name most would recognise as the rhythm guitarist in the current incarnation of Children of Bodom. Few realise that Latvala was already considered to be the prime guitar idol in Finland, with a large body of quality work behind him. Originally debuting as lead guitarist of Stone - a Finnish thrash metal band that helped open the way for metal in their native land; Latvala would go on to inspire countless guitarists. Most notably perhaps would be his effect on Alexi Laiho and the way which Latvalas influence moulded his signature style. After the break up of Stone Latvala would have a number of projects such as the Dementia, and notably Death Metal Symphony in Deep C by Waltari. However the most remarkable of his later projects in his lead up to joining Sinergy and Bodom would be Latvala Bros play the Wooden Eye - an extremely rare LP limited to 600 copies released in 1994.
The Wooden Eye blends melodic thrash metal, with progressive neoclassical guitar playing to create an exceptional shred guitar opus. Latvala wears his neoclassical leanings throughout the album blending harmonised lead guitars with uplifting, highly symphonic tendencies. On the other hand he crafts melodic and tasty thrash riffs on the heavier tracks throughout the album - seemingly never running out of memorable riffs and hooks. His Rhythm playing most resembling a more melodically inclined Exodus in many instants. As a side effect of not needing to tour behind the work Latvala doesn’t hold back - often overdubbing many guitar parts and harmonies, that simply put would be impossible for a band to perform live.
Jussi Latvala holds his own behind the kit while playing somewhat technically however he lacks the aggression and speed to match the faster playing here. If anyone Jussi is most similar to Mike Portnoy stylistically as a drummer but not nearly as proficient. Latvala handles the bass playing throughout the album to an acceptable degree, sometimes adding in a technical bassline here and there. However as the production job on the album is not exceptionally clear it is often hard to hear the bass at all times without it being buried by the rhythm guitar playing.
The tracks on the whole have an exceptional amount of variation and development - often shifting between melodic structures and heavier passages without following any type of verse-chorus patterns. Neither does Latvala overdo his lead work to the detriment of the music like many artists can. The biggest negative however is the unneeded addition of synth, which are used to add to the symphony elements - which often come across awkwardly.
All in all Latvala proves why he was the prime axe slinger of Finland and that more importantly that he is an exceptional guitar player often underrated due to his position in Bodom. This album may prove as a major interest point for fans on melodic Thrash like earlier Annihilator, Stone. It would appeal to shred fans - as Latvala does some wicked runs ala Marty Friedman, often even sounding somewhat Vai or Satriani like.
Recommended tracks:
Brutal Solutions to Sexual Megaproblems
Night of the Lizard
The Wooden Eye
