Kiana
Abstract Entity

December 2009
Released: 2009, Symbolic Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Luxi Lahtinen

So, do we Finns have our own answer to In Flames, or even Soilwork here?



Well, I do not know about that, but anyway this 6-piece Finnish melodic and modern (Gothenburg) sounding metal outfit Kiana, that has been around since 2005, has already recorded a couple of EPs (DEEP INSIDE in 2006 and REFLECTIONS in 2008) that both have managed to create quite much a fuss around the band - yet the band has succeeded on the live front as well by proving to be a nonstop steaming machine in front of their crowd.



ABSTRACT ENTITY, the title of the band´s long awaited debut album, pretty much answers to people´s calls as this highly energetic and skilled Finnish bunch we are referring to, both recording- and live-wise. The songs are loaded with lots of bursting energy, aggression and sheer power - and it´s also nice to notice that they have been able to use a necessary amount of melodies within their songs, giving the songs a needed punch to bend at least a few pair of ears to their side.



The use of both growling and clean vocals works well, creating sort of beautiful harmony and balance around the songs - and I am almost certain that the guys have put very much effort into these vocal lines in order to make them work promptly - and to sound natural and not forced a bit. In the very same breath it´s gotta be said that the guitars´ role is also remarkable in Kiana´s songs, kinda whipping the overall aggressive atmosphere they have got squeezed into the songs - and just feeding the band´s inner fire for a better and stronger execution constantly. Also a very good production on ABSTRACT ENTITY surely helps to get their message through among listeners in a sufficient and effective enough way, I guess.



There are actually no weak moments in their performance on ABSTRACT ENTITY, unless we don´t count this certain In Flames/Soilwork sort of prototype vibes as those ´weak moments´ of theirs. Some strong, ironbound Gothenburg-ish influences are certainly there in Kiana´s musical approach - there´s no question about that. But then again, so many other bands have also tried to suck bands like In Flames and Soilwork dry so many times before (only metaphorically speaking - good grief!), so sounding like them cannot really be considered as one of Kiana´s personal 7 deadly sins, I think. The overall delivery of their songs is on a firm level, and the band has undoubtedly achieved all those necessary aces for this album that promise a good start for their journey in this world of heavy metal. Wishing them sincerely best of luck to that journey anyway.