Aurinko - Deadwood review

Reviewer:
3.0

33 users:
2.97

Band:	Aurinko
Album:	Deadwood
Style:	Doom metal, Folk metal
Release date:	March 15, 2012
A review by:	Troy Killjoy

01. Intro
02. Deadwood
03. Midwinter Burial
04. Nectar Of The Spirit
05. Solemn
06. Swept Across Time
07. I Wish You Were Here (To Feel My Pain)
08. On The Verge Of Collapse

Somber Eyes is a newly formed project spearheaded by 15-year-old Canadian Tanner Huotari, perhaps better known as local Metal Storm user BoxCar Willy. Unfortunately, this release feels like it was written by a 15-year-old.

Erroneously tagged as a black metal release, Deadwood is in actuality more of a contemporary folk release with hints of singer/songwriter attributes. The songs are relatively short and extremely simple, oftentimes maintaining one or two basic riffs from start to finish. This forces the listener to expect something to happen, as if the first half of a song is a major build-up to something grandiose. You will be disappointed to find out that the second half of each song plays out exactly the same as the first.

Tanner relies solely on the guitar as his weapon of choice, although for a brief moment a few solitary beats of a drum can be heard in the foreground. The only thing more out of place than this oddly placed instrument are the dismal vocals, which are way too high in the mix. It's as if Alexi Murdoch started writing music when he was 15 and tried grunting over his compositions. Simply put, the best part about the vocals is that about 90% of the album is instrumental.

This is essentially a 300-page novel that only tells the beginning of a story. You're introduced to the main character on page one and by the end of the book, all you know is the main character's first name. The lack of substance is enough to drive a listener crazy.

It isn't all bad, though. As simple and uneventful as the material is, there is plenty of potential to be seen here. At the end of the tunnel exists a light, and that light resembles the morose atmosphere created by minimalism and a lack of technicality. But that doesn't leave the listener feeling very good about spending 30 minutes listening to what is essentially five minutes of riffs repeated over the course of eight tracks without any backing instruments.

Rating breakdown

Performance:	5
Songwriting:	4
Originality:	4
Production:	5

Written on 15.03.2012 by

Troy Killjoy

I'm total pro; that's what I'm here for.

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Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:08 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Hater's Gonna Hate. ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
vezzy Stallmanite Posts: 3493	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:10 Rating: 2 vezzy Stallmanite Posts: 3493 Rating is far too high. You're a fucking moralfag. ---- Licensed under the GPLv3. Relinquish proprietary software for a greater GNU/America. Loading...
Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Staff Posts: 21306	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:12 Rating: 3 Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Staff Posts: 21306 Written by vezzy on 15.03.2012 at 19:10 Rating is far too high. You're a fucking moralfag. I was going to give it a 3 (which would put it on par with Norther's latest) but I thought, the guys from Norther are experienced musicians. With a history. And they even have a major label. This kid's 15 and he's doing all this on his own. Still a moralfag though, you got me there. ---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something." Loading...
vezzy Stallmanite Posts: 3493	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:14 Rating: 2 vezzy Stallmanite Posts: 3493 Written by Troy Killjoy on 15.03.2012 at 19:12 I was going to give it a 3 (which would put it on par with Norther's latest) but I thought, the guys from Norther are experienced musicians. With a history. And they even have a major label. This kid's 15 and he's doing all this on his own. Still a moralfag though, you got me there. You should've at least given it a 2 [rather than 4] for originality, and a little bit more harsh in general. So, what if he's 15? If he has the balls to put it on the internet, he will and must be ridiculed. No exceptions. I'll excuse your moral crusade this time around because you don't know any better. ---- Licensed under the GPLv3. Relinquish proprietary software for a greater GNU/America. Loading...
Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Staff Posts: 21306	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:16 Rating: 3 Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Staff Posts: 21306 Written by vezzy on 15.03.2012 at 19:14 I'll excuse your moral crusade this time around because you don't know any better. Call it a slip of professionalism. Maybe he hooked me up with a ton of weed or something on the side so I bumped up the score. ---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something." Loading...
Oaken Hipster Posts: 1322	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:38 Oaken Hipster Posts: 1322 Even though I have guitar tracks for a black metal album clocking for more than 1 hour and I can easily add drums and shit, I don't release it so it doesn't receive such a rating. Take it easy, BoxCar. You need some experience before you start releasing stuff. ---- In that case, man is only air as well. Loading...
Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Staff Posts: 21306	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:41 Rating: 3 Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Staff Posts: 21306 Written by Oaken on 15.03.2012 at 19:38 I don't release it so it doesn't receive such a rating. That's kind of a cowardly way to go about it in my opinion. ---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something." Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink +1 15.03.2012 - 19:50 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by Oaken on 15.03.2012 at 19:38 I don't release it so it doesn't receive such a rating. I couldn't care less what people think of my music, I know that this isnt the best album, or even close to it, but at least I tried and put out something. I'm sure if you put out something, it would get a decent rating. ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
Oaken Hipster Posts: 1322	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:51 Oaken Hipster Posts: 1322 Written by Troy Killjoy on 15.03.2012 at 19:41 Written by Oaken on 15.03.2012 at 19:38 I don't release it so it doesn't receive such a rating. That's kind of a cowardly way to go about it in my opinion. Maybe... Personally, I'm not releasing anything because: 1) My stuff is very bad when it comes to originality. 2) I have very bad equipment. ---- In that case, man is only air as well. Loading...
Oaken Hipster Posts: 1322	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:52 Oaken Hipster Posts: 1322 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 19:50 Written by Oaken on 15.03.2012 at 19:38 I don't release it so it doesn't receive such a rating. I couldn't care less what people think of my music, I know that this isnt the best album, or even close to it, but at least I tried and put out something. I'm sure if you put out something, it would get a decent rating. You're courageous dude! Keep writing material, I think you'll do something awesome in teh future. ---- In that case, man is only air as well. Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 19:58 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by Oaken on 15.03.2012 at 19:52 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 19:50 Written by Oaken on 15.03.2012 at 19:38 I don't release it so it doesn't receive such a rating. I couldn't care less what people think of my music, I know that this isnt the best album, or even close to it, but at least I tried and put out something. I'm sure if you put out something, it would get a decent rating. You're courageous dude! Keep writing material, I think you'll do something awesome in teh future. Thanks ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
Fredd Account deleted	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 20:05 Fredd Account deleted Well. There you go, Willy Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 20:08 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Quote: Quote author=114127 date=2012-03-15 20:05:37] Well. There you go, Willy Yup, it is what it is... Oh well I will try and improve for next time! ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
JD Account deleted	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 20:14 JD Account deleted I'm really happy for you Boxy, you made it to MS Nice cover, downloading this.. Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 20:18 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by [user id=28526] on 15.03.2012 at 20:14 I'm really happy for you Boxy, you made it to MS Nice cover, downloading this.. Thanks Just waiting for somebody to accept the band edit, and my profile will be complete. I shot the cover a couple days beforeb the release when it was really foggy out. ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
PocketMetal Posts: 750	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 20:26 PocketMetal Posts: 750 I'm glad you are not raging and attacking on everyone , that's what everyone should be like . hope u get better in the future but this was a little rushed it seems . Loading...
X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 20:33 X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458 Billy: You get A+ for accepting the criticism I won't comment about the music. ---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Like you could kiss my ass Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49 Rod, let me love you. Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:08 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by X-Ray Rod on 15.03.2012 at 20:33 I won't comment about the music. Pussy Like I said, I know I'm no Joe Satriani or whoever, I just did this in my sparetime ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:10 X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 21:08 Pussy I'll put it this way: Maybe the sunn guys will think you are amazing and make a tour with you and striborg. -_- ---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Like you could kiss my ass Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49 Rod, let me love you. Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:17 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by X-Ray Rod on 15.03.2012 at 21:10 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 21:08 Pussy I'll put it this way: Maybe the sunn guys will think you are amazing and make a tour with you and striborg. -_- I see what you did there That would be pretty cool actually ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:18 X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 21:17 That would be pretty cool actually Yeah I mean... Maybe Striborg might learn something out of the experience for a change. Bazinga! ---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Like you could kiss my ass Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49 Rod, let me love you. Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:20 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by X-Ray Rod on 15.03.2012 at 21:18 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 21:17 That would be pretty cool actually Yeah I mean... Maybe Striborg might learn something out of the experience for a change. Bazinga! yay, I'm better than someone ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:22 X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18458 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 21:20 yay, I'm better than someone If there is one thing I've learn in my short life... Is that there's always a worse person than you. ---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Like you could kiss my ass Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49 Rod, let me love you. Loading...
Fredd Account deleted	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:45 Fredd Account deleted Written by X-Ray Rod on 15.03.2012 at 21:22 If there is one thing I've learn in my short life... Is that there's always a worse person than you. This. Loading...
vezzy Stallmanite Posts: 3493	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 21:50 Rating: 2 vezzy Stallmanite Posts: 3493 Unfortunately, there is. As long as Box doesn't release any new material, I'm fine with it. ---- Licensed under the GPLv3. Relinquish proprietary software for a greater GNU/America. Loading...
@gent_-_orange Posts: 905	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 22:00 @gent_-_orange Posts: 905 Nice artwork though. Loading...
Marcus Doit Like Bernie Posts: 642	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 23:50 Marcus Doit Like Bernie Posts: 642 Written by Boxcar Willy on 15.03.2012 at 21:20 Written by X-Ray Rod on 15.03.2012 at 21:18 Yeah I mean... Maybe Striborg might learn something out of the experience for a change. Bazinga! yay, I'm better than someone Very true; you're album was at least listenable whereas getting through an entire Striborg album is aural masochism. Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 15.03.2012 - 23:51 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by @gent_-_orange on 15.03.2012 at 22:00 Nice artwork though. Thanks, I shot that a few minutes away from my house. ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...
strade Posts: 677	Permalink 16.03.2012 - 01:43 Rating: 4 strade Posts: 677 Haters, man. Haters be bitches. ---- My lo-fi synth project: http://luciddreamer.bandcamp.com Loading...
Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236	Permalink 16.03.2012 - 02:11 Rating: 10 Boxcar Willy REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Posts: 9236 Written by strade on 16.03.2012 at 01:43 Haters, man. Haters be bitches. 2012 BM album of the year... Amirite? ---- 14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse I do your mum *DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS* Loading...