Teresia von Storm is a Finnish project formed in the late 2000s and offers Progressive Rock sounds. The new album, titled “Distance and Distraction” was released on December 16, 2024 and contains 7 tracks ranging from 2 to over 8 minutes in length. The opener “Steve of Distraction” features an introductory first part that slowly immerses us in the sounds of the album. A driving bass line, guitar arpeggios and vocals accompany us for most of the song, with urgent rhythms and an energetic sound. In the second part, an instrumental section takes us to explore more progressive sounds with the synth in evidence, then the vocal returns and concludes. The sung parts in my humble opinion are less incisive than the instrumental sections, where the band develops the best ideas of the track. The sound is characterised by more rock guitar work in “Ray of Light,” a track that here emphasises vocals more than in the previous one. The tempo changes are an added bonus, as are the violin inserts, showcasing the multi-instrumental artistry of frontwoman Maiju Lahtinen. The intensity increases as the song progresses, culminating in an instrumental section with very well-crafted solo inteserts. “Ariel” is a more delicate piece in the form of a ‘song.’ A pleasant passage that softens the tone and also here shows the band’s versatility with the inclusion of different instruments like melodica. Another long track, “Distance,” which runs over seven minutes, offers progressive sounds with a dark and at times melancholic atmosphere. Guitar arpeggios and a background of keyboards develop the melodies on which a warm vocal is inserted, alternating with the refined instrumental textures. Keeping the atmospheres with that Nordic flavour, the band develops an interesting and elaborate Progressive Rock track with fine guitar solo inserts in the second half. The vocal returns for the last verses and the song ends. The album’s shortest track “Hobbit or Lutador,” shows a more Folk Rock side of the band, offering an instrumental passage with percussion, arpeggios and the melodica solo. “Sarah Sahara” features a melodic intro with guitar and vocal arpeggios and a softer rhythm section. It alternates melodic passages with openings where they insert fine organ and guitar breakdowns, incorporating more heavy elements. Interesting lead guitar interventions in the middle section, then developing interesting synth phrasings. Choral parts bring to mind retro sounds, and then conclude in a musical crescendo with very refined violin solo interventions. The album ends with “Glorious Victory,” which returns to more Classic Rock sounds. The vocal is not very punchy, as is the whole song, despite the more energetic structure. In my humble opinion, the band is enhanced on more symphonic Prog sounds, losing out a little on these tracks. In the finale, the band offers one last instrumental section with the guitar in evidence. A listen that alternates between interesting and incisive passages and others that convinced me less. Certainly frontwoman Maiju Lahtinen and the other members of the band are experienced musicians, who in my humble opinion enhance their technique in the instrumental passages where they explore more Prog sounds. On the whole, the album flows, with some interesting passages and some insights that bode well for future releases. A band that has potential, with a few adjustments, it could offer an interesting listen in the future.
Tracklist
01. Steve of Distraction (08:08)
02. Ray of Light (03:51)
03. Ariel (04:41)
04. Distance (07:30)
05. Hobbit o Lutador (02:14)
06. Sarah Sahara (06:28)
07. Glorious Victory (04:45)
Lineup
Maiju Lahtinen / Vocals, Keyboards, Violin, Melodica
Timo Hanhisalo / Guitars, Backing Vocals
Teijo Kostiainen / Basses, Backing Vocals
Olli Kalmari / Drums & Percussions, Backing Vocals
Guest:
Mikabi / Extra Whispers