PIMENTOLA MISANTROPOLIS ALBUM COLD MEAT INDUSTRY RELEASE: FEBRUARY 10, 2007 REVIEW: APRIL 24, 2007

Pimentola has walked the winding path from gloomy metal to atmospheric sampler based soundscapes during its ten odd years of existence. "Misantropolis" shows a Finnish doomsayer with many strings on his lyre. R-M Salo knows the tools of the dark ambient trade, and uses them all on what can be expected to be his breakthrough to a slightly larger audience through the release on Cold Meat Industry.

This approach makes the album a bit unpalatable, although the wild stylistic swings from circus music and violin tunes to steel can beating and noise are impressive in many ways. Before you have time to adjust to the new setting, Pimentola has already moved on to something else.

Having displayed his palette in this way, Salo will no doubt restrict his mode of expression and strengthen his focus. With talents like this, we have something to look forward to.

Oh, and for those in the know, Salo is also responsible for the stylish artwork of the digipak, which is a bit different from the usual CMI style.

MATTIAS HUSS