Album Review: Marko Hietala - Pyre Of The Black Heart

Through nearly two decades and three lead singers, bassist and co-vocalist Marko Hietala has been a reliable constant in Nightwish's ranks. Able to offset chief songwriter Tuomas Holopainen's creative whims while serving as a distinctive vocal counterpoint to the group's frontwomen, he's helped provide a rock-solid foundation for the Finnish symphonic-metal superstars. 

Having also enjoyed a degree of success via underrated metallers Tarot, Hietala takes centrestage here on the English language version of a previously issued solo record. Hietala possesses a booming voice and presence, as cuts like Stones and I Am The Way's flair for the dramatic indicate, but also exhibits a subtlety, soulfulness and restraint at times, as evidenced on The Voice Of My Father.

There is the expected venturing into heavy metal territory, but elsewhere the stylistic breadth of the album mostly manages to keep you engaged. Pyre Of The Black Heart bridges progressive and classic rock tendencies with folky touches, punctuating the mix with acoustic flourishes, strings and more atmospheric moments. The rollicking, lighthearted Runner Of The Railways is on the same record as bombastic ballad I Dream, and yet somehow it all gels.

Like a quality supporting actor given a shot at a lead role, Hietala is well-seasoned and charismatic enough to carry a record of his own. Dedicated listeners will find these songs growing on them too.