The Milestones Devil In Me
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Birthed in Helsinki, Finland, a country which has been known lately for its progressive, heavy and pop-metal bands, the city’s latest musical export, The Milestones, have returned. The quartet led by the vocals of Olavi Tikka also features guitarists Tomi Julkunen and Marko Kiviluoma, bassist Veli Palevaara and drummer Tommi Manninen. Prior releases by the band include ‘96’s Vol. 1 and ‘99’s Souvenirs. After 10 years, they have finally followed up their ’99 studio release with the Devil In Me.
Having sold their souls at the crossroads at the junction of highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, Miss., The Milestones have tapped the mighty river of emotive music called the blues. They are fueled by the electricity of over-driven Marshall amplifiers and the standard Les Paul and Fender guitars. Emblazoned by those symbols of classic rock, which harkens back to days of freedom and simplicity, the band puts its musical stamp on the genre.
Evidence of influences from the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin are quite apparent. But the band really pays homage to the ‘70s-era lineups of Bad Company, Whitesnake and AC/DC. The music has that classic hard-rock-blues vibe that snarls, scratches and claws its way out of your speakers.
Devil In Me consists of 10 songs that are built on the interplay of the dual guitar attack of Julkunen and Kiviluoma. Plenty of pentatonic solos are laced with slide work and the sacred note-twisting tones of the WAH pedal. Let’s not forgot the importance of the rhythm guitar arrangements that hammer out the heavy blues progressions. The thundering rhythmic pulse provided by Palevaara and Manninen drive the music forward. All the while, Tikka’s vocals ice the cake with his gritty vocal delivery. He certainly has that ‘70s swagger to his tone, hints of Rodgers, Gillan and Scott helps infuse the music with flashbacks to the pure, true sounds of the past.
Originality isn’t necessarily the goal, but the bad proves that attitude and assertiveness can move you as well. They come so close to harnessing the essence of days long since gone by and you will be caught up in the energy of their brand of music. The band has crafted hard-rock-blues-grooves that highlight the strengths of each band member, then merges the individual elements into energized songs that complement one another and embellishes the listening experience.
Label: Tempo Music
Web: http://www.themilestonesmusic.com/
Band:
Olavi Tikka (v)
Tomi Julkunen (g)
Marko Kiviluoma (g)
Veli Palevaara (b)
Tommi Manninen (d)
Track Listing:
01. Queen To Me
02. Devil In Me
03. Ghost Town
04. So Alive Today
05. I Follow The Sun
06. Rattlin’ Blues
07. Street Soul
08. Waves Of The Stormy Love
09. Green Valley
10. Rage Against The Limits
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10