"This compilation is a monster. With 28 tracks, many from some of my favorite bands, it's a lot to digest and is best consumed in multiple sittings. Some of these tracks are taken from various other releases on the 267 Lattajjaa imprint, but most of them are new, unreleased tracks or alternate versions of something that has previously been put out. While there are definitely some weak moments on this release, there is far more good than bad. This compilation also flows well from track to track, creating a sonic insane asylum. It's well sequenced.

Some of the best tracks are contributed by the various members of the collective that includes Avarus, Pylon, and Kemialliset Ystävät. All three have winners here. Avarus is the first up with an edited version of a track from their 267 Lattajjaa release, "A-V-P." This five minute sample is a fantastic introduction to those unfamiliar with Avarus's style. Droning, metallic guitars pulsate over dual drum tracks and random chanting voices. It's like a modern day ritual to coax rain to fall. Pylon's track is also previously released, but is short and sweet. They always make interesting, minimalist racket. The best of the this trio, though, is unsurprisingly Kemialliset Ystävät. Taken from another compilation I've never heard of, "varmaan helposti murtuu mun luut" conjures up images of druids making a the 200 mile trek from Wales to the Salisbury Plain. It's an enchanting and hypnotic piece; really great stuff.

Other highlights from the Finnish contingent include Braspyreet, Pekko Käppi, Vapaa, Plat Ypus, Bunsenlamppu, and Keijo. I'll keep these descriptions brief. Braspyreet is not everyone's cup of tea, but I love these guys. They deconstruct free folk with a sledgehammer and make no attempt to piece it back together. This is drums and acoustic guitar skronk at its best. Pekko Käppi plays a Finnish fiddle and creates beautiful ritualistic drones. He chants along with the fiddle, too, which just adds to the effect. I don't know how you couldn't love this. Vapaa's quiet, organic meanderings are a nice change of pace from some of the more harsh projects on "267 Purkkia Liimaa." With shades of The Blithe Sons, this piece exists as a tribute to nature. It's beautiful. Plat Ypus are another band from Finland that doesn't get enough attention. This noisy krautrock outfit contribute one of the true highlights from this compilation. The tension on this builds and builds until it can't take anymore and completely implodes. Excellent. Bunsenlamppu is completely insane. This is basically a sample from a crazy Russian kid's TV Show with balalaika thrashing added on top. I don't know why I keep listening to this track, but it's so crazy and absurd that I love it. And Keijo... well, Keijo is Keijo, and it doesn't get much better than that.

While this is a predominantly Finnish compilation, the non-Suomi content is extremely good too. Jewelled Antler projects, The Buried Civilizations and The Franciscan Hobbies steal the show. The former offer up the whimsical, guitar-based "Mirror of Owls." Glenn Donaldson and company create a shadowy world where the slightest movements are immediately detected. This track has a lush feel that I can't completely explain. You'll feel like you are wandering through a haunted forest. It's fantastic. The Hobbies contribute the noisy, sparse romp, "Sylphium." Mystical like a hollowed out tree, this track lingers in the back of your mind. It's great in the way that most of Glenn Donaldson's work is. These two tracks are worth the price of this disc alone.

The Futurians, from New Zealand, also contribute a fantastic, exclusive track. "I Built a Rocket" makes your eardrums bleed in the same way that most other Futurians' tracks do. It's loud and chaotic. Half the time, it sounds like they're playing in an echo chamber. This stuff will give you nightmares. It's so fucking good. Clayton Noone is a completely insane genius. I love it.

Some tracks I could have done without and at times, this compilation seems to drag. I honestly believe it would have been stronger had it been shorter. But overall, there is some really great stuff here. For people unfamiliar with most of the Finnish music scene, this is a great introduction. All the major players contribute quality tracks, and the more unknown artists really shine. Add in the contributions from the Jewelled Antler groups and Futurians, and you've got a very solid compilation on your hands. 267 Lattajjaa label head, Hannu Hahti, has done a very good job piecing this together. Anyone interested in this kind of music should definitely look into getting a copy of "267 Purkkia Liimaa." - Brad Rose, FoxyDigitalis