Von Hertzen Brothers - Live at Tavastia (2024) [Hi-Res]

Von Hertzen Brothers have never been an easy band to categorise by genre. Their music is often and better illustrated in terms one might use to describe a novella, painting or a movie: Dynamic. Thought provoking. Magical. Nuanced. Expansive. Epic. Uplifting. So, it is fitting that these three Finnish brothers approached their 8th studio album ‘Red Alert in the Blue Forest’ from the perspective of three artists creating a joint exhibition. The resulting body of work, a double LP, reflects the brothers’ unique upbringing, love of nature and the global challenges faced by humanity. It’s understandable how a strong artistic temperament was instilled into these three siblings. Kie, Mikko and Jonne’s father, Hasse and uncle, Lasse von Hertzen both played in well-known Scandinavian bands in the 60’s and 70s. One of Kie’s godfathers was an early Finnish environmentalist pioneer, the other one a well-known artist and a sculptor. The boys spent their holidays at their family’s seaside cabin on Finnish coastland where they still spend time writing songs and exploring the nature. An inevitable mutual vision steeped in Finnish folklore, musical traditions, wildlife, and humanitarian causes is often evident in their songwriting. Initially, in the 1990’s, the brothers forged independent musical journeys, playing in separate successful bands. In 2000, a side project born from the idea of creating something together developed into their first album ‘Experience’. By the time their 2nd album ‘Approach’ (2006) topped the Finnish chart with its blend of progressive guitar driven rock combined with rich layered vocal harmonies, it was obvious that this band was something unique and special. Since then, Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently achieved top 5 albums including 3 number 1’s in their homeland with ‘Love Remains The Same’ (2008), ‘Stars Aligned’ (2011), ‘Nine Lives’ (2013), ‘New Day Rising’ (2015) and ‘War Is Over’ (2017). In 2011, ‘Stars Aligned’ was the band’s first album to be internationally distributed and since then, the band’s vast sound has led to their popularity spreading across Europe and beyond. Their ability to mould complex arrangements into vivid musical landscapes led to an Emma Award (The Finnish equivalent of a Grammy) and a Progressive Music ‘Anthem of the Year’ Award in the UK as well as nominations and plaudits along the way. This success has made them one of the most important rock acts to have emerged from Finland in recent times. A stunning live force, the band have performed in 22 countries. The three brothers are joined by one of Finland’s finest drummers, Sami Kuoppamäki, known for acclaimed Finnish cult band Kingston Wall, and for performing in metal giants Apocalyptica and Stratovarius. Visionary keyboard player, Robert Engstrand, best known for his work with Turisas and the Swedish progressive band The Flower Kings completes the Von Hertzen Brothers line-up. Recording ‘Red Alert in the Blue Forest’ throughout the standstill of 2021 gave the brothers time to reflect and merge their individual ideas. The resulting themes explore whether we can still find wonder, inspiration, beauty and harmony amid destruction, anxiety, imbalance, and withdrawal?… As the ‘Red Alerts’ around us get louder and the loss gets bigger, will our response be fight, flight or freeze and will we find a way to save ourselves and the ‘Blue Forest’? The first single from the album, ‘All of a Sudden You’re Gone’ comes in at over 7 minutes and will be accompanied by a video filmed over 5 days in December 2021 in an old chalk factory. Like the band’s previous cinematic videos for ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘New Day Rising’ it has been directed and edited by Kie. ‘Red Alert in the Blue Forest’ is Von Hertzen Brothers’ first independent release through their own label ‘DoingBeingMusic’. Released on 18th March 2022 it is available on limited edition double gatefold red and blue vinyl LP, digipack CD and all digital platforms.

VON HERTZEN BROTHERS ARE:
Mikko Von Hertzen
Kie Von Hertzen
Jonne Von Hertzen
Sami Kuoppamäki – Drums
Robert Engstrand – Keys

Tracklist:
1.01 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Day of Reckoning (Live at Tavastia 2023) (5:31)
1.02 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Blue Forest (Live at Tavastia 2023) (9:16)
1.03 - Von Hertzen Brothers - The Promise (Live at Tavastia 2023) (5:28)
1.04 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Frozen Butterflies (Live at Tavastia 2023) (4:48)
1.05 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Jerusalem (Live at Tavastia 2023) (5:56)
1.06 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Peace Patrol (Live at Tavastia 2023) (10:51)
1.07 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Trouble (Live at Tavastia 2023) (4:58)
1.08 - Von Hertzen Brothers - You Don't Know My Name (Live at Tavastia 2023) (3:45)
1.09 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Flowers and Rust (Live at Tavastia 2023) (4:39)
1.10 - Von Hertzen Brothers - New Day Rising (Live at Tavastia 2023) (5:44)
1.11 - Von Hertzen Brothers - All of a Sudden, You're Gone (Live at Tavastia 2023) (7:22)
1.12 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Long Lost Sailor (Live at Tavastia 2023) (4:42)
1.13 - Von Hertzen Brothers - Sunday Child (Live at Tavastia 2023) (5:59)