New Music Review: JANI LIIMATAINEN ‘My Father’s Son’

JANI LIIMATAINEN 'My Father's Son' - Cover Photo

Rating: 9 / 10 Stars

REVIEW – On May 6, 2022, JANI LIIMATAINEN (THE DARK ELEMENT, INSOMNIUM) will release his new solo album “My Father’s Son.” The Finnish musician’s exquisite abilities are on full display on this latest album, and he’s had a fine cast of guests contributing their skills to the production.

“My Father’s Son” features guest lead vocals from Björn “Speed” Strid (SOILWORK, THE NIGHT FIGHT ORCHESTRA), Tony Kakko (SONATA ARCTICA), Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIUS), Anette Olzon (THE DARK ELEMENT), Renan Zonta (ELECTRIC MOB), Pekka Heino (BROTHER FIRETRIBE), and Antti Railio (CELESTY, DIECELL). To top it all off, LIIMATAINEN delivers lead vocals himself on occasion. Instrumentation is provided by bassist Jonas Kuhlberg (ONE DESIRE), drummer Rolf Pilve (STRATOVARIUS, SMACKBOUND), and pianist Jarkko Lahti, with LIIMATAINEN providing guitars, keyboards, and programming. Guest keyboard and saxophone solos are provided by Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, Rainbow) and Janne Huttunen, respectively.

JANI LIIMATAINEN began his musical career as a founding member and guitarist for SONATA ARCTICA, one of Finland’s top power metal bands. JANI LIIMATAINEN is now a member of the famous melodic death metal band INSOMNIUM. In addition JANI is also a member of CAIN’S OFFERING, which includes STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto, and the guitarist/composer for THE DARK ELEMENT, which includes former NIGHTWISH vocalist Anette Olzon. CAIN’S OFFERING and THE DARK ELEMENT have each released two well-received albums, each with millions of streams on various musical streaming platforms and, in the instance of THE DARK ELEMENT, numerous music videos with millions of views.

Those peaks of his musical history speak volumes of LIIMATAINEN’s ability and influence in the hard rock scene. With the support of his friends his forthcoming solo album, “My Father’s Son,” is set to solidify his position as one of the greatest guitar players and musical talents to come from Finland.

“Breathing Divinity,” the album’s opening tune by JANI LIIMATAINEN, is a powerful opener that is sure to have fans grooving and singing along. The second song, “All Dreams Are Born To Die,” has thundering percussion, thumping bass, magnificent synths, and some fantastic vocals. The next track, “What Do You Want,” includes some very incredible musicianship. It is a strong yet appealing composition with towering vocals and crunchy beats. “Who Are We” follows, and it’s sure to have listeners drifting off into dream world. Next, “Side By Side,” is sure to have the audience singing along as the melodies engulf their entire being.

The following song, “The Music Box,” will have audiences holding their lighters high as they rock out. On the next tune, “Into The Fray,” you’ll hear gritty guitar riffs, soaring piano melodies, rumbling percussion, driving bass, and stirring vocals that will transport you to another world. The following track, “I Could Stop Now,” is a hazy, melancholy number with melodies that will transport the listener back in time. The next tune, “Haunted House,” will have the listener immersed in their imagination. The last song, “My Father’s Son,” has wonderful synths, gritty guitars, booming percussion with pounding bass, and soaring vocals.