Poltinmerkki: Steel Star | The Missing Star
(Poltinmerkki – 2023)
Industrial metal is not a genre that has been widely explored, beyond the exponents that many of us know and others who have created a more “marketable” version of the style. Names such as Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein, and even Manson himself (at least in his early days) could be considered the leading exponents.
This is the path that Poltinmerkki, a band from Finland (an unusual country for this genre), could follow, but they manage to bring a new flavor to a genre that seems to have been left far behind in time.
“Steel Star” is the album in question, and although it was released in 2023, thanks to the band’s kindness, it has found its way into our hands. Among its 12 tracks, we will hear a work that has all the characteristic elements of industrial Metal but has much more of a Metal feel than one might assume. Firstly, because Poltinmerkki does not overuse studio-produced sounds; rather, it is clear that “Steel Star” is mostly played with instruments. In any case, the studio effects and synthesized sounds are an addition, a backdrop, but not the focus of each song. Logically, the effects achieved in the studio help to give the whole album the right atmosphere, achieving a great result from the very conception of the album. As for the vocals, Janne Virtannen, Poltinmerkki’s vocalist and guitarist, beyond his influences (which he obviously has), brings a different color to the album, as his voice is neither guttural nor clean.
On the other hand, the guitar work, without being grandiose, is clearly well crafted, without meaningless overdubs, without too many effects, and with a logic that extends throughout the album. The guitar solos, which are very good indeed, add another color to Poltinmerkki’s sound.
Poltinmerkki opens fire with “Sound Of Cruel Land,” with an intriguing intro, followed by an outburst of energy in a mid-tempo song with a really powerful sound and a grandiose chorus. We would almost say that it is a special song for a single. Next, “Steel Star,” the title track of the album, demonstrates how Poltinmerkki knows how to handle different moods. Here we find the first guitar solo, one of the original things the band adds to the genre. In fact, the album itself has solid guitar work, not just one riff after another. Janne Virtannen, Poltinmerkki’s guitarist, has managed to make his guitar fly in every solo, as is the case in “All-Out Freewall” and “The Paragon.”
“No More Wisdoms” is one of the best tracks on the album, with a catchy sound and rhythm, while “S.Y.V.O.L.” is another mid-tempo song. With “Elementary Shock,” another high point, we have a much more intricate composition with a slightly more overloaded sound than the rest, similar to the approach of “High Stream,” another hard-hitting song with an interesting chorus, as is “Fight Of Faith.”
If there is one thing that stands out about “Steel Star,” it is the unity between the compositions, with a few specific flashes that set one song apart from another. The same is true of “Clank Of Swords,” which has some elements taken from the most virulent Metal, especially in its guitar solo. On the other hand, in “Stupid Lies” we can notice some slight influences from Thrash Metal, at least in the crushing riffs it boasts. “The Covenant” closes this more than interesting album.
Simplicity is everything in an album that does not pretend to be a collection of meaningless noise. On the contrary. Poltinmerkki opts for simplicity and purity in its sound, without overusing the effects, computers, and other technology that is often used in this genre. Nor do they lean towards sounds borrowed from more modern genres; if anything, there is a slight inclination towards Metal, expressed mainly in the riffs, solos, and guitar riffs. To all this we must add that the structure of each song is simple and not at all intricate. The result manages to surprise and show a different side to the Industrial Metal genre.
The album cover is as simplistic as the album itself, which is consistent with the content. The inner sleeve contains photos of the band, the lyrics and other technical information. Simple but concise, which is perfect. Needless to say, “Steel Star” is an independent production by Poltinmerkki, with everything done by the band themselves: recording, production, and mixing, mastered by Svante Forsbâck/Chartmakers. The result is a clear, powerful sound, where the bass can be heard in all its fullness, with a very original guitar sound that gives the final result a unique personality. As we mentioned earlier, you can tell that the album is “played,” not the result of knobs on a console. That alone makes it worth a listen.
The lyrics of Poltinmmerki’s songs are short, direct, but at the same time very profound, exploring different human feelings in the face of life’s circumstances. We can also find a more social message than usual in a Christian band. We also found that aspect to be very good.
Of course, “Steel Star” is not the album that will change the history of industrial metal, but beware, Poltinmerkki, with this album, marks something different and opens the way for us to expand their music into territories that we believe are still unknown. For starters, the path seems to be the right one. Just don’t lose sight of them, or your hearing.
This album can be obtained through the band itself on its main communication channels. We also leave you with the interview we conducted with Ari Viren in early March of this year at https://www.delotroladometal.com.ar/2025/02/25/industrial-metal-from-cold-finland-interview-with-poltinmerkki/
