Sometimes you come across a band that surprises everyone with their musical achievements and not stupid gimmicks. Arion, a new Finnish sensation, consists of five young fellows who first formed the band as a hobby, back in 2011, since some of them were already studying music professionally and why not test your skills in a band?
When things happen fast, sometimes they happen really fast. Last of Us, Arion's debut full-length album, was released at the end of August, 2014 on a small independent record label called Ranka Kustannus, owned by no less than the founder of Spinefarm Records, the label that was a stepping stone for Children of Bodom, Nightwish, Sonata Arctica and many others.
What Last of Us displays is truly incredible songwriting that will take your breath away. You get the picture. It's hard for me to believe the guys in Arion are all less than 20 years old but sound like they have been churning out professional and convincing Symphonic/Power Metal for several years. It shouldn't be surprising, or considered a crime, that Arion have borrowed bits and pieces from your Sonata Arcticas, Nightwishes, Children of Bodoms, etc. That's what these five youngsters have done anyway, so go ahead and sue 'em. Arion are certainly the best at "borrowing" from other bands so far this millennium and we all love professionally made stuff, even if it sounds familiar, right? The bottom line is you need to hear Arion to understand the gold that is sitting at the end of this Finnish rainbow. Ranka Kustannus has found said gold and Arion are about to start conquering lands from Europe to Asia to Australia and so on, just wait and see. Oh, and so sorry for all this hyping of Arion but I assure you, they are worth all of it.
