Within These Walls -- "Gardens of Twilight" -- Tapio Ahola

Tapio Ahola out of Finland presents us with the emotionally moving work by "Within These Walls" on Gardens of Twilight.

The first track, Treacherous, is a warm and gentle piece of work involving a minimal classical (synth) background with light piano/keyboard melody. Stormside, is a bit darker than Treacherous with cleaner piano sound, single flute melody and a light brushing of militant drumming. Likewise, Shallow Waters continues with fused layers of piano (single note and chord structured), flute and intermittent drums all of which enhance and hold the overall slow tempo of the piece.

Wings of Silence and Gardens of Twilight are melodic, classical, dark and gloomy. They are easy to follow and incorporate ominous pulsing beats, an short interlude of choral vocals, and some low-end orchestral bassy sections. Wings of Silence has the most militant drumming (snare) on the release in the first part of the song, then moves into the neo-classical backdrop synth with piano, whereas Gardens of Twilight utilizes a more upbeat tempo/rhythm and harmony and gives the impression of strength and endurance.

Overall the music is peaceful yet spooky, gentle yet demanding and rests on the edge of minimal neo-classical doom. Beautiful. I'd like to hear "Within These Walls" mastered to CD.