Stam1na made a brave step forward deciding to join forces with American producer "Evil" Joe Barresi, basically known by his collaborations with bands of such magnitude as Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, Apocalyptica, Tomahawk, Bad Religion and Coheed and Cambria. Indeed the language and cultural differences are diminished when people share the same passion and love for music and the result is simply astounding.

"Nocebo" is the fifth in a row full-length studio album by Stam1na and to the joy of many foreign listeners, the first official album to include a song in English baptized "Nomad". As far as the rest 9 tracks are concerned, you have to understand Finnish to get to the point, which (point) is really worth getting to. Antti Hyyrynen is a brilliant lyricist and luckily not underrated at all. "Nocebo" ,as its title implies, is an approach to the psychic world. As a concept album, all of the 10 tracks deal with behavioral themes such as anger, despair and pessimism but also determination and hope. Many references to medicine and depression are to be run into as well. As highlights of this release we will point out "Valtiaan uudet vaateet" (also the album's first video clip), "Tavastia palamaan!", "Puolikas Ihminen" and the enchanting "Lepositeet", as "captivating" as its meaning is. 

"Nocebo" is in its entity an angry album and as its name's latin-to-english "I will harm" translation indicates, this album can be illustrated as a punch against everything and everyone. Energetic, powerful, dynamic and exceptionally profound, the outcome of the Stam1na-Barresi collaboration reveals that a lot of effort had been put onto the completion of "Nocebo". The sound is recognizable but also brought to a new level with the addition of Baressi’s secret ingredients.

Stam1na attempt to expand their reputation outside their base, especially with the release of "Nocebo" in countries outside Finland. International aspirations perhaps? Will they take the challenge?  Why not. After all, what's all about this band is "stamina" indeed.

10 / 10

Athina Verou - 04.04.2012