Dominant Chain – Wasteland Requiem

Dominant Chain
Wasteland Requiem
Label: Inverse Records
Out: September 3^rd, 2025
Playing: 25:04

The band Dominant Chain from Northern Finland plays Progressive Symphonic Metal. The band has been active since 2006, but so far only one demo has been released, with one original song and two cover songs. The demo was released several years ago in April 2008, but the time has now come for the debut EP ‘Wasteland Requiem’ in September.

A short, tight guitar solo can be heard. Marching noises can be heard at the beginning of “Tears Of The Tyrant” – but only very shortly. In addition to the vocals, the drumming is always in the foreground. The vocals are accompanied by subtle piano sounds. The guitars sound a little weird. The progressive flavour comes through strongly here. Later, there are choruses that sound bombastic. In contrast, the guitars and key melodies sound a little hectic. ‘Dirt’ also offers the contrast of orchestral epics and hectic melodies. On the other hand, Marja’s vocals are melodic and very calm. Her voice has a beguiling charm. ‘Kissed By This Life’ then really takes off. Although the synths now push themselves a little too much into the foreground. The sometimes-violent melody and rhythm changes also provide a strong progressive flavour here. Occasionally growls can be heard. (Who?)

Progressive Symphonic Metal – that’s exactly the right description for the sound on ‘Wasteland Requiem’. It takes some time getting used to at first. Far away from any mainstream. But Marja Kettunen’s clear vocals somehow hold these contrasts together. In my opinion, however, the overlong intro could have been dispensed with. The Finns have found their own musical niche with this blend of Symphonic and Progressive.

Dominant Chain – Kissed by This Life: https://youtu.be/I7ytSZ_klNM?si=XLw9Fq_qaWEes5Oa

Lineup:

Tuomas Korkatti – Bass
Toni Balk – Drums
Jarno Keränen – Guitars
Juho Keränen – Keyboards, Orchestrations
Marja Kettunen – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals

Track list:

• Wasteland Requiem
• The Moment
• Tears of the Tyrant
• Dirt
• Kissed by This Life