(23 December 2002) Metal-edged rock bands with female vocalists have become a tradition in their own branch on Musical Discoveries. For the first time now our audience can observe a music career a bit ahead of time. Sentiment is presented allthough no commercially recorded material is yet available. With this review Musical Discoveries make an exeption, but same time hope to encourage talented bands and their female vocalists to keep up the good work and believe in bright future.--Mauri Osterholm, Scandinavian Bureau Chief.

Although their eight demo tracks are only available as mp3 downloads to newcomers and existing fans, Sentiment's music is gathering tremendous momentum both at home in Finland and abroad. The five piece melodic metal-edged band immediately drew our attention with sounds drawn from Austria's Edenbridge (feature) and Poland's Centuria (review). Sentiment are a young band ranging in age from 18 to 20 years old at this writing; clearly a band to watch, they could be the next Nightwish! Read our exclusive interview with the band as well.

Fronted by lead singer Emmi Pakkanen, the lineup is completed by Toni Huovinen (guitar), Teemu Lindroos (keyboard), Jami Huovinen (drums) and Rauno Vaaranen (bass). The band's eight tracks are divided into two works and span roughtly 35 minutes of music. The first is entitled "Night Holds The Key." Comprised of four mid-length tracks, a symphonic intro and "Night Holds The Key" opens the set. Sentiment's roots in powerful metal-edged music comes through from the outset with rapidfire percussion and thick guitar dominating the arrangements, however the recording team have mixed Emmi's sweet vocals right up on top where it effectively penetrates the powerful guitar, drum and keyboard work. Emmi demonstrates incredible vocal prowess with an expansive range and depth for being only 17 years old. This opening track is very Nightwish-oriented.

Sentiment make equally effective use of guitar and keyboard adding to the melodic aspect of their metal sound. In the more accessible pop-oriented yet metal-influenced number "Rules of Secrets," we were drawn to make comparisons between Emmi and Landmarq's Tracy Hitchings (feature). Some layering has been used to provide the pop texture. The keyboard excursions are especially notable, revealing the more progressive edge to the band's sound; and the vast guitar solos demonstrated Toni's virtuousity with the instrument.

We found the track "Castles In The Sky" to be among the most accessible of Sentiment's tracks with pop-like vocal layers contrasting soaring metal guitar, vast keyboard solos and percussive rhythm section during the instrumental bridges. Here Emmi's voice is most reminscent of Centuria's singer Anna Wojtkowiak. The first set concludes with "Lost But Never Forgotten," full of soaring instrumental excursions and powerful rhythms, it is laced with Emmi's sweet Centuria-like vocal work.

Their second collection is entitled "Eternal Dream." Like the first one, it is split into four average length tracks. "Eternal Dream" opens the set with a distinctly harder metal edge driven by rapidfire guitar licks. Emmi's soaring and powerful solo voice perfectly compliments the sound through verse and chorus. "One By One" continues the thread of highspeed melodic metal instrumentals yet here Emmi's solo and backing vocal layers add texture adding richness to the production.

One will be instantly reminded of early Nightwish in the standout track "While The World Awaits." Symphonic metal arrangements--with ample individual instrument excursions-- are perfectly complimented by Emmi's soaring solo voice which adds a significant dimension to the overally sound.This must be a tremendous track to see the band perform on stage.

The demo set concludes with "Wisdom Of The Time." In contrast to the tracks that precede it, this one opens with a gentler, more symphonic metal introduction. Another album standout, "Wisdom Of The Time" is generally slower and more serene than the others included in their demo set. With a similiarity to Edenbridge's music, it is instrumentally well arranged. The track also features stunning vocal work and equally strong instrumental solos. After the eight songs had completed we were left longing for more!

The band's management is beginning to shop their material around to the major labels in Finland and Scandinavia and a spring 2003 album release seems possible. Until then be sure to visit Sentiment's website for news and listen to their material via mp3 download. We were impressed with the material from first hearing it. Worth a trans-Atlantic journey, Sentiment's material is a must listen!