Sydänjuuret cover

Sydänjuuret

Mokoma · 2010

43 min · 11 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless thrash metal assault, blending intricate riffs with guttural vocals and introspective lyrical themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Vääräleuka — This track exemplifies Mokoma's signature blend of technical guitar work and socio-political commentary, making it a standout in their discography.
  • →
    Kristuksen ruumis ja pedon pää — With its complex structure and haunting lyrics, this song highlights the band’s ability to intertwine heavy instrumentation with profound existential themes.
  • →
    Ei kahta sanaa (ilman kolmatta) — This track showcases Mokoma's knack for catchy hooks while maintaining their thrash intensity, appealing both to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Mokoma's blend of intricate riffs and introspective lyrics creates a solid thrash metal experience with notable dynamics.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first six songs before a noticeable dip in pace.
  • Several tracks incorporate introspective lyrical themes, contrasting with the aggressive instrumentation, creating a dynamic tension throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with varied intensity
  • introspective themes amidst aggression
  • relentless energy for active listening
  • consistent journey through emotions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek lighthearted party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Mokoma's reputation in the Finnish metal scene with deeper lyrical themes.
Career context
In 2010, Mokoma released Sydänjuuret as their fifth studio album, following the commercial success of their previous record, 2007’s The Blacksmith. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their position as a leading force in Finnish metal, balancing aggressive sound with philosophical lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
Children of Bodom· Arch Enemy· Kreator

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Sydänjuuret 4:22
  • 2 Vastavirtaan 3:41
  • 3 Ei kahta sanaa (ilman kolmatta) 2:32
  • 4 Vääräleuka 3:29
  • 5 Kristuksen ruumis ja pedon pää 5:32
  • 6 Niin hyville kuin pahoille 3:24
  • 7 Rautaa rinnoista 4:07
  • 8 Älä anna sille nimeä 4:23
  • 9 Kalmannäkijä 4:42
  • 10 Hei hei heinäkuu 3:54
  • 11 Turhuuksien turhuus 3:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata