The Random Eyes saga began in 1999, when guitarist and songwriter Timo Kuusjärvi met vocalist Christian Palin while both were serving in the Finnish army. But it wasn't until later, in 2002, that Kuusjärvi and Palin would come across each other again and began forging towards a common musical goal. Over the course of early 2002 Christian met co-vocalist Katja Rimpeläinen. Captivated by the talent behind the graceful voice, Christian presented the idea to Katja of singing alongside himself in a duet-lead metal band. Acquiring the additional talents of second guitarist Mikko Tuliniemi along with drummer Timo Peltokangas and bassist Jukka Koponen, the band took on the name Random Eyes. Shortly thereafter bassist Koponen felt that Random Eyes wasn't his calling and left the band. New bassist Timo Mäki-Marttunen filled the gap, and also a third guitarist came into the Random Eyes line-up in the form of Samuel Hoisko.

EYES ABLAZE (2003) INDEPENDENT

Say hello to a new and exciting band from Finland. This 7 piece act contains no less then 2 vocalists and 3 guitarists. You might even recognize a few of them, as they are former members of the band Hallowed. Random Eyes play a mix of melodic metal and hard rock. They call it metallic rock. And since they use both male and female vocals, some might also say they have a touch of goth in them. I think it sounds a bit like Evanescence, but without the nu-metal influences, and also a bit like Nightwish, but without the double bass-drums and power metal influences. The entire CD is quite good, and I commend the band for writing strong songs. I seem to prefer the ballad-like stuff the best. There might have been room for a little more guitars though, seeing the band hosts 3 guitar-players! But that's a minor complaint, and nothing that really bothers me. Are you looking for a class act melodic metal band, try Random Eyes on for size.

Killer tracks: Hero, New Creation Girl, Little Angel

INVISIBLE (2008) BULLROSER

Just when I was ready to write this band off, thinking I'd never hear from them again, they return with a brand new album. When 'Eyes Ablaze' came out I hailed them as one of the better newcomers of that year. And I certainly thought they'd score a record deal right away. Well, it's been 5 years, and Random Eyes anno 2008 is a different band in many ways. Only Christian (vocals) is left from last time. And the band has changed musically and sonically too. They've toned down the goth-influences to a minimum, and the melodic hard rock is now more in the melodic Euro-metal vein. 'Invisible' is more guitar oriented, albeit with a heavy dose of keyboards mixed in. The music is both darker and heavier. But the focus is still on the melodies. Catchy hooks and memorable choruses, like in "Take Me Away" are key features. The production is quite good too, letting the vocals shine nicely in front of the metallic instruments. For a look into the band lyrical stance, check out the awesome "For All The Nations". I'm not sure I like 'Invisible' more than I did 'Eyes Ablaze'. The new album is a bit uneven. And musically it's almost like comparing apples and oranges. But I do enjoy this album, and think I'll look forward to spending more time in it's company.

Killer tracks: Deep Waters, Alive, Take Me Away, For All The Nations, You Are The Reason

Mikko Härkin guest appearances:

Kotipelto - 'Waiting For The Dawn'

Divinefire - 'Hero'

Related artists:

Hallowed, Sonata Arctica, Wingdom, Renascent, Kenziner