Serpico, the Finnish hard rock rebels, make a bold statement on their most recent album “Dressed in Flesh”, an album that boasts of defying the over polished sound of most of the contemporary rock. The album was recorded in all its entirety and on magnetic tape to achieve a raw and pure energy that many fans have believed lacked in the modern music industry.
It was recorded by the great producer Anssi Kippo at Astia studio. Kippo, who has recorded numerous bands such as Children of Bodom, Ensiferum and so on, captured what is truly unique in any modern recording the sound of the band performing live together, all the grit, groove and human flaws that make rock music sound like it is breathing.
In the first song “Hard as a Cannonball”, the album plunges into a cacophony of dirty riffs, soul bass lines and strong vocals of lead singer Vee Dour. It is followed by “Rock n’ Roll Is Not Dead”, a radical statement that displays the attitude of the band in general. Serpico obviously know that rock is supposed to be dangerous and thrilling, and they provide just that.
The rhythm section is one of the outstanding parts of the album. The bass is loud and the mix is very dynamic and the songs are driven forward by the bass with the drums pounding and naturally you cannot help but tap your foot. The guitars switch between thick riffs and crispy solos which are not overly produced. Certain moments of the lead guitar are so powerful that one feels like playing them again in order to hear every note.
Such songs as “Lightning Strikes”, “Iron Boots” inspired by the Maiden, small but mighty Out of the Grave, and the final Mayday demonstrate that the band does not betray the traditions of hard rock but sounds as fresh and energetic.
More than anything “Dressed in Flesh” seems to be the revolt against vapid predictable music. Serpico do not run after fashion or fast flowing popularity. They are instead concerned with authenticity, energy and craftsmanship. The outcome is loud, proud and unapologetic rock album that makes a person remember how it feels like to be a part of the real rock n roll.
