Ritva Nero formed in 2017 when the band's soprano saxophonist, Sanna Salonen, was preparing her Bachelor's Degree concert for the Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department. Her idea was for the band to apply new interesting instrumentation to 19th century folk dance tunes with fast heavy metal drumming (double-kicks and blast beat). Dense low frequency bass and drum create its own energetic layer without belittling the nuances and rhythmic details of the tunes' melodic phrasing. Besides Salonen, band members are Petri Prauda (Finnish bagpipes, Jew’s harp), Emilia Lajunen (nyckelharpa, kontrabasharpa), Jani Snellman (electric bass) and Patrik Fält (drums).

I was particularly curious about the five tracks that incorporate the distinctive bell-like sound of guest Hanna Ryynänen’s under-stated kantele, a Finnish instrument that belongs to the zither or psaltery family.  “Kaks’askelvalssi” is a frenetic composition by Salonen that is a very fast and fun two-step waltz, along with some enthusiastic shouting by Sirpa Juvonen and Petri Prauda. Composed by the bagpiper, Prauda’s “Dragon Quadrille” may have been inspired by an early-1800s Finnish manuscript, but it certainly has alluring contemporary folk-rock spunk as do their other originals that channel the ancestral spirits of a schottische, polka, mazurka, jenkka, maanitus or trepatska.

An English translation of Ritva Nero means “hanging black branch,” but this band clearly doesn’t settle for the low hanging fruit on their debut album. I wouldn’t go so far as to call them “party metal folk,” because these five masterful musicians have some very strong dexterity, aptitude and musical skills.  Creating energetic danceable party music while acknowledging tradition, Ritva Nero shows how traditional instruments and ancient tones can be supple and dynamic within the context of contemporary progressive rock.

Perhaps the title of their debut album, “Immortal Tradition” is more prophetic and seminal than they ever expected. Centuries old instruments are made relevant, vibrant and visionary once again. My only production suggestion would’ve been to compose and present a few more slower pieces like “Rahapolska Helsingistä” that truly capture melancholy, sorrowful or pensive reflections from their instrumentation as the tune evolves. It’s definitely a potential that could be further explored as this band builds their legion of world-wide fans. 

While some Celtic rock artists have created similar anthemic music, Ritva Nero’s Finnish fusion stew makes for an inspiration and wild, thrilling ride. It’s a big, joyful sound that would definitely have an impact on a large festival crowd.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)