Waltari - Nations' Neurosis (2025)

Finnish band Waltari is set to release their new album, "Nations' Neurosis," in May 2025. This offering continues their tradition of defying genre boundaries and embracing musical experimentation. Markus' Heavy Music Blog states, “‘Nations' Neurosis’ is another great album from Waltari and the Finns underline their free-thinking spirit. Boundaries and frames don't excite for Waltari and it's this rebellious and non-conformist attitude that leads to brilliant songs entertaining from start to finish." The review highlights the band's signature crossover sound, noting that "what you expect from the band is what the guys deliver."

Blabbermouth.net reports that the album was crafted during a period of personal turmoil for frontman Kärtsy Hatakka, who was "losing his mother, and witnessing a world spiraling deeper into chaos and division. The frustration and emotional turmoil of this time seep into every note of 'Nations' Neurosis', making it one of WALTARI's most charged and thought-provoking works to date." The same source describes the single "Higher" as "a high-energy fusion of '90s disco vibes, modern house music elements, and crushing heavy guitar riffs," showcasing the band's eclectic style.

RAMzine echoes this sentiment of a band unafraid to blend diverse influences, describing another track, a cover of Kordhell's "Murder Plot," as "Blending crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and relentless energy, this genre-bending cover transforms the dark, hypnotic beats into an explosive sonic storm." The article further notes that "Nations' Neurosis is a sonic statement against the world's increasing obsession with conflict, urging a return to unity, understanding, and artistic liberation." The band's lineup has also seen a refresh, which is said to have taken "the band's musical ideology to exhilarating heights, delivering an album that is both raw and sophisticated, aggressive yet melodic."