The second
release by Kaseke was the 1983 full-length LP, Põletus. This release again raised the standards by which Estonian progressive rock and fusion are to be judged. The complex songs and masterful playing by the band established this as a masterpiece. Põletus has also become a collector's item throughout the world, as fans of both prog and fusion discovered this gem.
One interesting
feature of this album is the many guest keyboard players, who brought their "own" songs to the album. Though Tõnu Naissoo left the band already, he brought one track along--as well as Ruja associate Olav Ehala, In Spe maestro Erkki-Sven Tüür and Ruja mainstay Margus Kappel.The first
track, "Elevant" (Elephant), written by guest-keyboardist Margus Kappel (formerly of Ruja), is an excellent prog instrumental. The song has a hard-rocking feel in the background, but features excellent organ work by Kappel, as well as twin guitarists Ain Varts and Riho Sibul trading off solos."Valhalla"
, the second track, features a great guitar line by author Varts. The whole melody is very memorable, a cool fusion piece. The drumming of Andrus Vaht is also excellent, playing a nice background along with the understated bass of Priit Kuulberg. It later dives into an agressive rocking solo, featuring different keyboards by Mart Metsala. Other guitarist Sibul also launches a shredding solo in his unmistakable style, giving credence on why he's been listed as Estonia's best guitarist for over 20 years.Well-known keyboardist
and composer (associated with Ruja as well) Olav Ehala brings "Elevantsi hirmulaul" (Litttle Elephant's Song of Fear) to Kaseke. Finally, the flute of Peeter Malkov is featured prominently in this cool '80s fusion piece. The catchy keyboard work of Ehala and twin guitarists create a complex while fun lead line. Malkov's flute solo follows the Ehala lead well, providing that extra colour the song needed. But the obligatory keyboard solo by Ehala and the guitarists are on the mark as usual. The next piece, "Salajane Rõõm" (Secret Joy) is written by the band's regular keyboardist, Mart Metsala (formerly of In Spe). A rather typical early '80s fusion piece with Metsala's keyboards driving the softer melody line.Guitarist
Ain Varts brings the high-action "Põletaja" (Con Fuoco) to the table next, and wow. The spectacular catchy tune shows off the playing of all the members. Andrus Vaht provides some cool drumming in the background, especially throughout the fast-paced head. Though the music is furiously fusion, there are elements of prog throughout this awesome piece. Varts lets his guitars rip a bit during his solo, which is followed by one from Metsala's keyboards. One of the best songs from Kaseke.Mart Metsala
penned the song "Tantsija" (Dancer), but it starts off with a cool drum solo by Andrus Vaht. The song itself is a typical but catchy fusion tune, very much in the vein of stuff from the late '70s or early '80s. The guitar lead is smooth and nice, bouncing over the restrained rhythm section. A middle section, which speeds up a bit, features a nice restrained guitar solo from Varts.But the most
intense song on the entire album and probably the best is guitarist Riho Sibul's "Näotused" (Unsightliness). Absolutely intense piece, very aggressive. The lead line by Sibul is awesome, which he pulls off live without a hitch during some memorable Kaseke concerts some 15 years ago. The flute of Malkov also plays a large role in this song, with an extended and fascinating solo over the complex and progressive rhythm in the background. All the members of the band played their best on this piece, from lead to rhythm. A larger prog influence can be found in this piece as well, but it's a fusion masterpiece. The drumming of Vaht provides some interesting surprises throughout, especially as he attacks the toms. But of course, the author himself provided a memorable solo.This is followed
by somewhat of a throw-back to the earlier Kaseke sound, naturally featuring as a guest keyboardist the former keyboardist Tõnu Naissoo. "Pikk päevatee" (Long Way to Go). Again, a very typical fusion tune, led mostly by the keyboards of Naissoo. Probably the most "jazzy" of the works on the LP, which also features some nice drumming from Vaht.Finally
, the song "Põlenud maa" (Burnt Land) brings to Kaseke the unmistakable style of former In Spe leader Erkki-Sven Tüür. The song, originally titled "Variant A", pushes the progressive rock style of Tüür into the fascinating repertoire of Kaseke. It also shows off the excellent flute playing of Malkov alongside the underrated keyboard skills of Tüür. This multi-part opus later features sounds reminiscent of the wonderful first era of In Spe, both in a slow section and a fast lead.Overall
, there's no doubt that Põletus is among the best progressive rock and fusion albums in Estonian history. The musicianship is top-notch, as well as the songs themselves. The four guest keyboardists brought along a fascinating diversity of sound to the band. There is some talk to bring this masterpiece to the digital age, but for now we can enjoy the wonderful works of this historic band.Mel Huang
Tallinn, Estonia
3 May 1999
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