Malady ~ Finland

Ainavihantaa (2021)

Ainavihantaa is Malady's 3rd album and is a continuation of their foray into the waters of retro progressive rock. You can read my thoughts below on their first two efforts.

Remember what I said on the latest Agusa album about putting on a pair of your favorite jeans? That's Malady. Whereas Agusa takes me to new heights, Malady feels comfortable. Like watching an old episode of Rockford Files rather than something more challenging, even if it's based in old school principles (Bosch, for example). The question then becomes how many pair of comfy jeans do I need to own? That's going to be a debate coming in the not so distant future. We'll have to review this one with a more critical ear. For now... I'm good.

Ownership: 2021 Svart (CD)

4/4/24 (acquired / review)

Toinen Toista (2018)

Toinen Toista is the sophomore album from Malady, and is largely an extension of the debut. As I stated on the notes for that debut, Malady is a band that have truly captured the sound and essence of the early 1970s. And they are defiantly Finnish at that, so the country's own progressive rock heritage is brought to the fore. Like their ancestors, Malady are not in a hurry to prove a point, but rather they invite you into their world, with strange shapes, dynamics, and colors.

The opening title track tells the whole story of the album in musical terms, so if that's not going to draw you in, might as well skip this title and head to the next one in your stack. 'Laulu Sisaruksille' is the now-requisite short introspective number with shards of mellotron and classical stringed instruments. 'Tiedon Kehtolaulu' is the highlight for me, providing a potential soundtrack to your dream vacation touring the countryside of Finland. It also underscores how much Malady should add flute as a permanent instrument. While listening to this track, you will see images of a pretty girl with long auburn hair and slanted eyes. I actually saw her come out of my CD player. Neat huh? 

'Etsijän Elinehto' is a very good track, but ultimately faceless in comparison. The 23 minute 'Nurja Puoli' takes us to the next level, with some stunning guitar melodies weaved into the multi-part harmonic track segments. Oddly I was reminded of Trettioariga Kriget's 'Krigssang' side-longer. 

Ownership: 2018 Svart (CD). Booklet with lyrics, photos, and recording details.

2/7/19 (acquired / review); 11/13/25    

Malady (2015)

One of the common complaints I often hear regarding the "retro prog" movement is that the various bands that attempt it either 1) use new instrumentation to emulate old sounds or 2) use newer production techniques, even if the instrumentation is authentic. I have no such qualms, but for those where 1) and 2) are a problem, then Malady is the remedy for your... (cough) malady. Hammond organ, flute, loud acid guitar, woody bass, vocals in Finnish... you know the drill by now. This is an album that sounds like it was recorded and released in 1973. If groups with names like Tasavallan Presidentti, Kalevala, Nimbus, and Fantasia get your heart started, well then, do I have an album for you.

---12/28/25

On their latest release I posit the following: "The question then becomes how many pair of comfy jeans do I need to own?" In hearing all three Malady albums within a relatively short time frame (for me anyway), I'm leaning in the direction of this debut as the must own, and the others may be expendable. Not in a hurry to get rid of them, and I may yet change my mind. But I think they nailed the formula perfectly here. They didn't elevate like Agusa or Wobbler, however. Too content I would submit.

Ownership: 2015 Svart (CD). Papersleeve gatefold.

1/8/16 (acquired / review); 12/28/25

1/8/16 (new entry)