Helsinki's Harlots Of Beyond are certainly doing things their own unique way. Just looking at the sleeves for the two records I've been sent opens my mind with wonder. Despite having begun to spin their dark web back in the 1980s I have never come across this band, and now suddenly I am presented with two highly mysterious records in the form of 2009's 'Winner', and a 'Collection', covering the full of their output from 1980 - 2009. Although they have new material out in the form of album, 'Lake of Faeries', they obviously want to warm us up with some of their previous magic.

The music this band creates is different to say the least, and it is hard to pin down to any particular genre as it more accurately strides across different atmospheres and moods. Some tracks such as 'Flutterbye' and 'Walking Nightmare', are almost straight forward rock, hinting at an edge of Stones inspired low-slung guitars, and a track that would appeal to fans of bands like The Dogs D'Amour and fellow Finnish countrymen, Hanoi Rocks. Whereas '3 Headed Snake' and 'Suicide Blues' are nods towards the Cramps-style psychobilly groove. However, for the most part they are more uniquely experimental than this, although always with goth-metal leanings. The album 'Winner' opens up with the atmospheric noise of 'Chateux en Espagne', and, judging by 'Collection, 1980 - 2009' contains the dark component of their sound which they have carried throughout their career.

There is a twisted beauty behind this goth-noise which they have lovingly crafted. 'ParrotGirl' has a wondrous use of pop melody, utilised in a way that has been made famous by fellow goth travellers The Cure, although don't expect the twisted ways of Harlots to ever reach those popular heights. Make no mistake though, Harlots Of Beyond have the ability to appeal widely. They make use of several different styles to convey a series of dark moods and visions, always with their own twist. Whether it's the wonderfully powerful 'Black Madonna', where its dark moods are met with a twist of desert-rock licks, or the exotic sounding 'Saint Catalina's Finger' that instantly reminds me of Canadian rockers, The Tea Party, Harlots Of Beyond have a way of delivering myriad of sounds while always staying true to their own, particular, musical ethic.

www.myspace.com/harlotsofbeyond