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Gronholm: Eyewitness of Life
Gronholm Eyewitness of Life and Grace new music review

Gronholm: Eyewitness of Life

Melodic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

Lion Music
www.myspace.com/mikagronholm
www.mikagronholm.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  04.11.2010

Eyewitness of Life is the debut project of Gronholm, the namesake of Finnish guitarist Mika Gronholm. Mr. Gronholm is a mostly self-taught player although he has had some lessons from Roope Latvala (Stone, Waltari, Children of Bodom). Eyewitness of Life has been a long time coming; Gronholm has been working with the songs since 2003. Joining Mika is vocalist Markku Kuikka and drummer Tom RaskIn, both of Status Minor. Additionally, he has been assisted by the formidable talents of guest artists Ty Tabor (King's X) and Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater). Patience and perseverance have paid off as Eyewitness of Life is an impressive debut.

The overarching texture of Eyewitness of Life is pure melodic hard rock and heavy metal, with some intermittent progressive nuance throughout. Listening to the songs, it's quite apparent that Gronholm gave attention to sound musical composition. Many times the individual elements, like guitar or synths, are nuanced between the simple and profound, as on Meet the Maker or Learn to Crawl. Yet, the whole song is story here, with Gronholm delighting in packing breadth and depth for the sake of aural completeness. The aformentioned Learn to Crawl proves this as does Awaited or Fate and Belief. Interestingly, while Mika Gronholm is obviously the principal player, and leader, his participation does not overshadow the song or the contributions of others. Whether this humility or simple craftsmanhip does not matter because it makes Eyewitness of Life a vital and entertaining work.

For a debut work, Eyewitness of Life proves guitarist Mika Gronholm's rich talent and sound songwriting skills, resulting in an impressive and entertaining vision of melodic hard rock and metal. Very recommended.

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In Short

For a debut work, Eyewitness of Life proves guitarist Mika Gronholm's rich talent and sound songwriting skills, resulting in an impressive and entertaining vision of melodic hard rock and metal. Very recommended.

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