Review: “Self Titled” by Pineland Moor

Born from the bond of three brothers, Pineland Moor hail from Lahti, Finland. The project was started in 2023 with the band a group of seasoned veterans known for playing their part in the likes of Forte Ruin, Weren, Pressure Points, Aurea Mentis and Orpheria over the past fifteen years or more. Musing on themes ranging from societal issues to personal struggles and growth the quartet claim Progressive Melodic Metal as their own and cite influences in Devin Townsend, Stam1na and Porcupine Tree. Mixed and mastered by Olli Rantanen (Forte Ruin, Tarja) their self titled debut EP was recorded in DIY or DIE fashion with assistance from Sarvas guitarist Tatu Hutri on the drum recording.

While no member claims the instrument, there are science fiction like synths running through opening track “Resistance“, a cut which sounds like it should be on a film soundtrack, such is the sublime quality of the musicianship. A slick main riffs and vibrant solo elevate this one to a whole new realm of existence as its far more accomplished than almost every other debut out there in terms of musicianship and songwriting. The surprise is in the vocals from Saku Aaltonen because despite the mass appeal of his main voice he mixes it up with a couple of vicious death growls. They may not lend themselves to the audience of the rest of the material but in keeping them firmly in place it demonstrates a willingness to offer up something more and stick to their guns in terms of doing as they see fit.

There is an 80’s synth pop quality to the opening of “Evolve! Resolve!” which evolves through technical leads into lush Melodic Metal sounds, the quartet once again demonstrating their qualities in musicianship but this time with something of a cheesy chorus. Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with that but given the death growls on the previous track it makes this one feel a little locked into the 80’s sound. There is more bite in the riffs of “Floating on Unknown“, the groove laden bass line a tasty treat. It also has a bolder chorus and with yet more in the way of catchy hooks it might come as a surprise that the quartet aren’t not afraid to express themselves with longer instrumental passages.

Arguably the heaviest riff on the record rears its ugly head in “Effigy“, a track embellished with synths so that you get a Progressive Metalcore feel without the harsh vocals. Instead, Saku Aaltonen sings his way through the lyrics as the song evolves through a Progressive Metal bridge into a vibrant solo. An impressive debut from a group who have so much experience between them that you might expect nothing less, on this evidence Pineland Moor have a bright future ahead of them. The question is, will this project be their main priority given their other commitments? [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Resistance
2. Evolve! Resolve!
3. Floating on Unknown
4. Effigy

“Self Titled” by Pineland Moor is out 10th April 2026 and is available over at bandcamp.