Review: “Coda” by Rifftera

Formed in 2010 in Vaana Finland by guitarist and vocalist Janne Hietala, Rifftera began like so many do, as a studio project. Having been in bands and projects that never came to fruition in the early 2000’s including Chain Reaktion, channelling riffs and song ideas came naturally but this time around he wanted to see the recorded works finished and released. Over the next decade the group, rounded out by Jupe Karhu on bass, Antti Pöntinen on keyboards, Mikko Kuoppamaa on guitars and vocals and since 2016, Ville Härkönen on drums would release an unholy trinity of demos and a pair of full length albums…

Five years may have passed since 2019’s well received “Across the Acheron” but it doesn’t take long to realise that “Coda” is a very much a continuation of that album, as if the band never left the studio. As with that record, foundation of the new material is distinctly Gothenburg sound inspired Melodic Death Metal with a Thrash infusion (think American Metalcore stalwarts Unearth and you get the idea) but what has noticeably improved is the vocals. While the process of adding more in terms of variation started with the previous album, on “Coda” the five piece fully embrace the concept with both Kuoppamaa and Hietala providing clean vocals where as previously the later only delivered harsh ones. Pöntinen’s epic keys add a touch of symphonic atmosphere to the introduction of “Carved in Skin” before the riffs begin to fly in all directions during a punchy and aggressive first verse that slaps you in the face while a majestic clean sung chorus will have you singing along on the first listen. A couple of odd time signatured riff sections add a darker texture, the solo in the final third is a triumphant face-melter and the result is something that has the right amount of nostalgia for sounds of the early 2000s.

Another rich keyboard laden introduction from Pöntinen injects life into “Quicksand“, an embellishment that runs tastefully through the chorus and brings to mind the work of Soilwork in the way its put together. They also add a touch of the cinematic to the final third, something which is nailed perfectly but it is the vocal contrast between Kuoppamaa and Hietala is what really makes the track, the pairing thriving in the riff soaked environment. “No Turning Back” brings to mind Kraftwerk in the opening phrases before the death march riffs come into play, the science fiction feel of the track almost unescapable with the whispers that rise up into the second chorus. A little bit slower but with a tasteful Groove Metal swagger to it and by the time this one reaches the punchy solo you’ll be hooked. A cover of a song by a band as big as Iron Maiden is always something of a risk, however it is one that Rifftera take in their stride. Imposing their own style on “Moonchild” while ensuring it is still distinctly recognisable means that you get the best of both worlds and importantly this one is very much in keeping with the atmosphere of the record itself. The solos are sublime and the chorus absolutely huge. What “Coda” has is instant appeal and really good listenability; you’ll want to return to it time and again because simply put, it’s a mighty fine time [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Carved in Skin
2. Quicksand
3. No Turning Back
4. Moonchild (Iron Maiden Cover)

“Coda” by Rifftera is out 11th November 2024 via Inverse Records and is available over at bandcamp