Finnish band House Of Mirrors was founded in 1993 when guitarist Jaakko Niitema teamed up with vocalist Pekka Rautiainen and guitar player Kari Riihimäki (both ex-Wardance). With Janne Engblom on bass and Jimbo Mäkeläinen (ex-Iron Cross) on drums they recorded their first real demo in 1995, which was given a lot of airplay from a fair amount of the domestic radio stations. However, nothing much happened for the band and years went by. While Niitema taught guitar in a local music school, Rautiainen got signed by EMI Finland and made a famous pop record under the pseudonym of Julius. In the meantime Niitema kept the band alive writing new songs all the time and building a home studio. In 2000 House Of Mirrors was back on its feet again, this time with Rasmus Puranen on drums and Harri Holopainen on bass. With regained enthusiasm another demo was recorded, which aroused the interest of several labels. More songs were recorded, but then Holopainen got an accident, while Puranen wanted to pursue other goals. Enter Juha Paananen on bass and (after some persuasion) Jimbo Mäkeläinen on drums. Jonne Valtonen also joined the recording sessions, playing all the keyboard parts.
2003 marked a turning point for the band. They signed that long awaited deal with Escape Music and by February of this year their debut album “Nightflight To Paradise” was finished. Mastered by the famous Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios, this album is one the guys can really be proud of. No power metal this time from Finland, but a gorgeous melodic hard rock album, full of rich melodies and excellent musicianship from all involved. Biographies written by the labels are almost always exaggerating things, but this time he or she is right when stating that “fans of Treat, Talk Of The Town and Europe will love this”. Not convinced? Just listen to the combined vocals in tracks like “Spirit Of Freedom” or the title song “Nightflight To Paradise” and you will be. Rautiainen shines in more than one ballad, while Niitema and Valtonen are showing their tricks on more than one occasion. Nice to see that Escape Music picked up these guys. They are really talented, so I can only hope they’re here to stay… (CL)
 

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Jez (on 19/04/07) Above average release with a great production, although i wouldn't go so far as to say they are up with the classic Scandie bands of yesteryear. Good none the less.   Scandinavia (on 20/08/04) I was very pleased by listening to the sound samples on this site and I bought the album right away...Hmmm, I'd expected more!! Some songs are simply too boring and there's a big gap between the good songs and the bad... Nice to hear a "new" band doing AOR...Production could've been better too but it's acceptable. I think they need some more time concentrating on "listener friendliness" and I'm sure their next album will be a killer release!!!   AOR Ive (on 17/07/04) A very good classic sounding Scandinavian melodic rock album including all the elements we expect , a good vocalist , talented musicians , a crystal clear production and the most important thing ofcourse catchy songs . Very recommended .   WOLF 359 (on 14/07/04) From the opening keyboard , vocal intro you know what your getting , and this is no bad thing . For their first release proper H O M have put together queit a nice little cd. Up-front keyboards , some nicely laid back guitar work and although the singer isn't up there with the greats he does a wonderful job . One to look out for if you like giving new acts a chance .   SDR (on 27/06/04) Good record but the voice is not always of that quality that must be to have a very good album. An average product because of the voice.   AORPOMPY (on 15/06/04) Nice surprise, this one. Most of the time I'm very sceptical about Finnish or other European releases, but this is a good record. Nice to hear dominant keys and I think more than once their sound has as much in common with AOR than with melodic hardrock. Check it out !

 

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