High And Low by Exception To The Rule: A Heavy Metal Beast from Finland That Kicks Ass
Alright, buckle up. We’re diving into High And Low, the 2010 heavy metal beast from Finland’s Exception To The Rule (ETTR). If you’re looking for something raw, unapologetic, and dripping with attitude, this album delivers. It’s not perfect—hell, it doesn’t even try to be—but damn if it doesn’t hit like a sledgehammer right to your eardrums.
First off, let’s talk about the sound. This ain’t your polished, radio-friendly crap. No, sir. Produced by ETTR themselves and mastered by Pepe Laaksonen, the production has that gritty edge that screams authenticity. The guitars shred like crazy thanks to Mika Repo, while Jaakko Kauppinen pulls triple duty on bass, vocals, and synth. Yeah, dude's got range. Tuomo Mähönen on drums keeps things pounding so hard you’ll feel it in your chest. And those backing vocals? Johanna Tervakangas adds just enough depth without stealing the spotlight.
Now, onto the tracks. There are ten bangers here, but two really stuck out for me: “Cold Heart Woman” and “High And Low.”
“Cold Heart Woman” kicks the whole thing off with a riff so nasty it feels like someone sucker-punched you in the gut. Jaakko’s growl cuts through the mix like a chainsaw, and when the chorus hits, holy hell—it’s anthemic as fuck. You can practically see yourself headbanging in some dingy club, sweat flying everywhere. The song’s got hooks sharp enough to draw blood, but there’s also this dark undertone that makes it stick in your brain long after it ends. It’s the kind of opening track that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go.
Then there’s the title track, “High And Low.” This one slams harder than a drunk guy at a bar fight. The rhythm section is relentless, and the guitar work is straight-up evil genius. What kills me, though, is how dynamic it is. One minute you’re riding high on these soaring vocals, and the next you’re dragged down into this crushing breakdown that feels like getting hit by a freight train. By the time it finishes, you’re left breathless, wondering what the hell just happened. It’s chaotic, sure, but in the best possible way.
The rest of the album holds its own too. Tracks like “World Of Sin” and “Exception To The Rule” bring plenty of fire, while slower numbers like “Missing You” show they’ve got a softer side—even if it’s still wrapped in steel. But honestly? This record lives and dies on its heavier moments. When it goes full throttle, it’s unstoppable.
Here’s the kicker: despite all the aggression and power, High And Low isn’t afraid to get weird. Peter Head’s organ solo on “Cold Heart Woman”? Totally unexpected but somehow works. Same goes for the synths sprinkled throughout—it gives the album an almost retro vibe, like ETTR took cues from both old-school legends and modern crushers. It shouldn’t gel, but it does.
So yeah, High And Low might not reinvent the wheel, but who cares? Sometimes you just need an album that punches you square in the face and leaves you begging for more. That’s exactly what ETTR delivers here. Is it flawless? Nah. Does it rip? Hell yes.
Oh, and one last thing: listening to this made me realize something kinda funny. Finland must have some kind of secret formula for cranking out killer metal bands. Seriously, what’s in their water over there? Whatever it is, I want some.
