Von Hertzen Brothers have never been an easy band to categorise by genre. Their music is often and better illustrated in terms one might use to describe a novella, painting or a movie: Dynamic. Thought provoking. Magical. Nuanced. Expansive. Epic. Uplifting. So, it is fitting that these three Finnish brothers approached their 8th studio album ‘Red Alert in the Blue Forest’ from the perspective of three artists creating a joint exhibition. The resulting body of work, a double LP, reflects the brothers’ unique upbringing, love of nature and the global challenges faced by humanity. It’s understandable how a strong artistic temperament was instilled into these three siblings.
Kie, Mikko and Jonne’s father, Hasse and uncle, Lasse von Hertzen both played in well-known Scandinavian bands in the 60’s and 70s. One of Kie’s godfathers was an early Finnish environmentalist pioneer, the other one a well-known artist and a sculptor. The boys spent their holidays at their family’s seaside cabin on Finnish coastland where they still spend time writing songs and exploring the nature. An inevitable mutual vision steeped in Finnish folklore, musical traditions, wildlife, and humanitarian causes is often evident in their songwriting.
Initially, in the 1990’s, the brothers forged independent musical journeys, playing in separate successful bands. In 2000, a side project born from the idea of creating something together developed into their first album ‘Experience’. By the time their 2nd album ‘Approach’ (2006) topped the Finnish chart with its blend of progressive guitar driven rock combined with rich layered vocal harmonies, it was obvious that this band was something unique and special.
Since then, Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently achieved top 5 albums including 3 number 1’s in their homeland with ‘Love Remains The Same’ (2008), ‘Stars Aligned’ (2011), ‘Nine Lives’ (2013), ‘New Day Rising’ (2015) and ‘War Is Over’ (2017).
In 2011, ‘Stars Aligned’ was the band’s first album to be internationally distributed and since then, the band’s vast sound has led to their popularity spreading across Europe and beyond.
Their ability to mould complex arrangements into vivid musical landscapes led to an Emma Award (The Finnish equivalent of a Grammy) and a Progressive Music ‘Anthem of the Year’ Award in the UK as well as nominations and plaudits along the way. This success has made them one of the most important rock acts to have emerged from Finland in recent times. A stunning live force, the band have performed in 22 countries.
