Third album from Finnish traditionally Heavy Metal band Manitou called “No Signs of Wisdom”.

I can’t exactly say I was thrilled with their second release “Deadlock” (2006) so I had almost no

expectations to this brand new release when I first threw it in my CD-player.

Well... the promo-CD I’m holding in my hands contains 9 songs. 9 okay/average songs, not 9 outstanding songs... but 9 okay/average songs.

Singer Markku Pihlaja voice and style is at times very, very close to Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and the music could very well have been released by Bruce Dickinson, solo.

Damn... at times his voice is so close that I actually think its Bruce singing...

The songs are okay to average... as mentioned above... but I really miss something. The songs either lack a catchy riff or a catchy chorus. The band is playing on auto-pilot... in my humble opinion. I do enjoy listening to it... but most of the songs just go in one ear and out the other.

It wins a little with every spin, but even after numerous listens, I find it only a tad above average.

Only the up-tempo track “The Loon” makes me rock!

The production could have been a little better... and the cover artwork is awful.

Genre fans can check it out, but do not buy without listening to it first!

Recommended track: “The Loon” - Splendid track... more of that on the next album, please.