Came across VERTA through Bandcamp - they're from Tampere (same scene as Hallava) but heading in a different direction. Cult of One is goth rock with metal heft, released November 2024.
The setup is a four-piece: Miikka on guitars/vocals, Hanna on keyboards/vocals, Samuli on bass, Mikael on drums. What makes it work is the contrast between Hanna's ethereal keyboards (creating that romantic, nocturnal vibe) and the heavier guitar work. The vocals shift between haunting and forceful, and the whole album stays locked into a consistently dark atmosphere.
Nine tracks, all English lyrics. 'She's the New Black' opens it, the title track 'Cult of One' establishes the band's sound clearly, and 'Tonight it Rains in Heaven' leans into the melancholic side. Production details are notable - they recorded live with real instruments across various locations in Tampere, then got it mastered on RTM SM900 magnetic tape at Astia-studio using analogue equipment. You can hear that approach in the warmth of the final mix.
If you're into goth rock with actual weight behind it, or post-punk-influenced heavy music that doesn't shy away from being romantic and dark, worth checking. Available on Bandcamp and Spotify.
