Marko Rubel

Marko Hietala doesn’t need much of an introduction. Active in the Finnish metal scene since 1982 and in the international scene since 2001, his distinctive singing voice, expansive songwriting, and “we don’t need a second guitarist because I have this thing” approach to playing bass set him apart from a great many musicians. Since departing Nightwish in 2021, he’s reconnected with several past projects, from Raskasta Joulua to Northern Kings to Tarot—and then back to his own solo work. Roses from the Deep marks Hietala’s return to his own songwriting, following 2019’s Mustan sydämen rovio. Joined by Tuomas Wäinölä (guitars, Kotipelto), Anssi Nykänen (drums), and Vili Ollila (keys, Northern Kings and Raskasta Joulua), Hietala’s sophomore solo comes with a whole lot of talent… and very high expectations too.

If you've followed the global shenanigans of heavier music over the past decades, you know the name Marko Hietala.

It's the kind of battle of the bands to have any fan of Balkan brass music salivating. Serbia's Boban & Marki Markovic Orchestra go head to head with Fanfare Ciocarlia from Romania. Both get to strut their stuff and show what kind of chops they have here, coming together to perform "James Bond Theme," "Asfalt Tango," "Devla," and a pair of others to thrilling, glossy effect, and each offering a take on the classic "Caravan." Each group has its style, which becomes immediately identifiable when heard next to the competition, but they're both thrilling and packed with virtuosic playing.

Marko Topchii, winner of the 2017 Michele Pittaluga Guitar Competition, has selected a rich and varied repertoire ranging from neo-Romanticism to serialism, each work offering a unique vision of the instrument’s technical and expressive capabilities. Antonio Jose’s Sonata is remarkably inventive, bringing a new language to ancient dance forms, while Frank Martin’s Quatre Pieces breves, written in the same year, offers the flourish and vigor of contemporary harmonic vocabulary. Ronald Dyens’ Libra Sonatine is one of the most virtuosic and brilliant of late 20th-century guitar works.

(RE)CREATION from Navona Records and pianist Marko Stuparević is centered on the acts of creation and re-creation, observed through three piano sonatas of three Russian composers: all pianists, contemporaries, and representatives of some of the most notable works of 20th century Russian piano music.

Where I Come From is a video which unlocks the secrets to great technique as Marko Djordjevic takes you on a step by step journey through the basics of drumming with a fresh approach. The information will be useful to the beginner and seasoned pro alike, as Marko cleanly explains components which are absolutely essential for mastering the technical side of the instrument.