Finland’s HiSQ Releases “Flesh and Blood”

Finland’s HiSQ, short for Hi Status Qualified, is an unusual amalgamation of visual artists, conceptualists, and musicians sharing the same creative vision for musical composition. Their latest single “Flesh and Blood” recruits former Nightwish member Marko Hietala as guest vocalist, but he sounds like he is born for this project. Hi Status Qualified is clearly a collective of creative talents intent on producing memorable music rather than cashing in as much as possible.

“Flesh and Blood” reveals many of their talents. They are refined composers; there’s nothing purple or overwrought about any part of the track. The exquisite combination of piano and acoustic guitar gives the vocal fine support and late addition of unobtrusive backing vocals puts an extra bit of flair on an already outstanding performance. Hi Status Qualified possess full melodic gifts rather than leaning on production trickery or cheap ploys for listener attention.

The talents going into the songwriting arrangement are especially notable. “Flesh and Blood” wanders in familiar territory for listeners so you will never want for a sense of direction but they develop the track with such class that it sounds fresh and emotionally involved. There’s nothing distanced about this work.

The song’s lyrics definitely get their hands dirty. This is about depression, alienation, and the struggle of life with the gloves off, not pulling any punches, but likewise brimming with personal truth. It’s almost singer/songwriter in the confessional tone it takes. Hietala certainly makes the most of the moment and gives the song a wholehearted performance that never cheapens its focused and affecting message.

Many listeners will rate the chorus as the song’s high point. This is the usual goal for any band or songwriting, that climatic moment when the threads tie together in a cohesive whole, and Hi Status Qualified doesn’t fail to deliver. Hietala’s vocal, however, is the crowning achievement – it’s full-bodied, hits its marks with absolute authority, and yet has enormous sensitivity present throughout the performance. He is always at the wheel – there’s half-assing it to be heard.

Instrumentation for the song is minimal. Piano and acoustic guitar accompany Hietala during the song with a smattering of synthesizer color added for good measure but piano is dominant by far. The union of piano and Hietala’s voice is the heart of “Flesh and Blood” and never fails the song’s ambitions. It reaches emotional heights that linger long after the song ends and you can’t say that about enough new music today.

Music with this sort of staying power often emerges from unexpected quarters. If you are unfamiliar with HiSQ, clear your mind of any preconceived notions going into hearing this song for the first time. You’ll come away from hearing “Flesh and Blood” certain of their value as a band and eager to hear more of their material in any form. They may be the most pleasant surprise you encounter in 2022 and it will leave you wanting more. It isn’t hard to figure out why after even one listen to this new single.  

Trace Whittaker

The music of HISQ has been heard all over the world in partnership with the radio plugging services offered by Musik and Film Radio Promotions Division.  Learn more https://musikandfilm.com