CMX's influence on Finland's rock scene is definite, so it's no wonder that Cloaca Maxima is a long-waited collection. It does pack all the best songs by CMX into one album, but unfortunately lacks sympathy for listener, and instead its tracks seem to be just the favorites of A.W. Yrjänä. For example, songs like "Talviunia," "Yö Ei Ole Pimeä Päivä," and "Talvipäivänseisaus" don't really fit into a cohesive whole. Instead, songs such as "Manalainen" and "Marian Ilmestys" work perfectly. Since Cloaca Maxima is a triple-album, its first two discs are devoted to the album tracks, and the third is filled with remakes and B-sides. Third disc is mostly just for fans, but "Musiikin Ystävälliset Kasvot '97" and "Saatana" don't let anyone down. It just depends on the listener. Mostly, it's very good material, but as a whole it doesn't work so well. But for hardcore CMX-fans and newcomers alike, Cloaca Maxima is a definite collection from the most influential Finnish band of the '90s.
© Antti J. Ravelin /TiVo