KORPIKLAANI: Kulkija (PAGAN/VIKING METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

If Finnish metal bands are mostly black, death or heavy metal like in other Scandinavian countries, Korpiklaani has chosen to distinguish itself in a less common register: folk metal. The sextet having accustomed its audience to be particularly prolific (with 9 albums released between 2002 and 2012!), that's to say if this thirteenth and last opus, "Kulkija", was expected, after the very good "Noita" released in 2015.

As it is often the case, Korpiklaani delivers a phenomenal amount of direct and lively, music. The introductory track 'Neito' is a perfect illustration of this mood with its fast and dynamic rhythm, as is 'Kotikonnut' with its catchy violin or the hopping 'Riemu' with its heady accordion that makes you want toast with your neighbour and drink refreshing pints of beer.

In these festive and jovial moods, there are also a few moments of calm. The folk ballad 'Harmaja' differs from the other songs in this register by its sweetness and beauty. The violin spearheads the piece and reaches a climax at the end of the title with an enchanting solo. The final piece, 'Tutti on Tie', is in the same vein with its slow waltz rhythm and its delicate and bewitching violin.

If since its creation in 1993, the Finns have not really evolved their musical identity, a few small innovations are nevertheless worth highlighting. The most noteworthy of them is that the tracks are generally longer than usual. Without getting into progressive folk metal, the songs have the advantage of developing many sections and varying the moods, sometimes light, sometimes stronger. As for the surprises, 'Sillanrakentaja' is much heavier with its verses that are not very melodic for Korpiklaani, and it is clear that the recipe works perfectly! Last but not least, 'Pellervoinen' is an excellent purely Celtic instrumental piece, led by a very inspired lead violin that will unleash the crowds in the middle of a concert, no doubt about it!

"Kulkija" is an ode to partying, sharing, joy, in a word: to life! Despite its length, few tracks are really dispensable and all of them bring complementary ambiences, making this thirteenth opus a major album in the Finnish discography. - Official website

KORPIKLAANI

KULKIJA

NUCLEAR BLAST

PAGAN/VIKING METAL