Ever since the days of Skyclad, folk metal has been an ever-growing movement among fans of many other different styles of metal music. By mixing the alluring sound of native folk music with the audible assault of metal, folk metal has successfully broken through the mold and created a scene especially for those who love their growl with a little bit of melody!
Which brings us to Finland's Korpiklaani....
Back in 2010, I auditioned for a band that I didn't ultimately end up joining.
However, what I did gain was a friend in the form of that band's guitarist, and while we were exchanging names of bands we revered as personal influences to us as musicians, we discussed many different bands like Demon Hunter, Fear Factory, Scar Symmetry, The Black Dahlia Murder and many more. One band name that came up was Korpiklaani. Admittedly, I had no idea who they were at the time. Then he showed me their song "Wooden Pints", the opening track to their first album, "Spirit of the Forest". Granted, they did put out releases prior to that under the name of Shaman, but this was the debut album that would herald in a new band with a new sound and a new vision. And for the last 16 years, it has worked handsomely in their favor. They never cease to astound with their songwriting style layered behind lyrics that speak jovially of Finnish pagan tales, drinking and partying, and above all, living in the moment.
Now, enter their latest release, "Kulkija".
As with all their other releases in prior years, they seem to flawlessly blend metal with their traditional folk tunes, be them adaptations of old drinking songs, tales of spirit and magic, or brand new original songs of whimsy and light-hearted good times. This album is no different. Their return is celebrated by 14 tracks of tried-and-true classic Korpiklaani songwriting with no sign of slowing down, even with the passage of time. And with that, I have prepared for you the evidence of such claims with a few of my favorite tracks from this latest release. Enjoy, metal head Steemians!
Neito
Aallon alla
Harmaja
Kotikonnut