Ελληνικά
Genre: Folk Metal
Country: Finland
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Year: 2015
First of all, we have to admit that this review doesn’t concern anyone who just doesn’t dig folk metal. It is a totally ‘love or hate’ situation and nothing in between. Please, let me remind you that many of those that hate the subgenre that Korpiklaani serve, couldn’t appreciate a band like Skyclad, which enormous status can be compared only to behemoths, such as Sabbath or Maiden, so I can’t expect from those to understand the feelings that this album can offer to its listener (the Finnish have much smaller reputation than the British and less ‘serious’ indeed)… so, for all the rest…
Three years after the not-so-great after all “Manala”, -this is the longest time between album releases that has ever passed for the Finnish-, Korpi return with one of their best albums. Surely, it’s rather too soon to judge it so easily but honestly this is personally speaking the greatest album I have ever listened from the band along with ‘Karkelo’ (2009).
‘Noita’ (Noita is the Finnish word for ‘witch’) is adherent once again to the winning formula, but this time no smash hit is needed to lift up the final result. Nope, there’s no ‘Vodka’ or ‘Tequila’ here but Korpiklaani is much more than that, mates. Of course, there is always this drinkin’ and singin’ loud and proud, party vibe, but there’s also a hint of darkness and some slow parts as well. ‘Lempo’ is a slow song with excellent folk parts of the violin, accordion and fiddle. ‘Sahti’ and ‘Luontoni’ could easily be hits, but I will repeat it again, ‘Noita’ doesn’t need a hit single.
The thing that the band seems to work a lot is the guitars that are stronger than ever, plus the brilliant folk parts that are top notch. I mean this time guys prove that can write seriously great music without being consequential or taking themselves too serious as many bands outside do. I won’t mention the catchy melodies or the chorus parts since in all their 7 albums sing-along refrains are emphatically sticked to fans minds even though the majority of their audience doesn’t know Finnish….
Highlights: “Pilli OnPajustaTehty”, “Lempo”, “Sahti”, “Luontoni” &“KylästäKeväinenKehto”.
*There’s also a cover on “MonyMony” (originally by Tommy James & the Shondells but made famous later by Billy Idol in the ’80s) here entitled “JouniJouni”.
5/6
