KORPIKLAANI
“KULKIJA”
Album Review by Stacey Fawcett

10/10

Korpiklaani’s aim was to create a natural sounding album that could easily be replicated live. Well they have certainly done this and it’s a joy to listen to.

“Neito” opens the album, it seeps in gently setting the tone. Before bam! The vocals come charging in. The sound is incredibly clean and clear which is wonderful to hear as there’s a lot going on in this track alone. Clarity in metal can be tricky to achieve. “Korpikuusen Kyynel” is epic, you can really tell this album is a story, dynamically it is enchanting. In particular, the drums. The drums are insanely good. “Aallon Alla” is slightly gentler and explains the story of the waves and how they can be deceptive, depending on interpretation. They are either heaven or hell. Another mesmerizing track.

“Harmaja” is the first breather you get in the album, this is the first ballad style track. It’s a welcomed break as the album is intense as it is a journey which you become completely absorbed in. “Kotikonnut” is a complete contrast, it is gloriously heavy and a true headbanger, as is “Korppikalliota”.”Kallon malja” is slightly more relaxed but has some serious drive going on, it sounds like a track of inner turmoil.

“Sillanrakentaja” sounds like pure evil, it’s menacing but I like it. “Henkselipoika” is so much fun, I feel like I need to throw a party whilst everyone jigs around to this, the track has the feel of fun. Love it! “Pellervoinen” is an instrumental track which usually sits quite odd on albums such as this however, it really showcases the musicianship of this band. I know they could perform this live easily and that’s what an album should sound like. This is Korpiklaani’s most natural, re-creatable sounding album to date.

The last four tracks of the album “Riemu”, “Kuin korpi nukkuva”, “Juomamaa” and “Tuttu on tie” have to be discussed together as they complement each other with light and shade, emotionally fun, heavy and wonderful. It’s the perfect finish to an album.

This album should only be listened to in whole, so find a comfy chair, sit back and enjoy the journey.

TRACKLIST

1. Neito
2. Korpikuusen Kyynel
3. Aallon Alla
4. Harmaja
5. Kotikonnut
6. Korppikalliota
7. Kallon malja
8. Sillanrakentaja
9. Henkselipoika
10. Pellervoinen
11. Riemu
12. Kuin korpi nukkuva
13. Juomamaa
14. Tuttu on tie

www.korpiklaani.com
www.facebook.com/korpiklaani

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