By: AvNatten

Posted: May 12, 2006

Many people have been waiting in anticipation for the release of Korpiklaani's third album entitled "Tales Along This Road", I being one of the many who become lost in the songs this Finnish band can craft. For those who are not yet aware of what Korpiklaani's music consists of are in for a treat. The band utilizes all the modern trappings of heavy metal that can be fairly aggressive at times, but mixed into these metal stylings are many traditional instruments including flutes, violins, accordion and kantele, which is a traditional Finnish instrument that has existed for around two thousand years. Due to the inclusion of these instruments some prefer to call their style of music "humppa". Vocalist Jonne Jarvela also from time to time mixes in a style of singing known as Yoiking which was developed by the Sami people who are native to the northern parts of Scandinavia. Jarvela delivers his lyrics on the album partly in English and partly in his native Finnish tongue. Though the band has not lost an ounce of their folkiness, each album has gotten progressively heavier than the last.

The album kicks off with a drinking song, 'Happy Little Boozer'. This one will definitely get those beer mugs raised with its catchy melodies and humorous lyrics. The following track is 'Vakirauta', my personal favorite on the album. 'Vakirauta', blazes onward with heavy guitars and a pounding drumbeat. The lyrics to this track are sung in Finnish and at times become somewhat aggressive, especially in the catchy chorus where you can hear an underlying scathing vocal mixed within. 'Tuli Kokko' is a slower song with an intro that includes the sound of a crow and a wonderful pair of flutes weaving their notes around each other and the lines from a kantele, slowly the rest of the instruments fall into place. 'Spring Dance' definitely lives up to its title. It is bright and fast containing lots of energy, one can presume that the energy put within this song is to signify spring arriving with power to wash the land in her soft rain showers and to unleash the green meadows and bright flowers to dance within her winds. 'Under The Sun' is a wonderful song with superb mandolin work, the vocals are varied in this song to coincide with the tempos of the track.

It may take a couple spins of this disc to totally immerse yourself in the sounds Korpiklaani have created but you will be glad you did for it is well worth your time and effort. Although in my eyes 2003's "Spirit Of The Forest" is crowned as being my personal favorite and the bands best achievement so far "Tales Along This Road" is a valiant effort and very enjoyable. Those who enjoy their metal mixed with folk influences will adore this disc. This is an album we have come to expect from Korpiklaani, the songs range from fast to slow and all are played with energy and enthusiasm and will leave you wanted to go out into the woods to dance with whatever inhabitants and spirits you may find there. These tracks are fun and youthful, the catchy melodies and the interweaved folk instruments will haunt your thoughts for quit some time. I dare all of you to listen and not nod your head or tap your fingers and feet along with the rhythms Korpiklaani have provided, it's virtually impossible. Keep your eyes to the north in anticipation of what these Finns will craft next.

Rating: 9/10

[link]Korpiklaani[/link] website

Distributed in Denmark and kindly supplied by Target

Buy the album at

Buy merchandise at

Print