Signed to Nuclear Blast, Finland’s Battle kings Korpiklaani have been jigging their scene since 2003 (they were originally formed in 1993 as a band called ‘Shaman’ but decided to change their name and musical direction). Basing most of their lyrics on mythical matters and of coursed drinking, that it’s no wonder metal heads all over the world craved to see and hear them.
Ukon Wacka is their seventh album release in which I have no doubt that it will be a successful sale. So I decided to give it a whirl ...
As I get my mead horn filled up, the first track ‘Louhen Yhdeksas Poika’ cracks in with a fast folksy feel and a catchy as hell chorus (no idea what they are singing about although I’m guessing its alcohol related) and the beat just makes you want to get up and do a jig in the way you see pissed up drunken punks dance. ‘Paat Pois Tai Hirteen’ puts a huge smile on my face, sounding like an oompa band and imagining Korpiklaani dressed up for the occasion too!! The chorus isn’t as catchy as the first track and maybe even a little repetitive sounding but still... the band is drinking music and when you’re drunk I don’t suppose you care too much on repetitiveness.
OK, so it’s clear that this album seems a little bit rushed? But also has a lot more commercial feeling than the last albums, but nevertheless it’s still a cracker, in the track ‘Tequila’ it’s exactly what I hope for, a happy go-lucky jig song forcing beer to be splatter over you in a crowd of a few hundred metal heads jumping about like nutters, and like most Korpiklaani songs the only part we’re gonna shout is ‘TEQUILA’ due to the fact that it’s the only part we understand.
The album titled track ‘Ukon Wacka’ is definitely one to shout about due to the brutal heavy riffs and the vocals almost eerie, if you could imagine and old Finnish man, after having one too many meads then that’s what it sounds like. The tempo slow at first but half way through picks up for yet another jig session. (That’s if you aren’t already knackered) ‘Vaarinpolkka’ an instrumental piece but still catchy and with vocals this track would have been even better.
The last track ‘Surma’ starts off with a whistle/pipe and some bass drums, quite tranquil and beautiful. Then, blasting in with some uncanny Nightwish (shush, I like Nightwish) guitar riffs and some immense drum work, then unexpectedly pushed it all up a notch with some very fast drum beats and the vocalist goes insane, then slowing down again for the chorus. Not only chilling but windmill worthy too, perfection! They definitely left the best track till last!
Definitely not a disappointment, Jonne’s vocals are still perfect, and (ok I’m repeating myself) it’s perfect beer music and I think that’s exactly what Korpiklaani are going for!!
So go buy it, and pop it on before a big night out, you won’t be disappointed!
http://www.myspace.com/korpiklaaniofficial
