If you've already heard a good bit of Turisas I suspect by now they are pretty much love or hate and with either view bulletproof for the beholder. But for the rest of you? Well, sit down and here we go...
First thing to know: Turisas may well be the only band on the planet to be heavily influenced by Bal-Sagoth's 'Starfire Burning On The Ice Veiled Throne Of Ultima Thule' album. This is not a bad thing at all, simply an indication of how epic, complete and cinematic their vision is. From the opening trumpet fanfare of 'The March Of The Vangarian Guard' we are pretty much plunged soul deep back into the world we left them in at the end of 'The Vangarian Way'. It's huge, pompous, insanely epic and life-affirmingly rousing metal. It has great choral vocals and is catchy as Hell, riding the keyboards like the opening battle scene of a movie and with expertly arranged orchestration that continues throughout the album.
'Take The Day' is more of an attack dog in comparison, Warlord Nygard dipping into his great growl and the keyboards, which are the main sound often with Turisas, occasionally ducking under the guitar attack. But still it bristles with unshakeable hooks all the way through.
So much fun and a brilliant, sunlit start to their third album.
'Hunting Pirates' and 'Venitoi!-Prenitoi!' do showcase one weakness Turisas have: They are so wrapped up in their roles as storytellers and mythmakers (our brave adventuring lads have been fighting their way down from Finland to Constantinople for two albums now) that they often allow songs to break down into an almost stage musical style; cleanly sung narrative strung between huge choruses for the former bit of piratical diversion, scene shifting music for the latter.
Still, it's usually worth it. The Warlord's delivery really does make you feel he's speaking to you personally and their more instrumental numbers are well constructed passages that carry the atmosphere on to the next scene. And when they follow it up with songs like 'Stand Up And Fight' you can mostly forgive the furry ones anything; with the kind of lyrical description you only usually get in novels this should be awesome live with the undeniably soulful and expressive vocals leading everyone into the pit.
'The Great Escape' and 'Fear The Fear' see our heroes trying to bop their way back home as Empires crumble and even a touch of modern day comparison slips in there with no harm. Together they have a little too much narrative mumbling and a few too few sing-alongs perhaps but end up still pretty capable of holding attention and everyone needs a rest.
Their tale comes to a mournful close with 'End Of An Empire' which has an immense choral and orchestral presence, a rise and fall of a speeding ship over troubled waters. Piano flourishes flicker throughout as dramatic drums push a chasing storm. It is a bit West End musical gone Viking Metal, yes, particularly with the massed cast ending crescendo and I do suspect the intention was more cinematic but regardless it still kind of blindsides you with an irresistible passion and charm. This will be easy to swallow for Nightwish fans in particular.
Epilogue 'The Bosphorous Freezes Over' is a fitting end, a final few moments of introspective reflection on what we have followed over two albums as the curtains close on this tale. Do our heroes escape or do they perish? Ah, that would be telling...
Insane, enthralling, silly, serious? Who knows. For me, this is better than both predecessors; less dawdling, less filler and still with all the passion and incredible crowd anthems these mad Fins bring to the game. They have teeth amongst the orchestration and a real metal heart, too. Fans won't be disappointed, cynics won't be convinced either. But seriously: Try them without prejudice and they may make your day just a little brighter.
Turisas; still as mad as a sack of badgers. Thank fuck for that. Now buy the album and go and see them in their element; live.
http://www.turisas.com
http://www.myspace.com/turisasofficial
http://www.thevarangianway.com
