Sigh. Another year, another album from Korpiklaani. What is it now, their sixth album, seventh? I lose track. A Korpiklaani album has started to become rather like a cup of mid-range instant coffee; when you need a quick pick-me-up it can be satisfying but drink it too often and you start to crave something different with a bit more flavour. When I first discovered the Forest Clan, they were something rather novel; I still enjoy listening to their early releases and think they are really quite special but it seems that since they arrived at Nuclear Blast, they are just milking a cash cow for all it’s worth. The kind of quality we once saw on ‘Spirit of the Forest’ and ‘Voice of Wilderness’ has faded into the ether and been replaced by a more commercial sound; Nuclear Blast seem to have a knack for doing this and sometimes it works in the bands favour, but with Korpiklaani I really don’t see this as the case.
‘Tales Along This Road’ was a good album; a little more accessible perhaps than their earlier releases with some really upbeat numbers like ‘Happy Little Boozer’ but still the true essence of this band was strong. Around this time I would have considered Korpiklaani a favourite band of mine and so to admit they have diminished in my opinion so much in this time isn’t an easy task. Both albums that have so far been put out on their present label have shown a band that are kind of going through the motions. They have figured out it is the happy go lucky songs that really crunch the numbers and they’ve pretty much abandoned the mellower sounds of yore for ridiculously hyper, super-duper happy music that’s more party in the woods than wander through the forest. They have very little substance (apart from whatever intoxicating ones they imbibed in the studio!) and the excitement and element of surprise wondering what to expect from their next opus has really gone. Certainly putting out albums on an annual basis is doing them no good as they are just regurgitating stale ideas rather than allowing enough time to generate fresh ones and when I heard the band were releasing another album I’m sure I groaned as opposed to let out a cheer.
I have to say that I was somewhat surprised when I heard this album; I wouldn’t call it a “return to form” but what I would say is that there are some new ideas clearly floating around the forest. What’s instantly obvious from listening to Karkelo is that they have gone in a heavier direction on this album; rather than being dizzyingly silly, the metal elements to their music are much more prominent. ‘Huppian Aarre’ has a rather slow paced, devastating guitar riff that has almost a doomish feel, while there are some classic metal sounding guitars scattered around such as on ‘Juordan Vina.’ There’s a lot more variety on this album as well; ‘Kultainen’ has a nice jagged rhythm about it that all feels a bit humppa-esque, which leads into a rather catchy mid-paced chorus. ‘Juordan Vina’ skips along with a jovial sing along of “lai lai lai” while the guitars have a rather punkish feel to them in places. The violins are far less intrusive here while the rhythm takes more of a leading role and while this is upbeat it doesn’t sound too frantic.
Naturally, there’s a couple of boozy moments and by now I’m sure these Finns will be able to devote an entire set to alcohol; perhaps they could play at Oktoberfest! The rather amusing ‘Vodka,’ which is sang out as wodka kickstarts the album like downing a shot at the start of a night out, and together with ‘Bring Us Pints Of Beer’ they show they still wear the crown in the drinking contest. Despite my scepticism, it’s good to see that Korpiklaani have moved away from the style of the recent albums rather than boring us with more of the same; this has a little different to offer and I’m sure fans of this band won’t be disappointed with it…naturally, I look forward to hearing the new shit played in the live setting where they really excel and getting soaked in beer yet again! But please, give it a couple of years before the next album guys, ok?
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