Finnish folk metal pioneers Korpiklaani are back with their twelfth studio album, “Rankarumpu” (“Ragged Drum” in English). It features their signature blend of energetic, fast-tempo tunes mixed with fiddle-carrying melody lines like we are used to and we just can´t get enough of it. It’s always a pleasure to hear more from these guys. The record opens with “Kotomaa” (“Homeland”): a promising track with a catchy chorus, with tasteful rhythms of violin and accordion, played by Tuomas Rounakari and Sami Perttula that capture folk melodies so well. This song talks about the beautiful Finnish landscape. “Tapa senkunkerkeet” (“Kill It While You Can”) starts in a marching environment and has a war message. Then a chaotic atmosphere follows and all through the entire song. “Aita” (“Fence”) has a troll vibe, plus it’s energetic, fast and emphasizes the use of folk instruments in here. “Saunaan” (“Sauna”), written by Olli Vänskä (ex-Turisas) and the new violin player, brings the fans back to the band’s origins. Brilliant song! “Mettään” (“Into The Woods”) starts with power chords that deliver such old school vibes. The accordion here is king and lots of gears can be heard. The chorus is very notable. “Kalmisto” (“March To The Grave”) starts with a very heavy metal styled guitar, which gives in to a quieter folk theme, where the background accordion plays in tune with the violin and Järvelä’s voice. It has a strong effect! The title track “Rankarumpu” gives an overdose of folk metal vibe, thanks to the drums of Samuli and Jonne’s vocals. It delivers passion. “No Perkele” (“Damn It”) has very fast tempos and Jonne almost raps. Very groovy! “Viikatelintu” (“Reaper Bird”) is very melancholic and generic. It has elegance in it. In the next track, “Nouse” (“Rise”), the accordion played by Samuli and the violin by Olli Vänskä, are the key factor for making the track so unique. Thumbs up! “Oraakkelit” (“Oracles”) is another prancing hymn! Olli and Sami stand out once again and are the ones that make this song great: they make folky sounds with their instruments: gallop accordion, gravy guitars with drums and prolonged violin. It has an interesting sound of wolves in the background, which makes this song even more unique and interesting! And finally, the last track, “Harhainenhöyhen” (“Lost Feather”) closes the record in a superb way: high folk metal note thanks to the amazing vocals by Jonne and all the wicked sounds blasted by his crew. Beautiful flute sound here. Jonne, alongside with Samuli and Olli, delivered great compositions for this record, that suit so well. It sure is one of the best albums of this year. The best folk metal sounds and elements are present and must be heard by all the fans of the band, that can or can’t speak Finnish.
♦ 9/10
Raquel Miranda
