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 A step in a new direction.- |
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Korpiklaani are back with their sixth studio album, Karkelo. Much like their last release, Korven Kuningas, the band continues writing songs that aren't, as many call, gimmicky as on previous albums, but more serious folk metal songs, and returning moreso to their roots of their Shaman days by writing in their native tongue instead of having the lyrics in English. In essence, this is perhaps the final step towards Korpiklaani becoming a whole new musical entity, which is a bad thing on various levels, and a great thing on others. There are only two tracks on this release that are in English, and, shocker: these tracks are the "gimmick" tracks. "Vodka", which is the single off the album, is the feel good track of this release, with some rather comical lyrics that are absolutely true in many instances about the drink the title speaks of. The second track, "Bring Us Pints Of Beer", is a fun song but rather lackluster and more like a filler track. Aside those two though, the rest of the album is clearly oriented towards being a more serious folk metal endeavor, which is fine, as many of the songs on here are great. The only problem is that, with this change of style, the lyrics are no longer in English. While there isn't a translation available in the book, an explanation for the songs can be found on every page of lyrics, which, when you do translate them, or if you care enough to, gives a little more insight towards the meaning of the track. While there is a lack of a gimmick, the music on this album is just great. "Uniaika" is a hidden gem of a track, as the chorus vocals may take a little to get adjusted to, but it's a very well done, somber, slow paced track. But, aside that, "Erämaan Ärjyt" and "Isku Pitkästä Ilosta" are the better of the more serious material on here, and the Hector cover, "Juodaan Viinaa", is just a fun drinking song that will have fans raising their frothy mugs of mead high and chanting along. But, as you continue through the album, you'll notice that it starts out heavy, fast, and joyous, then suddenly just starts to get rather depressing, both in music and quality. As stated, "Bring Us Pints Of Beer" is a bit of a let down, and the next track, "Huppiaan Aarre" isn't an impressive cut either, being a really slow paced song that borders stoner metal which, really, is the point of the song since it's supposed to represent a dream state. After a few listens, however, it may grow on you, as the chorus is actually rather good, it's just the main versus and how the vocals are performed at times that drag the song down. "Könnin Kuokkamies" does, however, make up for these two songs with it's faster, more joyous sond we've grown accustomed to. Other then that, this release is another stellar one by Korpiklaani. Sure it may take a few listens to fully enjoy it, especially if you have been a fan since the start of their career, but anyone who has heard their last release, Korven Kuningas will know that this album is what the band needed: A step in a new direction. With the exception of two songs that will probably bring the beer to a halt, the rest of the album features fun songs that are great to drink to, as well as a few somber, slow tracks for when you are really trashed. |
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Physical copy purchased for review with personal funds.
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