Rock In Review

Korpiklaani - Korven Kuningas
Nuclear Blast Records

* * * *
4 Stars

Normally, Folk music and Metal can be found on totally opposite ends of the spectrum, but thanks to the efforts of Korpiklaani and similar bands, the two styles have been mashed together to form the new soundtrack to a night at the bar! The most recent release of this kind by Korpiklaani is entitled Korven Kuningas. Korven Kuningas is the fifth release for this Finnish Folk metal band and is written in the native Finnish language in an effort to reconnect the music to its roots. Altogether, Korpiklaani consists of guitarists Jonne Järvelä and Kalle “Cane” Savijärvi, bassist Jarkko Aaltonen, drummer Matti “Matson” Johansson, Jaakko “Hittavainen” Lemmetty playing violin, jouhikko, and woodwinds, and Juho Kauppinen on accordion. To compare these six guys’ sound to anything else I have heard, I’d have to say that they sound like a Finnish version of Flogging Molly! And to be honest, I never thought I’d mention an accordion player in a Metal band! Overall, Korven Kuningas is a different experience than what I expected, but I really like this album and Korpiklaani as a whole. Of the 15 tracks on the album, it is hard to say which ones are the “best”, but my personal favorite is the single off the album, “Keep On Galloping”. This song combines the “bounce” of the polka/folk feel with a bit of the heaviness of the guitars. Another great track is the first track of the album, “Tapporauta”. This song really gives you a feel for the Folk metal genre with it’s Heavy metal style opening and its fast paced, polka feel, throughout the rest of the song, that is spiced up with, what sounds like, some double bass from Matti. A few other good tracks to listen to are “Ali Jäisten Vetten”, “Kipakka”, and “Suden Joiku”. All in all, if you really like the Folk sound of Flogging Molly infused with some Metal guitar parts and lyrics in Finnish, sit back, grab a pint or three (if you’re of legal age), and enjoy Korven Kuningas!

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