Hailing from Lahti, Finland are Folk Metal leaders known as Korpiklaani. In a small genre populated by Metal bands adding Folk music to their style, Korpiklaani sets themselves apart by being a band that instead has grown from the roots of Finnish Folk music, and later added Metal elements. In fact, before Metal was introduced into the band, it was a Sami Folk music group called Shamaani Duo. Started in 1993 by Jonne Jarvela, Shamaani Duo played in restaurants and released one album before becoming Shaman in 1996. Shaman would release two record before ultimately becoming Korpiklaani, which those who do not know yet, stands for Forrest Clan in Finnish.
In 2003, the band did not change in name only, but also a shift in their music began as they incorporating elements of Metal and a change in vocal style to become the Folk Metal band that the scene knows today. Debuting with Spirit Of The Forest that same year, they would go on to become an international success now touring all over on a regular basis. Going on to release seven more records since their inception, Korpiklanni’s latest offering, featuring production by longtime engineer Aksu Hanttu (Entwine drummer), Noita was unleashed via Nuclear Blast on May 5th.
For band members Jonne Jarvela (vocals/guitars/hurdy gurdy/percussion), Sami Perttula (accordion), Matti “Matson” Johansson (drums), Tuomas Rounakari (fiddle), Jarkko Aaltonen (bass), and Kalle “Cane” Savijärvi (guitars), their ninth studio album Noita, Finnish for Witch, represents the culmination of a decade long search for the sound they always knew was possible. Rounakari and Perttula, members since 2012 and 2013 respectively, seemed to be the missing pieces of the puzzle, as the band expertly blended more elements of their Folk background to great effect.
The first track, “Viinamäen Mies” starts with a raucous chant of “Hey, Hey, Hey” and takes off from there with an upbeat one-two feel that is instantly infectious. Rounakari and Perttula duel back and forth throughout, showing their new found freedom. Track two is “Pilli On Pajusta Tehty,” which starts out with Johansson pounding out a complex drum intro that sets the pace. Amid heavy riffs the Accordion is woven through and behind, adding a nice complexity to the otherwise straight forward rocker. Johansson returns for a solo, then a duet with Jarvela is delivered with passion. The anthemic nature continues with the next track, “Lempo”. Drums and chants begin this slower, heavier song, but then give way to an infectious chorus sung brilliantly by Jarvela, whose unique voice sounds great throughout this record. The band settles into a heavy groove for the second half of the song. “Sahti” marks the return to high energy party Metal, this song demonstrates the relationship between foundation makers Johansson and Aaltonen, who anchor the chaos soundly. The happy madness continues with “Luontoni,” which starts with crushing, crisp guitar work from Savijärvi and ends with a haunting finish from Jarvela amid fading guitars. Then the atmospheric and mesmerizing “Minä Näin Vedessä Neidon” takes over. The somewhat somber tone grabs you and shakes you a bit as a divergence, but is equal in replay ability due to the gripping chorus.
Totally out of left field, but surprisingly well-executed, is a Finnish cover of “Mony Mony,” originally done by Tommy James and the Shondells, that is right folks. Tommy James and the Shondells made this song famous in 1968. “Jouni Jouni” is possibly the best version of this song ever recorded. Jarvela makes anything he sings sound gritty and raw, and awesome. “Kylästä Keväinen Kehto” has a distinct Thrash edge to it on the outset before morphing and changing feels more than once. “Ämmänhauta” begins with Savijärvi providing heavy guitars beneath a sweet Fiddle by Rounakari, who once again shines on his instrument. Possibly the ballad of the record, this track is a passionate ode that sets itself apart from the rest. Perttula creates an amazing lead break, hammering home the idea that guitarists are not the only ones who shred leads. “Sen Verran Minäkin Noita” features another thunderous drum intro by Johansson, as he demonstrates that he not only holds it all together, but he can be a featured member with great chops to contribute. This track combines Thrash and Power Metal elements with some great keyboard and plenty of double bass beats into a heavy, powerful, final track.
Korpiklaani is a band that loves to party and have fun as evidenced by Noita. However, the writing and recording of this record was serious business for this band. Nothing is more important to them than their music, and it shows in this latest release. Heavy Metal and Folk music are skillfully woven together into a beautifully complex and completely unique musical experience. Many Metal genres are explored on this record, and the paradigm of Heavy Metal was completely ignored, as well as a new set of rules put in place. Lead Fiddle and Lead Accordion replaced Lead Guitar, and every member had a spotlight to step into. Language is no barrier here as it is clear that music is in fact universal. The balance is perfection, and Korpiklaani continue to actualize their vision. CrypticRock gives Noita 4 out of 5 stars.
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