Korpiklaani
Korven Kuningas

August 2008
Released: 2008, Nuclear Blast Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Another year, another Korpiklaani album. These folking Finns have been incredibly consistent since their debut back in 2003, releasing an album every year except for 2004. Nowadays their popularity seems to be at an all time high, as the folk metal phenomenon continues unabated. Personally, I lost track of the band after their sophomore album, VOICE OF THE WILDERNESS, so I was curious to see where the band had gone since then.

As it turns out, they haven’t gone far. One of the main criticisms of the band is that their albums are totally interchangeable, and I have to say that’s true. They’ve released two albums between the last one I heard and this, and from what I can tell, nothing has changed. Of course, Korpiklaani’s music was fully formed when they released their debut after spending the six previous years as Shaman. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of the band’s style of folk metal, and that means I’m still not a fan.

I’m not sure what it is, but something has always kept me away from Korpiklaani. Perhaps its Jonne Jarvela’s uninspired vocals, or their sometimes too simplistic songs, but I’ve never embraced the band. Of course, there are many, many fans that would disagree with me, and I encourage them to buy this album without hesitation. If Korpiklaani hasn’t disappointed you before, they won’t start now.