Korpiklaani

Korven Kuningas (Nuclear Blast)
by Scott Hefflon

Aside from Finntroll, I have nothing to compare this too. Folk metal to the extreme, and done flawlessly. It opens with a barnburning polka, and if it doesn’t get you grinning, kicking up your heels and spilling your beer with wild abandon, check to make sure you have a pulse. Umpa-umpas never sounded so fun, and I’ve heard my fair share of umpa-umpas. From there, things do slow down a bit to, say, Dropkick Murphys speeds, but really, who else can you compare such music to? “Akkordeon” and flute and violin accompany Finnish folk tales, barely an English word to be found, all to celebratory metal chugs and locked-armed dancefloor yahooing. A real keeper here.
(www.nuclearblastusa.com)