The Bottom Line
Finnish polka metal.
Pros
- Fun and uproarious party metal.
Cons
- Might not be dark and evil enough for some metal fans.
Description
- Released in North America May 23, 2006 on Napalm Records.
- The album was produced by Samu Oittinen.
- This is Korpiklaani's third release.
Guide Review - Korpiklaani - Tales Along This Road
Metal by nature is brutual and aggressive, allowing musicians and fans to release stress or just break stuff. A lot of metal is dark and evil. It's rare to find a metal band that will make you smile. Korpiklaani is one. They blend traditional Finnish folk tales and metal riffs. It's a bizarre mix of flutes, accordions, violins and electric guitars, but it works.
The lyrics are a combination of English and Finnish, and the songs range from quieter folk influenced tracks to boistrous drinking songs like "Happy Little Boozer." They take elements from Celtic style bands like Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and The Pogues and add a metal twist. The vocals are melodic in parts and have a death/black metal feel in others, but the mood and attitude of the album is one of celebration and optimism.
