KORPIKLAANI - Ukon Wacka
February 17, 2011, 13 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
In my book, Karkelo was a disappointment, attempting to stray away from the speed metal infused hummpa sound onwhich these Finns came to prominence (and truth be told, after seven albums and a suddenly over-populated field, I can see their perspective), but this time around ‘Louhen Vhdeksas Poika’ comes screaming out of the gait, signaling a return to form. Follow-up ‘Paat Pois Tai Hirteen’ is a more metalized track, which isn’t a bad thing, either. As always, the raspy lyrics are sung in the native tongue. ‘Lonkkaluut’ sees a tougher metal stance joined by the omnipresent accordion and a rollicking beat, ending in an unsettling crescendo of clashing instrumentation. Adding to the repertoire of alcohol fueled tunes (alongside ‘Beer, Beer’, ‘Happy Little Boozer’, ‘Let’s Drink’, ‘Bring Us Pints Of Beer’ and ‘Vodka’) comes ‘Tequila’, a Latin flavored number (noticed accent on drums) filtered through Lapland. Unlike the aforementioned drinking songs, it is NOT in English! ‘Korvesta Liha’ is a grittier countrified jig, while the 2:19 ‘Vaarinpolkka’ is a lively instrumental. A flute and melancholy accordion provide the pedestrian introduction to the eventually enlivened ‘Surma’, the last original number. The disc closes with a cover of Motorhead’s ‘Iron Fist’, perfectly matching the velocity of the Korpiklaani penned material. Back to the front of the class!
