Korpiklaani will soon (end of June 2007) release their fourth album ‘Tervaskanto’. In many ways this album differs from the former ones, but it is also a logical continuation on ‘Tales along this road’ and the former ones.
Tervaskanto means ‘ tar stump’ but it is also the metaphor for an old wise man. The songs of Tervaskanto are written by Jonne Järvelä and Juho Kauppinen, that makes an attractive mixture. Though both are on the same line of composing, the differences are also noticeable.  The Finnish lyrics are again written by Virva Holtiton. He wrote lyrics about nature, culture and historical events. He writes in the Kalevala tradition, though he does not use anything from it (like some bands do) but ideas. The English lyrics and the lyrics of Viima are written by Jonne.

On this album the difference between happy and more melancholic songs is quite obvious. Songs like Viima, Vesilahden Veräjillä and Palovana are of the somewhat melancholic type, although it is a little hidden under the high pace and the typical Korpiklaani sound. In contrast with this are songs like the typical drinking song ‘Let’s drink’, Tervaskanto and Karhunkaatolaulu. I think this album is a really cool mixture of high quality songs and is indispensable at parties, but also deserves many thorough listening, with or without a beer at hand!

To split the album out in individual songs:
1. Let`s drink is a typical Korpiklaani hit: fast, cheerful and it already has proven itself, because this song is played live since last year on several gigs. It is a song in the tradition of ‘Beer Beer’ and ‘Happy little boozer’. The lyrics speak for themselves: ‘never give up this simple style, let’s drink and enjoy!’

2. Tervaskanto is a song of the firmer type. It reminds a lot of the heavier songs on the ‘Tales along the road’  album. The Finnish lyrics are written again by Virva Holtiton. This song is about an old wise man, who has ‘ seen it all, heard it all, knows it all, is the master of it all, but still has a lot to see, to experience and to hear.’ 

The video clip of this song is on http://www.myspace.com/korpiklaaniofficial

3. Viima (icy wind). A great and melancholic song that gives me the shivers every time again. The lyrics have something special too, and take strong part in the rhythm of the song. But as all Korpiklaani songs this one is also hard to stand still on. (Iske, iske aina  iskeissäni, Laula aina laulaessani – Strike when I strike, Sing when I sing!)

4. Veriset Äpärät (bloody bastard children) is one of the most powerful songs. It starts off quite heavy and has  beautiful, melodic accordion parts. The lyrics  are written by Virva Holtiton and add to the rhythm of the song in the whole. This song is about the screaming ghost of unwanted children that were left in the woods in ancient times.

This song can be heard on http://www.myspace.com/korpiklaaniofficial

5. Running with the Wolves is a instrumental song, it is quite fast, in your mind you can see the wolves running along.

6. Liekkiön Isku – Another beautiful melodic song in which I especially like the singing a lot. Voices take over from each other and there is some yoik in it (on which I am still really fond). The song is about the revenge of the fire spirit Liekkiö.

7. Palovana is also a real strong song, with beautiful melodic lines, relative simple but catchy lyrics (about the inner flame), of which the chorus can be partly sung along, even if you don’t know any Finnish at all. The accordion parts in this song are extremely attractive to me.

8. Karhunkaatolaulu (bear hunting song) is a fast and heavy song, differs from the rest because it is more rhythm than melody. The singing style slightly differs from the other songs. A song on which everyone bangs  their heads off when played live.

9. Misty Fields is a somewhat simpler song, but the lyrics (in English) appeal a lot to me, nothing high in the air, but down to earth about feelings and memories.

10. Vesilahden Veräjillä (At the gates of Vesilahti) Is a long, varied and appealing song with a lot of beauty in it, and a ending that I like  a lot. This song is not so fast. In it the story is told about the combat between the Christian Lord of Huntu, and Kirmu the Lord of Vesilahti.

11. Nordic feast is the second instrumental song on this album and has a beautiful, melancholic beginning, played by Hittavainen on violin. Then the song changes to almost an old circle dance, close your eyes and you can see the people dancing. The flute makes it even more lively, a true party song!
For those who are not familiar with Korpiklaani I can say that if you like folk, if you like metal (heavy, thrash etc) than you should definitely listen this. Korpiklaani’s music is an really original, and perfect synthesis between folk and metal.

No keyboards, but many traditional instruments like violin, torupill (trad. bagpipe), flute and accordion,  and that all on top of electric guitars, bass guitar and drums. Korpiklaani’s sound is heavy and really cheerful. This album even tops the former ones! Tervaskanto  is available from 26th of June 2007. Don’t miss it, strongly recommended!

Meer informatie:
http://www.myspace.com/korpiklaaniofficial