Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
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Korpiklaani’s latest offering, “Rankarumpu,” is a spirited journey into the heart of Finnish folk metal, resonating with the wild energy of ancient forests and the captivating allure of untamed landscapes. This album, released via Nuclear Blast, showcases the band’s signature style while infusing new elements, creating an exhilarating and immersive experience for listeners.
Led by the shamanic talents of Jonne Järvelä (vocals & acoustic guitar), the band features a lineup of exceptional musicians, including Sami Perttula on accordion, Olli Vänskä on violin, Jarkko Aaltonen on bass, Kalle “Cane” Savijärvi on guitar, and Samuli Mikkonen on drums & percussion. Together, they delve into themes ranging from the joys of camaraderie and celebration to poignant reflections on war and the timeless allure of Finnish landscapes.
One of the album’s highlights is the skillful integration of folk instruments, particularly Olli Vänskä’s violin and Sami Perttula’s accordion, which add rich layers of texture and emotion to the music, probably more so than any album before. This heightened focus on folk instrumentation enhances the album’s authenticity and depth, showcasing a newfound synergy within the band’s musical landscape.
Korpiklaani has unmistakably strived to craft their most refined and sonically impressive album to date, and the results are evident! Olli’s debut on this album introduced a whole new dimension and richness to the music, elevating the overall sound to unprecedented levels.
The album’s diverse tracks offer a range of experiences. Opening with the spirited “Kotomaa” (“Motherland”), this fast-paced, yet quite lovely homage to the beautiful landscape of Finland feels just as happy and beautiful as it should. From the opening line (and chorus), we hear Jonne Järvelä exclaim, “Sininen taivas ja valkoinen maa!” loosely translated as “Her skies are blue, her earth covered in white!”
While Korpiklaani is known to be able to slow things down a bit, as a whole, this album sees the Finnish folk metal sextet steaming full speed ahead. Take the heavier anti-war track “Tapa sen kun kerkeet” (“Kill While You Can”) and “Aita” (“Fence”), a more light, folkier track, which was originally meant as an instrumental; both stand out with their fast-paced rhythms and catchy choruses.
“Saunaan” (“Sauna”), an old-school Korpiklanni hit with fresh and modern influences, written by newcomer Olli Vänskä and lyrics penned by Samuli Mikkonen, channels the old-school Korpiklaani vibe, blending nostalgic elements with a fresh and reviving energy, one that Jonne is all too happy to have. What would an album about the beautiful and awe-inspiring Finnish landscape be without a song about a nice, hot sauna!
Tracks like “Mettään” (“Into the Woods”) at times mixes 80s classic metal guitars with the incredible violin and accordion folk elements coming in, while “Kalmisto” (“March to the Grave”) features captivating melodies and lyrics by drummer Samuli Mikkonen, adding depth to the album’s thematic exploration.
The title track “Rankarumpu” (“Snare/Ragged Drum”) takes a break from the landscape of Finland and shows off who the band is. With its enchanting melodies and dueling violin/accordion parts, this track is sure to be a fan favorite at live shows. As Jonne says, “It is a fully conscious tribute to this band and its members. This song just sums up what Korpiklaani is.”
On the other hand, “Viikatelintu” (“Reaper Bird”) introduces new twists with its slight ballad-like structure, enchanting and lighter vocal melody, yet there’s a lot of layering going on, showcasing the band’s versatility, while the album’s closer “Harhainen Höyhen” (“Lost Feather”), also a more mid-tempo track, looks at the feeling of being adrift and struggling with inner turmoil, all the while finding beauty and solace amidst challenges. With tin whistles, violin, and accordion on full display, this track brings Korpiklanni’s best album to date to a beautiful close.
The production quality of “Rankarumpu” is exceptional, thanks to the collaboration with recording/mixing engineer Janne Saksa and mastering engineer Svante Forsbäck. The album’s sound is crisp, powerful, and impeccably balanced, showcasing Korpiklaani at their best and making it their best-sounding recording to date.
In essence, “Rankarumpu” is a testament to Korpiklaani’s enduring creativity and musical ability, and is a must-listen for fans of folk metal and anyone seeking an exhilarating musical journey infused with the spirit of Finnish folklore and metal energy. You’re guaranteed a good time!
Verdict: 4.5/5
Ethereal Metal 
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