LIVE REVIEW: Finland brings the party to Belfast in a folk metal fest courtesy of Moonsorrow and Korpiklaani

LET'S face it the words folk and metal should not, in a sane universe, be used in the same dimension let alone in the same sentence. Folk - that's earnest men in aran sweaters with acoustic guitars and weird English accents. Metal - well that's us.

Add in a liberal dose of 'Finland' and nothing would have made sense of this to the progenitors of heavy metal and fans of metal in the 70s and 80s.

But, when those of that vintage stumble upon this alternate dimension there is nothing else to do, but smile, raise a glass and join in the fun.

Fun is such a small word, and when Moonsorrow and Korpilaani roll into Belfast on the latest leg of their Finnish Folk Metal Mafia tour fun grows from just three letters to a Sunday night Limelight2 full on party as smiles and cheers mingle amidst a swirl of the most positive emotions.

Moonsorrow take to the stage first and it is fair to say that ahead of the event many of the audience would not be as familiar with their material, but within a few chords there was no doubt that they won over many new fans.

Despite being self-avowed pagan metallers the synth lines add the folk elements above the all-out aural attack. Latest release 'Jumalten Aika' features throughout the set. Eight plus songs over 90 minutes might seem like overlong songs, but not one seems like too much.

Ville is a commanding front man, and the entire band provide their own coherent contribution to the set, including some witty to and fro with the audience.

As they conclude with the chug and roll of 'Sankaritarina' there is a clear sense of welcome from the crowd to the band. Pagan, black, folk, battle metal, or whatever it is simply great.

As to Korpiklaani, this is their second Belfast show in less than 18 months, and as they are about to take to the stage there is a sense of anticipation. In their previous incarnation, the band like Moonsorrow used synth sounds. Now, the accordion and electric fiddle not only give the band different tones, but provide three-dimensional visual elements to compliment Jonne as the focal point.

Songs come fast at the audience, prompting joy amongst those fortunate to be in attendance. Despite the fact that many of the songs are in their native Finnish, the crowd is familiar with the tracks, and the energy from the stage translates into unprompted cheers, movement and some of the weirder dances ever seen in Belfast's Ormeau Avenue.

It is a pure party and, of course, alcohol features in the closing trio of songs that see the audience joining in with (slightly slurred) vigour. 'Wooden Pints', Vodka' and 'Beer Beer' are the perfect conclusion.

Folk metal? Who cares what it means, or does not mean. We stepped into the parallel universe, took the red pill, slipped down the rabbit hole and found it was fun.

Review by Jonny
Pics by Darren
Reproduction of review and/or pictures only by prior written permission.

INTERVIEW: Jarkko from Korpiklaani

LAST week we caught up with Korpiklaani, and Jarkko told us a little bit about the band as it is now:

ALBUM REVIEW: Korpiklaani get the magical folk metal mix on Noita

NINE times have Korpiklaani dipped into the folk metal well, sometimes with mixed results. And, after what was a relatively disappointing performance in Belfast last year we approached that ninth release with some trepidation.

But 'Noita' turns out to be one of their most impressive releases. Compositions all work, arrangements are well thought out, and the pacing of the album is peerless.

Much has been made of the addition of Sami Perttula on accordion, who worked on the more folksy arrangements with Tuomas.

And, it pays off on then likes of 'Mina Nain Vedessa Neidon', which has six minutes of arrangements that veer between a mid-paced rocker and an exemplar of folk metal, with fiddle breaks and impassioned vocalisations.

That 'Noita' is a themed album about knowledge is something bassist Jarkko is keen to emphasise

"A 'Noita' is a person with wider knowledge and understanding of nature and who also was believed to possess paranormal or unnatural abilities," he said. "These people were often also referred to as “Tietäjä”, which translates as someone with wider knowledge and understanding of pretty much everything. The Native American medicine man and all the different types of Shamans of the primitive people are other examples.

“Finnish “Noita” had the ability to heal, just like their North American counterparts. They were very respected members of the society. Only later Christianity changed the word to mean something negative since those people were considered rivals by the church."

With our limited [Editor's note: Non-existent!] knowledge of Finnish most [all] of the lyrics are beyond us. However, musically 'Jouni Jouni' is a rocker with real passion and some serious fiddling going on!

Jonne's vocals are gruff and passionate at the same time, such as on 'Sahti' and 'Luontoni' - a pair of tracks sitting unassuming at four and five on the track listing, but are a perfect duo in the middle of the release.

Truth be told there are no weak tracks on here: rather a series of well-balanced songs, placed perfectly in the context of an album. Penultimate track 'Ammanhuata' has a series of accordion sections that sit well with Cane's riffing.

Noticeable is the dominance of the fiddle throughout, something that the band say was deliberate.

Violinist Tuoumas said: “This album has more violin solos than ever before. Violin is more in the role of a lead-guitar now just as Jonne had originally intended it to be.”

And, vocalist Jonne said: “We have finally managed to create the balance between folk and metal in the way I’ve always dreamt it to be. Thanks to Sami’s arrangements and Tuomas’s crazy shredding of the violin.”
 

Given that Korpiklaani had their first release - 'Spirit of the Forest' - out in 2003 that Jonne says this is a release that captures his vision suggests, perhaps correctly, that until very recently they have had some great songs, if not totally coherent albums.

With number nine they have produced a comprehensive set of songs, concluding with the quite awesome 'Sen Verran Minakin Noita', a track that encompasses all that is good about the genre, and Korpiklaani themselves.

What can - and must - be said is that Noita is the album that the band have always threatened to release, but have now finally accomplished.

 

Review by Jonny

Noita is out now on Nuclear Blast

INTERVIEW: Korpiklanni speak about what comes next...and more

PARTNER site to Belfast Metal Heads Reunited is Devils Gate Media - where our copy is sometimes carried. In return they've provided us with some copy - this time Cassandra Irving takes on Korpiklanni. Over to you Cassandra......

Finnish folk-metallers, Korpiklaani are very much an established and respected name in the genre. With eight albums already under their belt, and the ninth, ‘Noita’ poised for release, now is as good a time as any to catch up with bassist, Jarkko Aaltonen...

So, Noita is to be released on the 1^st of May. How would you describe the album compared to Manala?

“The thing that we have, with this album, is the introduction of the new accordion player. I think we've perfected the balance between the metal part and the folk music part. Speaking about the actual songs and the composition, I think that it's pretty much in the same lines as Manala but the thing that we call the ‘folk department’, A.K.A the violin/accordion thing, it's way more prominent now… way better melodies, really nice harmonies, lots of solos from both of those guys so that's what people will first hear like 'Woah..this is a bit different than the previous one!”.

 Yeah, because Tuomas, with the violin, has taken some sort of lead guitar place in 'Noita'.

“Yeah, we've never had um... I think there's one guitar solo on the first album..or something like that and then maybe one on the second album and then, since then, since 2006 we have had no guitar solos on any of our other albums so.... we haven't had that much like solos anyway but now on this album there's a lot more of that folk accordion and violin. I think people would have been complaining that we've lost our folk music roots, they should be at least happy with this, this one.”

Yeah, I think it’s definitely found that nice balance, especially since listening to 'Lempo'. It's a nice balance between the metal side of things and also folk music, of which is fantastic.

Previously you had Juha Jyrkäs writing the Finnish lyrics, and in 2011 Korpiklaani started working with Tuomas Keskimäki. Has that changed or affected the band musically and lyrically?

“Um..musically no, because we had at least 90% of our songs written. Like, music first and then which text can I fit into this melody. So, lyrically um.. I think, in the beginning with Juha, was like really traditional in the topics and style, and then he moved to different styles towards the end of his era with us, and then Tuomas is also a really traditional writer, but also in the same way uses rather modern themes every now and then as well so....I don't see a big difference there between the texts...now that I think of it I don't even prefer either of them over the other. I've never really thought about it in that way.”

 So basically, it's still kept the same theme standard...

“Yeah...yeah. I think this is the first album... that we have some texts that are more personal, in the sense that they are about not really one particular person, but they're about an individual, trying to find his path maybe. That's a bit different on this album...with a couple of songs so...not a major change in it.”

 What is the connection between the lyrics in 'Noita' and the artwork?

“The previous artwork had a theme with the underworld, and now, with this album, we have two songs that could actually be connected to the album title. One of the songs is called 'Ämmänhauta'... is like witches grave, witches tomb, and the story is taken directly from an old legend...from the area were myself and Jonne were born. That legend has a part were the witch, the dead witch, is being carried through the forest at night, so this is the connection to the album title and to the artwork as well. We already had a different idea for the album cover, and then I just, e-mailed Jonne that I really see this as an album art, this story, this legend, and these people carrying the witch through the forest at night. I said that to Jonne and I even said that and the colour scheme should be like King Diamond’s 'Abigail' album cover, so....that's pretty much what it is now.”

 I was just about to ask you about the two theme cover songs in the album, as I know that one of them is 'Viinamäën Mies' which is an autobiography of the band, and describes your fun side, touring around the world.

“Yeah, that is what it is. It is one of the very few...in fact for the only text, that is not by Tuomas, but it's written by Jonne. So, the style is different. The topic is different, but as you said, it is an autobiography of the band, that is just basically travelling around the world and drinking other peoples’ alcohol!”

 It's a good fun way of doing it, saves you money as well (chuckles)

“Yeah.”

 Aside from everyone, of course, contributing to writing the music etc, I read that you also contributed before by writing one or two songs for the albums? Have you done the same thing for 'Noita'?

“No I haven't. I haven't done a single thing. I haven't finished a song...I have finished a single song in like...two years. I haven't done anything....I've been awfully unproductive!”

 Fair enough. So when it comes to videos, then... we currently have a lyric video for 'Lempo'. Once the album is released are we going to be blessed with a band video for another song on the album?

“Right now, the plan is to release two more videos...like actual videos. There will be an animated video which I hope will be better than the one that we did few years ago! That should be released pretty much at the same time as the album and then..the other one, having the actual band in it, should be released later this year. September, October… but not quite sure yet.”

 So you guys have already decided as to which songs you'll be doing the videos for?

 “Yes.. that has been decided, but then I am not sure if that is public information so…”

 Yeah, understandable. For 'Noita' you've also done a Finnish cover version of Billy Idol's 'Mony, Mony'. How did that come about in conversation?

“Jonne sent us a demo 'How about this one?'  and everyone was like...'hmm..okay..'. Really it’s like everybody knows the song, and wherever we travel, when we tour, we always carry a speaker set with us and we play our favourite music, and Billy Idol is quite often on the playlist so... everybody of course, knows the song. It is rather well known in Finland, not just Billy Idol’s version but also...at least two other Finnish versions of that...and ours, the next one.”

 Brilliant...When it comes to 'Noita', what is it that you personally would want fans to take away with them, once they listened to it? Is there anything in particular that you think might get stuck in their head?

“It's a difficult question, because we don't really think about that kind of thing we just do the albums the way we want, and then, if that stuff we do moves someone, some way, whether its musically or lyrically, or whatever, then we can all be happy about it. As much as I know...about my own way of listening to music and feeling those things, always very personal...like the reasons why you enjoy something are very different, even though they are the same song, but can compare to different things to different people, so I can't really say anything that I would expect people to get out of it.”

 Yeah, definitely. It always varies.

Korpiklaani, has just finished this years European Paganfest tour. What are your memorable moments from it?

“Well… nothing particular. I mean It was a nice tour. Half of the bands were Finnish anyway, so everybody knew each other anyway. I thought about this. People ask for any funny memories on the tour, or any funny stories, and I always say the same thing… When you're on tour you are basically surrounded by similar minded idiots, and you only play an hour and a half in the evening, and the rest of the day you move around with whatever, and there are many, many cases were you are laughing your asses off there, but then when you come home and start saying things to someone else, they just look at you with a blank face and ask 'What was funny about that?' On tour, there's like always something going on. I think its hilarious...and then afterwards when someone asks a question 'what's so funny about it?' and then you start asking the same question from yourself after that like.. ‘Yeah..I actually don't know what was so funny about it, but I remember laughing like an idiot!’ I think that when you have a tour like Paganfest....with 40 plus people touring...there's always someone being an idiot somewhere. It is constant fun.

 Korpiklaani is hitting quite a lot of festivals this year, one of which is Bloodstock festival. Are there any plans for touring the UK in the near future?

“We just toured the UK with Sabaton.”

Yeah, at the end of last year.

“Yeah, It was really nice actually..with Sabaton. I really liked that. I've been to places in the UK that I'd never been before. It was really interesting.”

I saw you play last year in Plymouth with Sabaton and Tyr.

“Yeah one of the places I would have never gone to without that tour. We were playing, in my opinion, too small venues. Sabaton would have filled bigger halls as well...most of those venues were sold out… but it was nice too.”

Understandable. Okay, onto a less serious subject. If Korpiklaani were to feature in a movie, what would be the storyline?

“Hmm...ah...crap...you are difficult...”

(Laughs)

“I have no idea… I think, if you think about how we've always done things... I don't think there would be a story line. There would be just a two hour movie, and every 3 minutes, it would change one scene to another one and they wouldn't be related at all!”   

Just a lot of variety and confusion then?

“Yes exactly. People would just leave the theatre thinking if that was the greatest piece of art they ever saw or just a huge pile stinking of crap!”

If that's the case then it surely would make a lot of people laugh as well.

“Yeah, and cry!”

 

Haha! Who would you say has the worst habits on tour, and what are they?

“Worst habits...Tuomas, the violinist, who doesn't drink, who is a family man, perfectly fine person… never cleans after his shit on the table always leaves...even if the trash can is right next to the table the fucking empty yoghurt can is right there on the table, with the fucking dirty spoon sticking out!”

(laughs)

I'm assuming he does it pretty often then?

“Well... I mean… just one of the things you start wondering on the tour 'Do these people live their lives like this at home as well?' Everything that you've finished or half-finished, you just leave there on the table and expect someone else to clean it away!”

(Laughs)

Haha. Sadly, we’ve run out of time. This has been an very interesting, I've loved it.

“Yeah, perfect. You are happy with us?”

It's been fantastic. I shall leave you to it. Thank you very much.

“Okay, you're welcome. Bye-bye.”

 Interview by Cassandra Irving

This interview was first carried on www.devilsgatemedia.com

LIVE REVIEW: Existensial eperience as Tyr and Sabaton roar

THERE are times when the hallowed turf that is the beer-soaked floor of many a venue comes close to an almost existential experience; when the roar of the crowd, and the passion of the audience raises the temperature of even an impartial observer rises to almost unbearable levels.



When Sabaton, Korpiklaani and Tyr appeared in Belfast a significant number of the audience had been recovering from a hangover from Saxon the night before in the same venue [Limelight1] - nevertheless it was a triumphant night for the trio of acts.



There was no doubt that many were there solely for Sabaton, egged on by the excitement of seeing Sabaton's tour bus emblazoned by the 'Heroes' artwork.



It is a significant tribute to Tyr that they attracted a sizeable early audience, and by the powers of Odin they rose to the occasion.  Evolutionary songs rose from the mythos of Nordic legends.



From 'Blood of My Heroes' they engaged everyone, with the heavy melodies of the likes of 'Mare of My Night' and 'Sinklars' showcasing Tyr's ability to take the template and raise it to new levels; the Faroese five-piece producing a fantastic set.



On the flip side the promise of a party Korpiklaani fell flat. Their anthems and rousing drinking chants seemed ailing; the audience seemingly exhausted after Tyr's set.



But there was significant time to recover....



In fact a screw-up with their sound kit meant a lengthy delay before Sabaton took to the stage...which ironically saw a lot of Tyr t-shirts sold


But then again Sabaton can be a force of  nature...



Drawing on both older material and newer songs such as the '7734' come across as old friends...



And, what Sabaton provide is a show - music and stagecraft in synergy, from the moment that the strains of 'The Final Countdown' and 'March to War' herald their arrival Joakim and his troubadours of terror raise the temperature in the Limelight.


Despite the liveried tour bus and lorry, the serious attire, the well-researched lyrics and on-stage professionalism, Sabaton are determined - throughout the tour, not just in Belfast - to provide a little fun for all.


For every historical ode such as 'Carolus Rex' or 'Soldier of Three Armies' the band equally toss a bucket of fun as the evening progresses: from a quick burst of 'YMCA' through to a medley of snippets from 'Smoke On the Water' and 'Master of Puppets'.


What oozes from Sabaton is the sheer class of the band on stage. Like Tyr they rise above the mundane tour schedules that see the same songs performed by them on each night to perform, not like marionettes, but like the 'Heroes' that they celebrate on this tour.

Sweden, Faroe Isles and Finland to arrive in Belfast 7/12 as Sabaton, Korpiklaani and Tyr

THIS is just a wee reminder, for those who have been asleep and constantly ask me about gigs, about an event on 7th December, with the arrival of musicians from the Faroe Isles, Finland and Sweden.


Although it sounds like the sort of World Cup qualifying group Northern Ireland could be drawn in, this is a trio of bands that could be even more entertaining than a kick about at Windsor Park. [Home ground for Northern Ireland's international team.]



They are

• Sabaton;
• Korpiklaani; and,
• Tyr.

They are from Sweden, Finland and the Faroe Isles, and they rock...


No seriously, they do. Sabaton are an armed juggernaut with cautionary tales of war and conflict. told with aplomb. You can read my review of their most recent release, Heroes, here.

 Korpiklaani are a more mysterious beast, merging folk with metal, after being first a folk band...And, a lot of their songs are about boozing: songs like 'Beer, Beer' and 'Vodka'.

They should fit in here in Belfast just fine.

Tyr, as Faroese, present a series of Norse legends, and general allegorical tales linked to myths of days gone by.
Their latest release Valkyrja is a super dose of muscular tales. You can read our review here.

Tickets are on sale now - all the usual outlets.