KORPIKLAANI

I recall that when I reviewed one of the Finns' recent releases, I used the word "fire" about five times in the text. That same word came to mind when listening to the very first track of the new record. And for some reason I'm sure that in the future I'll keep using it frequently. There is, of course, a certain measure of doubt and even concern in this, but as long as the band hasn't justified those fears by starting to release clone albums and falling into self-repetition -- as long as that hasn't happened -- let's return to the positive aspects of the work at hand. I'm amazed at how music born in a northern, cold country can be so hot, punchy, and energizing. Perhaps it's that way precisely to warm you up on a cold Finnish night; perhaps it's born from convivial, merry drinking sessions; perhaps there's some other reason -- but most likely it's all of the above. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter; what matters is that while the Finns are warming themselves up this way, we won't be bored either. 43 minutes of total beer-fueled revelry, 43 minutes filled with punchy guitar riffs, rich accordion parts (which are without a doubt the lead instrument here), robust male vocals, and dance-floor merriment bursting at the seams.