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Powerhouse Finnish folk metallers Korpiklaani are back with their twelfth studio album ‘Rankarumpu’; with shamanic frontman Jonne Järvelä returning to form penning the lyrics for the majority of the record. Reflecting Järvelä’s move from the city to the secluded lakes and forest of the Finnish countryside, this new setting has definitely inspired the themes explored in this new album; the Finnish landscape, scandinavian legends, and with just a little bit of the raucous camaraderie that we have come to know the band for sprinkled in for good measure.
The album opens with a metaphorical punch to the face with the extremely catchy and velocious ‘Kotomaa’, translated as ‘Homeland’. Detailing the blue skies and snowy white lands of the band's Finnish home; the tempo and sonic chaos of this opening number, allows you to imagine that it would not feel out of place soundtracking a few rowdy nights out down at the Green Dragon in Hobbiton. The real headbanging anti war monolith, ‘Tapa sen kun kerkeet’ (translated to ‘Kill it when you can’) follows. Järvelä’s delivery and the fierceness of the music carries through into the meaning of the song.
‘Rankarumpu’ is the first studio outing of former Turisas violinist Olli Vänskä, getting stuck straight into proceedings he is responsible for possibly the catchiest tune on the record, track 4 ‘Saunann’ (‘To the Sauna’). With lyrics penned by drummer Samuli Mikkonen, this toe tapping jig, will surely be a favourite amongst fans. Those who attended the recent UK and Ireland tour can attest to this as they would have witnessed the chaos of ‘Saunann’ in the flesh as part of Korpiklaani’s supporting set.
The titular ‘Rankarumpu’, described by Järvelä as a “conscious tribute to the band and its members, summing up what Korpiklaani is”, is an impassioned chuggy romp that you will find impossible to stay still to. This is immediately followed by ‘No perkele’ (‘Well the devil’ or ‘Well god damn’), which opens with the once again strong fiddle work of Vänskä, fingering a tune that is oddly familiar (reminiscent of Slipknot’s ‘Wait and Bleed’ perhaps). Perkele being both an evil spirit of Finnish folklore and a modern day profanity in Finland; you’ll find this particular track a real ear worm. It’s catchy and we will be humming along to it for days to come.
The album sticks the landing with the soaring ‘Harhainen höyhen’ (‘A Stray Feather’), this time bringing in wind instruments and more of a banjo tone in the guitars. Järvelä goes into full shaman mode, with his chant-like lyrics. The song really builds to a melodic anthemic finish to the record. This track in particular feels like it is best listened to whilst surrounded by woodland on an astrologically important day of the year. Stepping away from the slightly slower tempo of recent records, such as 2018’s ‘Kulkija’ and most recently 2021’s ‘Jylhä’. ‘Rankarumpu’ see’s the sextet back to their high tempo best.
Korpiklaani have always been experts of blending traditional instruments in with the more mainstream harsh vocals, rousing riffs and fierce drum beats of their music; but fans of the more folky sounds will be pleased with not only the skill of the extremely talented Vänskä on violin and Sami Pertula on accordion, but also the way that those instruments are pushed to the forefront and are truly celebrated on this album. Sadly the depths and nuances of the lyrics will elude all but those fluent in Finnish ( as this whole album is penned in the band's native tongue). However, ‘Rankarumpu’ appears to continue the band's evolution into themes that have a deeper meaning to them since their first release back in 2003. Die hard fans will surely agree, although (to our english speaking ears at least) the record appears to lack an out-and-out lyrical drinking song in the vein of past favourites: ‘A Man With a Plan’, ‘Beer Beer’, ‘Jagermeister’ or ‘Vodka’.
‘Rankarumpu’ is a familiar foray back into the high tempo folk chaos that they would have fallen in love with some twenty something years ago. Soon to embark on a headline North America Tour (supported by Visions Of Atlantis and Ilumishade); UK fans will be able to catch Korpiklaani headlining, what is sure to be a highlight party set, on the Sophie Lancaster Stage on Saturday August 10th at this summer's edition of Bloodstock Festival in Derbyshire.
‘Rankarumpu’ is released April 5th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Words and Cover Photo: Simon Arinze
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