Let's start with a metaphor: imagine that wonderful moment that you are walking familiar paths in the deep woods. The good spirits of the majestic forest penetrate your innermost being and free you from the dreary world somewhere far away. Then suddenly you blink and look in wonder: have these ancient stumps or that cluster of mossy stones always been there? Exactly such vibes evoke when you enter the fascinating world of the new studio album by Finnish Folk Metal Superstars Korpiklaani. Superstars? Well, what else can you say about these extraordinary fellows who have offered us a lot of unforgettable songs - oh, shall we have some vodka? - and so much other stuff.
The vivacious ensemble, founded by a shaman at heart Jonne Järvelä (vocals/guitar) in 2003, has been able to create an effortlessly recognizable style over the past two decades - actually a rare occurrence in the world of heavier music of the 21st century. "Rankarumpu" will not disappoint you or anyone else: Korpiklaani's twelfth studio album is once again full of tasty folk metal and its different flavours, but it also offers new spices. Perhaps the ancient gods of joyful music have decided to bless their own sons with some new miraculous extracts?
One of the most wonderful features of "Rankarumpu" is related to the folk instruments. Although Korpiklaani has done one or maybe even a couple of unforgettable things in the realm of folk metal, this time Olli Vänskä's violin and Sami Perttula's accordion may surprise even die-hard fans.
"Rankarumpu", like two previous records, was executed with recording / mixing engineer and producer Janne Saksa. It seems that the collaboration between the band and Saksa has reached a whole new level with the new album.
Then finally, the easiest question in the world... When the band has such a brilliant album in their hands, what will they do next? Of course: they will tour the whole world! "Let's see... We're doing an intensive UK tour with Alestorm in February/March. Then we will go to North America in April. Then we will play at festivals. Then we will do a European tour... And then we will tour some more. In other words: we're going to be busy promoting this fantastic new record to fans everywhere. And we can't wait!"
