Tales Along This Road

Third album for the already well-known finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani. I thought their first 2 albums were excellent, and so did pretty much everyone else. At first listen, this sounds like an exact copy of 2005's 'Voice of Wilderness', but after a few listens it starts to sink in a bit more, and you realize this is a heavier album, and that it has more memorable melodies and less acoustic parts (Under the Sun!), and that's it somewhat deeper.

If you liked Korpiklaani for their use of instruments like violins, you already know what to expect. The formula and strong structures are still the same, but hey - i'm not complaining. Melodic heavy metal plus instruments like violin, flute and accordion. I'd say this is a love or hate situation, but most people love it. The scandinavian melodies seem to be something I simply can't get enough of. I can listen to this album any time of the day, in whatever mood i'm in, and it'll always be enjoyable. Even though this is heavier than their previous offering (tracks like Rise and Hide your Richess), some melodies are redundant.

If you heard their first 2 albums you know what to expect. It's not new or refreshing, but it still feels good to hear some good folk metal once in a while. I still think this is better, because it's heavier, more memorable, and you'll be singing along 'you are the one!' in 'Under the Sun'. Fun album.