You could be forgiven for accusing Finnish folk-metallers Korpiklaani of being one-trick ponies. After all, their brand of sozzled pseudo-parody folk metal has been the staple of many-a post midday festival piss up. While enjoyable, the Finns have never really pushed the creative envelope and Noita (Nuclear Blast) is no different. That being said, it would be harsh to assume this lack of imagination directly correlates to the quality of the album. Korpiklaani albums have always brought with them a sense of no-fucks-given entertainment.
Noita feels more like a collection of singles rather than a cohesive piece of music, some of which are perfect for summer evenings with a beverage and mates, others are just plain daft. ‘Viinamäen Mies’ is just one example of the latter, as is the frankly forgettable ‘Sahti’ which feels lazy and forced, as though they were struggling for ideas. ‘Sen Verran Minäkin Noita’ is where it all goes wrong, wandering from the path well-trodden it verges dangerous onto the bland side of metal, becoming wrapped up in its own clichés and failing miserably to bring a new dimension to the bands sound. ‘Lempo’ is one of the few tracks on the album that endures, sonically a traditional Finnish caper soundtrack that is best enjoyed at full volume and with any remaining brain cells left at the door. It sums up the Korpiklaani sound perfectly, capturing the youthful, carefree and slightly eccentric essence that has made the band a festival favourite.
Unfortunately, much of the album feels like lazy and half-hearted, as though the band had completely run out of ideas. Much of the album is a complete rehash of older albums such as ‘Surma’ which saw Korpiklaani at their best, something that they don’t seem to have rekindled since. Still, Korpiklaani have and always will be a band who doesn’t take themselves serious and who will continue having a good time, all the while ensuring their fans enjoy themselves along the way.
5.0/10
SARAH WORSLEY
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