Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Korpiklaani
Title
Voice of Wilderness
Type
LP/EP
Company
Napalm
YOR
2005
Style
Power
3/16/2005 - Review by: Veritas
Korpiklaani - Voice of Wilderness - 2005 - Napalm Records

Track Listing

Cottages & Saunas
Journey Man
Fields In Flames
Pine Woods
Spirit Of The Forest
Native Land
Hunting Song
Ryyppäjäiset
Beer Beer
Old Tale
Kädet Siipinä (Hands As Their Wings)
Authentic Finnish humpaa-metal bands are hard to come by these days, with Finntroll the only one that comes to mind for most people. And so with Korpiklaani comparisons to their countrymen are inevitable, but do not let these fool you. These fellows play a unique brand of folk metal that comes from a mixing of traditional Finnish polka (humpaa) with heavy metal. As a follow-up to their first release, Spirit of the Forest, Voice of Wilderness does an excellent job to continue band leader Jonne Jarvela's reputation as one of the premier musicians in Finland. Jonne's vocal style is very gritty and deep, but not quite a growl. The inclusion of folk instruments such as the violin and flute give the album an authentic touch that is absent when synthesizers are used. The very talented Hittavainen especially shines on the track "Pine Woods" where the sounds of his country flute are so powerful that images of imaginary hills, lakes and forests drift in and out of my mind. The electric guitars and bass on this album are solid but nothing special; however the acoustic guitar stands out at times, such as during the intro to "old Tale". Matson's drumming is quite good but often makes Ali's hand-drumming on his set of more traditional animal-skinned drums inaudible. However, during portions of "Pine Woods" and "Spirit of the Forest" his beating can be heard. Again, this adds another degree of authenticity. Far from a concept album, the lyrical content of this album varies from retelling of Finnish folk tales (Old Song) to odes to the band's beautiful homeland (Native Land) to downright silly yet still enjoyable (Beer, Beer). Any fan of folk metal will love Voice of Wilderness. Or, if you're just looking for something a little different, pick up this album!

Score: 8.5/10

Lineup: Jonne - Vocals/Guitar
Honka - Guitar
Cane - Guitar
Arto - Bass
Hittavainen - Violin/Jouhikko/Flute
Ali - Percussion
Matson - Drums


--Veritas
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: KORPIKLAANI
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Ukon Wacka
2011
Nuclear Blast
Ravana2/16/2011
3.5
Voice of Wilderness
2005
Napalm
Veritas3/16/2005
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: KORPIKLAANI
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE
JuhoRavana3/25/2011


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