Korpiklaani emerged out of the ashes of Shaman, whose trademark was impulsive folk metal; when the band opted to change its name (meaning "Forest Clan"), they also chose to think wider in terms of musical and lyrical expression. The new Shaman, Korpiklaani, debuted in 2003.

Their originality resides in the fact that they take inspiration directly from the Finnish epic Kalevala, while many other folk metal bands tend to use folk music as an impulse in metal. Or so they say. I can't really hear anything new in their current release, but let go, they sing in Finnish, and I love it every time.

In a couple of years, they managed to stabilise their line-up, make many addicts worldwide, especially in the U.S.A., I hear; they are now already releasing their fourth album since 2005. Folk music in intricate foreign languages is obviously very air du temps.

This is a record for party time. I'd like to attend a show of theirs, and hopefully be surrounded by a cheering and perhaps dancing pit. On the record, it unfortunately gets too monotonous; the fact that the sound is flat and little peachy doesn't help either.

There are so many good musical elements that I regret not being able to get more engaged while listening. Feels like this actually would do better as pure folk; should "Korven Kunigas" come out as an all-traditional, acoustic record, I'll be there!