Korpiklaani — Karkelo

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

16 years ago today, Korpiklaani gave us another raucous tale of alcohol fueled fun!

On this day (June 26) in 2007, Korpiklaani released their sixth full-length studio album, “Karkelo” via Nuclear Blast. The title is the Finnish interpretation of the word "party", or otherwise meaning loosely "having fun" or to "frolic".

Background:

The band started recording material on February 15, 2009.

The drums were recorded at Petrax studios, located in Hollola with the rest of the instruments recorded at Grooveland Recording Studio based in Lahti.

In support of the album's release, Korpiklaani underwent their first North American tour in April and May 2009.

Three versions of a single for the song "Vodka" were released in anticipation of this album in May 2009.

The CD version of the single was released in Finland on May 27, 2009, and the digital single, along with the 7" picture vinyl, were released on May 29, 2009.

The B-side of the single is "Juodaan Viinaa".

Critical Reception:

One review at MetalUnderground.com by xFiruath (August 17, 2009) stated;

“Korpiklaani realizes that there are two sides to the folk coin, and they don’t dwell solely on drinking themes. “Mettänpeiton Valtiaalle” features acoustic passages and has a solemn and somewhat sad tune that brings to mind loved ones lost and opportunities untaken. The atmospheric and contemplative mood of the track fades away as “Juodaan Viinaa” starts, which changes back into a tankard raising, beer drinking, back slapping good time. It’s the sort of song meant to be played while sharing good times with old companions and fellow warriors. While “Karkelo” has its more somber moments, the disc is very much focused on getting people in the mood to imbibe a never ending stream of intoxicating liquid. In the words of Korpiklaani: “If you don’t drink, you can leave.” Those drinkers who like folk in their metal should enjoy the album from start to finish.”

While Greg Prato’s review for AllMusic stated;

“Time and time again, just when you think Heavy Metal has been maxed out in the "is there anything new left to do?" department, along comes a band that breaks new ground and offers a previously unheard metallic spin. Case in point, Finland's Korpiklaani. While folk music has always crept into scattered recordings by select bands over the years (side two of Led Zeppelin III, Spinal Tap's middle section of "Stonehenge," etc.), no band had been able to truly merge the two styles together as one -- let alone Finnish folk. But Korpiklaani certainly succeeded, and continue to do so, as evidenced by their 2009 release, Karkelo. For many metal bands, partying was always at the head of their to-do list (especially in their lyrics), and Korpiklaani's music sounds like it would provide the perfect soundtrack to a jam-packed Finnish bar on a Saturday night, especially such ditties as the lead-off single, "Vodka," as well as "Juodaan Viinaa," and the self-explanatory "Bring Us Pints of Beer." However, not all of Karkelo is party-hearty, as tracks such as "Mettänpeiton Valtiaalle" are both mellow and melodic. Alternating between lyrics that are sung in English and Finnish, Karkelo is one rowdy good time.”

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “Karkelo” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/karkelo/1456968877

Click this link to listen to “Karkelo” via Spotify: Karkelo https://open.spotify.com/album/6hSepwj1TvNIlQiwRi1WFg

Click this link to watch the official music video for “Vodka”: https://youtu.be/e7kJRGPgvRQ

Click this link to watch the official music video for “Tequila”: https://youtu.be/xoLmeOBn4ck

Click this link to follow Korpiklaani on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korpiklaani

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Korpiklaani — Karkelo

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Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

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