Raising the tempo: Korpiklaani’s ‘Rankarumpu’ revs up folk metal energy

Author Benedetta Baldin - 5.4.2024

Fun! Music is fun, and Korpiklaani makes music fun, as it should be. Even more with their latest release “Rankarumpu”, which is a particularly solid release. The band has unleashed a torrent of energetic melodies and infectious rhythms that display their signature blend of folk and metal with a newfound emphasis on speed and intensity.

Korpiklaani means business (not literally, though, as you might know). And they have no intention of meaning otherwise! “Rankarumpu” wastes no time in launching listeners into a whirlwind of furious instrumentation and spirited vocals. Tracks like “Mettään” exemplify the band’s mastery of crafting catchy hooks and memorable refrains. While I was seated writing this review, my feet could not stop moving!

“Rankarumpu” is their coming back to faster sounds. Korpiklaani injects each track with a sense of urgency and adrenaline, diving into a frenetic journey through the wild landscapes of Finnish folklore. Yet, amidst the breakneck speed, the group doesn’t sacrifice their melodies or intricate arrangements. My heart belongs to “Viikatelintu” and the closing suite “Harhainen Höyhen“, which compared to the others, are relatively slower. And that is where mastery lies, to make everything and anything at all!

Moreover, Korpiklaani‘s lyrical themes continue to celebrate nature, mythology, and the spirit of adventure, offering a refreshing escape from the mundane. Whether singing about ancient legends or hanging out in the sauna, Korpiklaani have not lost their touch in describing these simple everyday life moments with their characteristic sound.

In essence, “Rankarumpu” is proof of Korpiklaani‘s enduring creativity and versatility. While staying true to their roots, this album is as thrilling as it is satisfying. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the folk metal scene, “Rankarumpu” is a solid release that demands attention and admiration. So, are you ready to be captured by a whirling vortex of speed?