Only two weeks are left until Finnish Folk Metal Superstars KORPIKLAANI release their new studio album »Kulkija« (“Wanderer”), through Nuclear Blast. To celebrate, the band has unleashed the 4th single from their upcoming 14-song record today, entitled ‘Aallon alla’. It’s accompanied by a lyric video, including studio material as well as live footage from their latest show at Summer Breeze (Dinkelsbühl, Germany), filmed by WDR Rockpalast.
Band founder Jonne comments, “The melody of this song was written first, then I added the chords. First there was too much, but then I fixed that by simplifying it as much as possible. The electric guitar plays no riff of any kind, but it’s included with the bass only to support the violin, accordion and vocal melodies. This song definitely wouldn’t work for YNGWIE MALMSTEEN since this is a prime example of a song where less is more. Of course, there is a slight exception to that rule; it has a bit of a progressive part after the first verse, which is also something new and previously unheard on a KORPIKLAANI album. The drum arrangement however is very complicated through the whole song, although it may seem rather simple at first.”
About ‘Aallon alla’ (“Under The Wave”):
A song of the drowning one. The lake and the sea are unpredictable. They are the oarsman’s grave. No wings or riches are of help when the drowning man falls into waves. The oarsman in the story cannot hear the cry of the drowning one. The waves can sometimes feel safe: they drift you silently towards eternity.
With 14 tracks and a total running time of over 71 minutes, »Kulkija« is the group’s longest album to date. Working with producer Janne Saksa for the first time, the album was recorded at Petrax Studio (Hollola, FIN) and mixed at Sound Supreme Studios (Hämeenlinna, FIN). Mastering duties were handled by renowned engineer Svante Forsbäck (RAMMSTEIN a.o.).
The cover was designed by Jan Yrlund (BATTLE BEAST, MANOWAR etc.), who has already created several artworks for previous albums and singles for the band.
Founding member Jonne commented:
“We’ve never been as satisfied with a final result as we are with »Kulkija«. We tried to keep it very natural. Like the wanderer, this album is a journey, one that makes you feel good.”
Sami added:
“»Kulkija« isn’t just a collection of songs, it’s a “real” album with a unique atmosphere guiding the listeners through a long journey. All songs were well prepared in advance and nothing needed to be arranged in the studio. Tuomas [fiddle] & I had lots of space to develop and play the folk arrangements.”
Kulkija Track Listing:
01. Neito
02. Korpikuusen kyynel
03. Aallon alla
04. Harmaja
05. Kotikonnut
06. Korppikalliota
07. Kallon malja
08. Sillanrakentaja
09. Henkselipoika
10. Pellervoinen
11. Riemu
12. Kuin korpi nukkuva
13. Juomamaa
14. Tuttu on tie
Pre-order »Kulkija« in various formats HERE.
