Album Review: Verikalpa – Tuoppitanssi (Scarlet Records)

Sword and shield? More likely beer and beer! Following the amazing debut-album ‘Taistelutahto’, ‘Tuoppitanssi’ is the new drunken battle hymn from Oulu’s craziest folk metal warriors, Verikalpa.

Formed in 2015, Verikalpa is one of the hottest newcomers of the always vibrant Finnish heavy metal scene. Singing in their own native mother language (“Tuoppitanssi” actually stands for “pintdance”), the sextet combines fast up-tempos, raging vocals and brilliant melodies: a truly breathtaking assemblage of black, death & folk metal and symphonic elements.

Tuoppitanssi is an ecstatic journey through the Finnish folklore, superstitions and traditions; stories of old local pagan beliefs mixed with more outlandish fantasy elements that are all tied together by the unholy trinity of beer, blood and war! ‘Tuoppitanssi’ is going to be available on February 21st 2020.

There can never be too much folk metal in my opinion. Something about the chest beating, uplifting and energetic style that most employ just sits so right with me. Bands like Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Turisas and Trollfest have been delivering classic folk metal music for many years now at the top of the genre pile.

It has been tough for new bands entering to make any headway, so much so that many just go forgotten. Well, it’s time to start acknowledging the new school of folk metal and leading the pack are the likes of Verikalpa.

On their sophomore album, the Finnish mob deliver a lesson for others to pay a lot of attention too. A lesson rooted in ancient folklore but complimented by some downright savage heaviness.

This is an out and out metal album, just one balanced well with folky rhythms, bundles of energy and enough drinking songs to lose the feelings in your extremities. Tracks like Naulattujen Vaellus, the title track, Peikon Kieli and Verimaat call to the part of everybody that just wants to gather round a fire with friends, open up another beer and dance a jig. Well, maybe when a bit more booze has been consumed.

Of course, it’s easy to dismiss Verikalpa if folk metal isn’t something you’re particularly attracted to. That would be a shame though as they really do deliver the heavy too. A certain amount of chunkiness to the riffs, a pretty intense set of vocals and tough, blood-stained drums. Don’t dismiss the likes of Talonväen Teuraat, Varjosahti and Karhunkaataja so easily.

Instead grab your beer and do battle!

Verikalpa – Tuoppitanssi Full Track Listing:

1. Naulattujen Vaellus
2. Talonväen Teuraat
3. Tuoppitanssi
4. Sankari, Saatana, Kostaja
5. Varjosahti
6. Peikon Kieli
7. Verimaat
8. Karhunkaataja
9. Mettäväinö
10. Haaksi
11. Tuonen Miekka

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