Moonsorrow
Varjoina kuljemme kuolleiden maassa

NEVER would I have thought I'd fall in love with a "Viking" oriented band, even if the adjective in question is not enough to fully describe the sound of the monumental Moonsorrow!

Last year, in fact, a friend called me and told me to join him for a big concert of metal bands close, in music and attitude, to Nordic folklore.

Initially, I was reluctant, but since I have always seen few concerts (damn those groups of singer-songwriter music lovers!), I mustered up the courage and went with the enthusiastic friend to this sonorous event with pagan overtones.

After groaning for a few hours (there were some very flashy bands like Arkona, my God!) here comes, finally, the moment of the long-awaited and talked-about Moonsorrow. My friend was right! A group more unique than rare!

From there began my love for the Finnish band and the frequent listening of albums like "Sudden Uni" or "Verisakeet".

Only recently have I approached their latest "Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa," an album with a very long title that means: "As shadows we walk in the land of the dead".

Here the commonly understood Viking is reduced to a minimum. It seems rather like dealing with a sonic hybrid that borrows from the most epic Bathory, the old Satyricon, and Opeth. A beautiful and pleasantly gloomy record, where the proud spirit of our warriors blends with elements of Black Metal, Heavy, and even Doom.

I won't mention the individual songs (titles and lyrics in purely Finnish), nor technical details.

Music to listen to attentively but at the same time with the heart! It will also appeal to those who have never appreciated this side of metal. For sure!