Great gods of Asgard, may my soul be cleft in twain
by the mighty sword of Odin if this be not one of
the mightiest and most epic productions of “viking
metal” ever to grace thy speakers and annoy
thy neighbors!
Sophomore release by Finnish folk metal act TURISAS,
“The Varangian Way” is a concept album
following a river journey through what is now eastern
Europe between the 9th-11th centuries, which was a
frequent route for Northmen of the time. Those who
traveled this river route were called Varangians.
Arriving three years after their much acclaimed debut
entitled “Battle Metal”, the band has
had a generous amount of time to contemplate what
direction they wish to take with their sophomore release.
TURISAS have professed that they wanted the new album
to sound like a natural progression from “Battle
Metal” while reflecting greater maturity. Vocalist
“Warlord” Nygard has stated, in regards
to the new album “The sound is big, pompous
and orchestral, but also features a lot of progressive
elements and ethnic influences. It’s a daring
blend of many different styles, but I’m confident
that people are musically open minded enough to swallow
this album.”
And that, dear readers, is the perfect truth. “The
Varangian Way” is a compellation of so many
diverse elements, ranging from black metal to traditional
folk to complex orchestral arrangements, this album
is many things, and taken together these elements
create a rich and detailed listening experience. The
band wished to incorporate cultural influences from
lands that the Varangians would have traveled through,
further emphasizing the bands professionalism and
dedication. Now, I know you might find yourself thinking
“surely the conglomeration of all of those diverse
elements would produce a disjointed, haphazard sounding
album?” Nope. It all blends together wonderfully
though the skill of the musicians and the superb production.
If you find yourself embarrassed by groups like MANOWAR,
and feel that surely TURSIAS falls into the same category,
I have to insist that you take a second look. TURSIAS
is a much more substantial and musically complex band
who are *actually* heavy metal. Sure there is pomp
and grandeur, but there is also gritty realism as
well as down to earth folk elements. And hey, there’s
even a history lesson in there for you.
Bottom Line: Wildly diverse, supremely powerful,
and superbly executed this album will absolutely thrill
fans of BATTLELORE and KORPIKLAANI. Hail the mighty
metal of TURISAS!!
Key Tracks: "A Portage to the Unknown";
"Cursed Be Iron"; "In the Court of
Jarisleif"
Reviewed by Farron Watson
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