Korpiklaani

Live at The House of Blues

Hollywood, California

May 13th, 2014

Review and Photos by Travis Baumann

Korpiklaani are a Folk Metal band from Finland. Their name means "Forest Clan" and their songs revolve around a shamanistic mentality incorporating traditional instruments and lyric inspiration while utilizing Heavy Metal trappings as a foundation of their sound.

Starting originally as a straight up folk band founded by Jonne Järvelä, he attributes his move to a metal sound after working with fellow Finns, Finntroll. Korpilaani is most known for their "party vibe", having many a drinking song in their repertoire

Korpiklaani have toured quite a few times in the last six years and this time they were the headlining act for this year's Paganfest. Joining them on the road are the mighty Turisas also out of Finland, the Taiwanese extreme metalers Chthonic, and German barbaric warlords Varg.

After a great set from each of the previous bands, the audience were energized for some serious fun. While many of the previous bands utilize similar Folk instruments and influence, they are much heavier and more serious in tone, as Korpiklaani are synonymous with good times, big smiles, and bottoms up.

The majority of their songs are in their native Finnish tongue but there are also a number of songs in English. It is interesting as most of the audience for this type of Folk Metal are not concerned with the language sang, as the emotional energy of the songs ring through language barriers.

Korpiklaani on stage consist of Jonne on vocals as well as members on guitar, bass, and drums that round out the heavy metal sound to their music. A violinist and accordion player put the jig in their step and add the olden day feel.

Being the headliners of the night, they had reign of the stage for a long set filled with fan favorites spanning the multitude of albums they have released.

The first half of the set was completely in Finnish, the vocals are growled and gruff but far from the extreme throat usage of Black Metal or its ilk. Standout songs included their concert opener, "Tuonelan tuvilla", and upbeat danceable songs like "Vaarinpolkka", and "Uni".

As the night continued they delved into some of their more familiar drinking anthems such as "Vodka" and "Wooden Pints". The jig-like mentality was heavily present in crowd pleasers "Rauta" and "Levan polkka".

The modern day folk minstrels played fourteen songs for their main set and, after a short break off stage, reconnoitered for their encore which included "Pellonpekko" before coming to their show ender, the hilarious, "Happy Little Boozer". It was a great song to end on, as it pretty much sums up the audience at that point of the night as well as the overall vibe of Korpiklaani: happy boozing tunes to make your cares slip off your shoulders and bring a smile to your face.

Paganfest has consistently been an awesome touring festival bringing some of Europe and Scandinavia's best talent to North America and tonight was no exception.

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