Band:	Moonsorrow
Album:	Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa
Style:	Viking folk metal
Release date:	February 2011

01. Tähdetön
02. Hävitetty
03. Muinaiset
04. Nälkä, Väsymys Ja Epätoivo
05. Huuto
06. Kuolleille
07. Kuolleiden Maa

The wait is finally over. Finland's premier band Moonsorrow released their latest album in early 2011. And like a ton of bricks hitting you in the gut, the sharply-named Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa [Like Shadows We Walk through the Land of the Dead] is most likely going to take your breath away. In line with its precursors, this album features epic compositions of pure Viking Folk Metal. Where the album differs is mostly in the mood. This time around the atmosphere is darker, more insidiously poignant, and overall heavier - as in more oppressive - than it has ever been. The gloomier tone of the album doesn't strip away much of the trademark Moonsorrow spirit though. In doing so, it remains true to the core while still offering something previously uncharted by the band; namely a nice little trip to the blackened death territories.

The concept of journeying is well proposed with interlude tracks of a character walking and suffering through some kind of a snowy hell. Folk elements are incorporated as usual. All the vocals remain in their native tongue. But what render the album brilliant are again the huge melodies, grand building atmospheres and the fact that those songs seem to take a life of their own long after the music stops. Haunting chants add a disturbing vibe at the right moment. Crushing guitar riffs seem to sprout from the abyss whenever you least expect it. Without going into too many details, you need to be aware that the killer track is no doubt "Huuto" with its recurring folk theme and a vocal intensity rarely showcased by Ville Sorvali. As with any of their albums, greatness can be detected at first listen but genius takes several intense listens to unearth.

There is no denying the brilliance of this band. The term musical genius doesn't make them justice. It seems they cannot put a foot wrong whatever they set to accomplish. Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa is a darker album still full of nuances and brilliance; another grower record for the world to cherish. Moonsorrow continue to pave the way for Viking Folk lovers with a penchant for Black Metal influences and truly they sent a real message to the competition. This latest blackened opus is sure to shape the musical landscape of 2011 and beyond.