If you consider yourself a fan of pagan, folk, and/or black metal; Moonsorrow is a group that should require little introduction. This Finnish band helped to further define the genre back in 2001 with 'Suden Uni,' and then showed how much more it could be by taking a sharp turn at their seminal 'Kivenkantaja.' Sure, in some ways Enslaved hit most of the same points much earlier, but Moonsorrow has always been decidedly more grounded in a true "folk" aesthetic throughout their journey. Such is the same for 'Jumalten Aika,' but it seems that this time around the group really wanted to flex the old BM muscles from seasons past.
Yes, it seems that rather than continuing their travels ever-deeper into the world of extreme progressive metal, they have instead opted to take several steps back. One might argue that this is the move of someone who is out of ideas, but in execution it seems like a very intelligent choice. Personally, everything after 'Verisäkeet' has bored me to tears and left me yearning for the days that the band had a little more bite. One listen to Suden Tunti ("hour of the wolf") should convince you that this canus lupis' teeth have not dulled one bit.
Heck, the song's title even seems to be a play on the debut's "wolf's dream" motif. But enough speculation. The proof is in the pudding, and the pudding here is some deliciously epic blackened folk. Truly, I think this is Moonsorrow's heaviest album since my personal favorite, 'Voimasta Ja Kunniasta.' While there is still a very heroic quality to much of the music (as opposed to a more grim one), we see a return of emphasis on powerful, distorted guitar riffs, harsh vocals, and perhaps more simplified arrangements.
But make no mistake on this last point. With the average song length somewhere between 10-15 minutes and continued utilization of other instruments, 'Jumalten Aika' is still an expansive album indeed. Even though the synthesizers and whatnot have certainly been paired down, tracks like Ruttolehto take us on quite a journey with flutes, chanting, jawharp, etc. at key moments to truly bring them alive. The resulting dynamics are incredible, with some monumental crescendos to really sink your teeth into.
Final word: best album since 'Verisäkeet.' Moonsorrow's latest outing breathes a much-needed sense of intensity and warrior spirit into their catalog as they inch closer to their 20th year as a band. And this renewed black metal fury comes without the expense of the band's matured, progressive side. Rather, these elements are honed more sparingly to really make them pop. But when it really comes down to it, right down to the simple B&W cover art, 'Jumalten Aika' shows pride in the band's humble beginnings. I am happy to see a return to form, and I encourage you to check this one out for yourself.