Let’s get the obvious out of the way: this album is epic. The jump in style from the previous album here is distinct from the first moments. I will be making some comparisons, but to call one better than the other is unfair. Consider trying to compare Rush’s “Moving Pictures” to “2112,” or The Who’s “Who’s Next” to “Tommy.” While the former have the catchier tracks and more memorable moments, the latter are creating a larger whole. This is the first of Moonsorrow’s rock operas.
While the previous albums focused on a mixture of aggression and folk instrumentation, this one is far more relaxed and synthesizer driven. Don’t expect too many fiddles and flutes here. While they are still minimally present, the overall aesthetic is that of a power metal wall-of-sound that builds to proggy keyboard passages far more akin to Yes and Pink Floyd than Emperor. I grew to appreciate this new sound, however I felt the Hammond organ was overused and became quite tiresome. This is most notable on the second half of “Jumalten,” where I honestly glanced at my computer a few times to make sure that I had not somehow shuffled to Europe’s “The Final Countdown.”
As far as the vocals go, I would estimate they aren’t even present for a good 40-50% of the album. The music is left to speak for itself, and it does an admirable job. There are some pleasant moments of snarling that got me nodding my head in approval, but by the end of the album you are much more likely to remember the choir-style clean vocals. Along with the lovely female singing on the last track, it is all very haunting. The guitar tends to stick to thick, plodding power chords to match the slow, echoing drums.
All in all, this is a very solid effort. To be honest, my first listen left me disappointed and often irked by the overuse of Hammond organ. But my second listen helped me realize the greatness that lies in the album as a whole. Aside from maybe the first two tracks, this is not an album I will find myself shuffling into a playlist. Kivenkantaja is much better appreciated from start to finish.