CoC : Moonsorrow - Voimasta ja Kunniasta : Review

Moonsorrow - _Voimasta ja Kunniasta_
(Spikefarm, 2001)
by: Quentin Kalis (9 out of 10)

Creating an epic sound in metal is nothing new, and a prerequisite for inclusion under the Viking metal banner. But few bands have managed to create a sound as brilliantly epic in its scope as Moonsorrow have. Moonsorrow effortlessly draw the listener into their world, a world where war was seen as glorious, and where to die in battle was considered the greatest honour. Although it may be based in history, it is no less enchanting or mystical then a fantasy world created by the likes of Mortiis. The last and best track, "Sankaritarina" -- an ode to a fallen warrior -- is a particularly impressive and moving song. Not since Pestilence's _Testimony of the Ancients_ has there been a more appropriate or powerful closer to any metal album. Whilst Moonsorrow sing in their native Finnish, this does not detract in any way from my enjoyment of the album. In addition to the traditional metal instruments and the almost obligatory keyboards, folk instruments such as the accordion and the mouth harp are also used throughout the songs. These are fully integrated into the songs and are not used merely for interludes or Cradle of Filth-esque fillers. If this album truly receives the attention it deserves in years to come, it will be seen as the blueprint for creating a Viking metal album and should well be regarded as a definitive album of the genre.

(article published 1/9/2002)

ALBUMS
12/2/2012	A El Naby	9	Moonsorrow - Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa
18/1/2007	N Shahpazov	9	Moonsorrow - V: Hävitetty
19/4/2005	C Flaaten	9.5	Moonsorrow - Verisäkeet
6/10/2003	Q Kalis	8.5	Moonsorrow - Kivenkantaja