Album Review - Turisas - The Varangian Way

Turisas' The Varangian Way captures a grand atmosphere and should appeal to most fans of Symphonic Metal, that is if you can stomach the occasional rough vocal delivery. An over-the-top bombastic marriage of Nightwish, Doomsword, Falconer and some unnamed extreme metal band gives the whole album a movie-like blockbuster quality that is captivating and not easily forgotten. The band is from Finland, this is their second album, a concept one at that and it tells of a Viking journey around the 10th century.

Perfectly produced, though some might argue that it takes away from the rawness the album could also have had, the gripping melodies are centre point of the album. These are realized by a perfect union of heavy crunching guitar riffs, several keyboard layers and superb drumming. Various percussion effects and "folk" instruments act as convincing mood enhancers. Add to that a lead singer who switches from melodic softness to deep rough aggression by the turn of a riff and you have something that is quite special.

Throwing everything at you at once To Holmgard and Beyond opens the album in a way that can only be described as overwhelming. Nothing that comes after this does it better, but the songs complement each other and make the album flow together and form a lively river of symphonic metal goodness. This album is not just something you take a quick dive in, you want to take the whole trip every time as you are sucked into its grand atmosphere. The 8-minute, slightly progressive Miklagard Overture successfully closes the album on a fitting epic note.

Whether you are swooned by the gallant melodies of Fields of Gold or Five Hundred and One or simply banged on the head by the mean riff and aggression of Cursed by Iron you will surely be on your toes for the duration of the album. An opportunity to let them loose even surfaces with In the Court of Jarisleif as this is probably the closest you will ever come to a symphonic metal dance song.

The Varangian Way is a journey varied and not easily digested. It is a compact album that takes time to open up but when it does rewards are reaped aplenty. Strong, memorable and capturing a special atmosphere. Just add beer.

Written by Steen
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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