Finnish folk metal superstars, Turisas, have recently completed their fourth full length album, Turisas2013. It is nothing like any of their previous releases. It is fast, poppy, energetic… and nonetheless entirely them. Not one of these songs make me think of anyone but Turisas, despite the differences between this and their previous releases. I think it is more a modern statement by the band… a fun, energetic album by the tellers of history, making the past relevant to the present.
One thing that has come through in this album is definitely the use of history to offer inspiration for the modern day. Turisas2013 has gone a step past Stand Up and Fight and removed the specific story, going straight for the inspirational message behind the stories, literally stripping the façade of specifying information off and revealing to real meaning.
Musically I see nothing wrong with this album. In Turisas2013 I hear progression along the path begun in Stand Up and Fight, to a more lyrical, energetic Turisas. In their third album, you can already hear a switch to an emphasis on lyrical, almost poppy tunes, with clean vocals taking over the harsh. On Turisas2013 there are relatively few bits of harsh vocals, as most of Mathias’ singing is clean and golden. Yes, some might think this is “poppy” in a bad way and that Turisas is “selling out” because it is not battle metal (side note: how is “Greek Fire” not battle metal?).
As Olli Vanska, the band’s exceptional violinist, explained to me in an interview some time ago: Turisas will always be battle metal even when the sound changes. Turisas2013 is, to me, the logical next step for the band. They made an album that will be amazing when played live for their fans, something that I think they take very seriously.
My only complaint about this album is….it’s too short. Turisas2013 contains nine tracks, the longest of which is only six and a half minutes. On one hand, each track is a song, with no filler tracks. On the other hand, while most of the new songs contain the epicness of some of their classic climax songs (“Miklagard Overture” and “End of an Empire” for example) there isn’t really one such song. Don’t get me wrong, “We Ride Together” is a fantastic song that I can see becoming an instant crowd favorite. I am just not sure how it will stand among their previous album enders.
If you are expecting Battle Metal II you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a new album, however, that reflects Turisas as they are now, you will love Turisas2013. These Finns have written an album that will sound superb live—breathtaking even. When you hear one of the “weird” songs, just think of the lyrics being sung by hundreds of people. They have taken one of the best parts about Turisas, their amazing live performances, and made it their image, releasing an album full of messages from history for their audiences to get behind, recording and releasing it in a way to best connect with their fans live.
If you are to take anything away from this, it is that Turisas2013 is something new for the band and for their fans, and might sound weird at first. Think of the band’s image and their live performances and let that sink in while you listen to their fourth album. Turisas have made an album for themselves as a band today, writing songs about yesterday, hoping to inspire the actions of tomorrow. For this, I give them and their new album, Turisas2013, five stars. Keep on battling guys, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
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