Moonsorrow - Voimasta Ja Kunniasta

I have no idea how to pronounce the title of this album, but I think it translates roughly to "Crushing Viking Metal." I have the newer albums Kivenkantaja and Viides Luku - Hävitetty from Moonsorrow's catalogue. I am not typing out anymore of their song or album names in this review. This album is one of their earlier albums that was released in 2001 and stacks up just as high against their later masterpieces.

Needless to say, with the album and song titles, all the lyrics are in Finnish, so at least I don't even have to try and understand what is being growled and screamed in the songs. Most metalheads are familiar with viking metal and various bands that run the field. If Moonsorrow is unfamiliar to you, think of them as a mix between Amon Amarth and Finntroll. They use some folkish elements like Finntroll, but never get quite as silly as Finntroll, and instead keep a driving heavy pace akin to Amon Amarth. Some viking metal bands often become a bit too silly in their imagery and folk elements. I can usually deal with it, but sometimes these bands just become too much, such as Battlelore, seen below...


Many of the songs here are long and epic, breaking past the 7 and 8 minute mark. Moonsorrow is one of the best in this genre and anyone that is a fan of Amon Amarth, Finntroll, or Thyrfing should eat this band up.