Ukraine never sounded so lovely

Voice of Steel

Little Duckies, today I bring an offering from the bowels of the most metal part itself. In this episode of “Bands that Alex likes on ice in 3-D” comes a complex, beautiful accomplishment from today’s band “Nokturnal Mortum”.

Voice of Steel MOTHERFUCKER

Hailing from the Ukraine, “Nokturnal Mortum” started out in humble beginnings….As a Black Metal band. So already having practice since 1994 makes this CD just bring in all of the different styles this band has to offer.

This album will just take you...By force

Beginning with an intro of a haunting horn dwelling into a traditional medley consisting of skin drums and what may or may not be bagpipes, the CD begins. Sounds of a blacksmith hard at work is audible at the very start of the second track “Voice of steel” accompanied with some of the heaviest drums/bass /guitar heard in a long while. Continuing on the amazing nine minute barrage of amazingness, that is only the beginning, pretty subtle compared to the rest of the album.

Or so you think

If you can even believe the Third track “Valkyrie” is even better. Begins so suddenly then slowly but surely condescends into slow, mellow melodies.

Onwards to my personal Favorite track from the album, “Ukraine”. No, it is not the national anthem….But it very well should be. This eight minute piece may very well have been plucked from the ear drum of an angel/demon (whichever is more metal to you). Combining beautiful chanting vocals amidst the very brash growls we have become very accustomed to, “Ukraine” just shines with a love for their country so high not even Hulk Hogan could stand up to it.

not even he can help us

While slowly fading out “Ukraine” becomes “My Dream Islands”, an eleven minute jam-out (or so it sounds that way) a slow descent into madness, a circus of different “experimental” sounds all jumbled into one great track.

We still have three tracks to go, BUT I REALLY want all the duckies from the interbutts to look for this album. It is that good. Every song on this album sounds completely different from each other. Even though all of the songs are in Ukrainian, you can feel the love, sweat, tears, and aspirations that this band wanted you to hear with “Voice of Steel”. Very fast paced and energetic sans the last two songs, “Voice of Steel” just does it right. In my opinion it is one of the most perfect albums out there, while it is my opinion I strongly urge you guys to listen to it.

Welp guys this album review was awesome, but alas I am late with this one as is. Time to work on another one lol. Until next time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZzqWhvOVA

Before I go, I leave you with the majesty of Ukraine

Peace

Incoming Cirrhosis

Oh hey there little duckies, Alex here again to bring you "Bands Alex likes on ice in 3-D". We are still having some Bipolar-ass weather here; When I began this review, it was COLD AND WINDY AS FUUUUCK.

A POX ON THIS WEATHER

So i'm stuck inside....and you know what warms you right up?

Cocoa? No. A Snuggie? No. If you didn't answer booze you are wrong. Speaking of booze, This following band will forever make drinking fun. Korpiklaani is one of my personal favorite bands, and they drink....A LOT. Which is why this CD is a good idea for right now.

Today we will visit Korpiklaani's Sixth studio CD,Karkelo. A fun, cheerful, bouncy CD that encompasses so many positive moods that hint at "Hey man, go get some friends, and buy a buttload of Alcohol and party it up"

Not that i mean you should drink every time you feel a cool breeze. Just that after you hear today's album we might want to get a few bottles of something. Hell, "Karkelo" means frolic/party.

I think we are ready for this

While today had really shitty weather, this album just feels so upbeat, party-fillled, and just all around good humored. Like a cool happy drunk would make you feel, hugging everyone and bringing all of the good times; Karkelo could just be an album you pop in and drink booze to next to a fire or having a cool ass get together.

I will say this before i begin though. This review a sort of a pain in the ass; As much as i love Korpiklaani, the songs. Guys, The songs. Are in a Older Version of the modern Finnish dialect. Translations are gonna be approximate so sorry if i get them wrong guys.

pretty much how I was all night

The album begins with "Vodka"; the thundering plethora of bass drums, accordion, and the ever catchy chant "WODKA, WODKA, WODKA!" (they are Finnish, as in they can't really pronounce V). This song is just so groovy, so much to the point of wanting to get up and rain dance around something for the hell of it. Bar medley at its finest! Catchy as hell, check. Fun memorable song, check. bottle of Vodka, check! Hell it's even in English! Let's begin this drunken tirade!

preferably doing some of this

Second track "Erämaan Ärjyt" (close to Men of the Wild) Man claims to party all day in the sauna and drinks, fools around with girls and basically lives the dream; Lives in the forest and doesn't afraid of anything.

The next songs "Isku Pitkästä Ilosta"(Rising High, Falling Down) and "Mettänpeiton Valtiaalle"(Hidden by the Spirit of the Forest) have to do with nature. "Isku" is sort of like a story of a world war (within nature), Ragnarok comes to mind. "Mettänpeiton" is a ballad of sorts to Forest Deities."Mettänpeiton" is a Finnish folklore sort of a Rip Van Winkle, you lose yourself at the hand of mischievous gods. Starting as a slow song slowly gaining momentum with fiddles and accordions galore!

Fifth Track is a cover, "Juodaan Viina"(Let's Drink) originally by Hector. A sad song about two men slowly dwelling deeper and deeper into alcoholism, talking about life. The original song is more somber, Korpiklaani's cover gives it a sort of happy twist to it; the fast pace works so well with the serious subject matter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quLFDSzP0LI (Here is the original)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyCVaH77lLc (Korpiklaani's version)

The rest of the CD include many different folk tales, including finding treasure, a blacksmith who makes himself an Iron/Gold Woman, and drinking some more.

Totally Rad

The last track on this inebriated journey is "Komelo" (Hangover) title which is just perfect. A mellow instrumental with Yoik singing, is a really good way to finish up this 13 song ensemble.

While I LOVE this band/CD, there are some things I will nitpick about it. Some of the songs seem a little too rushed (in a bad way) But even then its are barley noticeable. The rest of the time you are too busy listening to the delicious, warm, happy orchestra that is "Karkelo".

While "Korpiklaani" is a Finnish band, they have a lot of success here in the states. So if you want to pick up your own copy of "Karkelo" you could probably find it at any music store for a reasonable price....Now here is the Official video for "Vodka" for you enjoyment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7kJRGPgvRQ

Welp its raining.....That means I sense another shitty installment of "Bands that Alex likes on ice in 3-D". Until next time, Party on Little Duckies

Bringing Saxon Back

These last couple of days have been insanely cold in El Paso...And that could mean one of two things;

1.) We listen to Immortal

Yeaaaaaaaaaaah

or

2.) Or we listen toVIKING METAL

Metal as FUCK

As much as I love Abbath and company, I can't help but give my own shitty opinion on an amazing album. Alex here with a new installment of "Bands that Alex likes on ice in 3-D", offering you one of the best eargasms out there today; Moonsorrow's 2001 "Voimasta Ja Kunniasta" (Strength and Honor)

This album has no real story, nor is it a concept album. Its just "FUCK YEAH WARRIORS" all over. Moonsorrow gets to mix Viking/and Folk metal all into an orgy of sound that just brings you right in. Being from Finland I bet they just go outside and get inspired

Inspiration

The album begins with a soothing instrumental composed of a medley of keyboards/piano "Tyven" (Calm), a fitting introduction to something that is about to make you grow a beard and wield a battle ax. "Tyven" is then quickly transmitted towards another song "Sankarihauta"(Soldier's Grave) Story; A village in ruins, a man sees destruction and his family killed, anger so awesome beyond the comprehension of mortal man wells inside him.

(Gonna make an educated guess, but his is probably the last thing he saw)

He finds the army, tells them to "COME AT ME BRO" and proceeds to kill all but a few so they can tell the tale...Which is probably the best story of revenge ever told. The music itself is worthy of this song, the woeful/angry sounding vocals just fit in so well you can just feel the rage well up inside you. This is the kind of shit you want playing during times of intensity.....And it is just the beginning.

Track number Three is "Kylän Päässä" (A Village Away) This song....Guys, this song. "Kylän Päässä" tells the story of two foolish brothers who just have fallen prey to the lust of war and pride, not understanding the art that comes with it; it is a duty, not fun. The intensity in this song comes from all over, this is like four different songs packed into one, blending together perfectly into what could only be product of Valhalla itself ...... Your body was never ready.

Track number Four and Five are also in the list of positive things have to say, but it would make this post TL;DR more than it already is. Track Four "Hiidenpelto / Häpeän Hiljaiset Vedet"(Devil's Feild/Silent Waters of Infamy) and Track Five "Aurinko ja Kuu"(The Sun and The Moon ...Pssst Listen to them

As much as it pains me to say this word....All of these songs are. Epic...And they are, if epic wasn't so overused for stupid bullshit, if you looked for epic on the dictionary, one would find Moonsorrow as the definition.

The last song in the album "Sankaritarina"(The Story of a Hero) Is a beautiful, melancholy, 13 minute farewell. Saying goodbye to a good man and warrior is never easy, but in this world of battles it is an unavoidable risk, but knowing that one day we will all be reunited in the majestic halls of Valhalla makes it all the better. The last six minutes is what gets you the most the sorrow, sadness, the "Son I am proud" feeling that just oozes out of it. Then it fades out with a slowed down excerpt of "Tyven" and wind; feeling like the whole album was a lucid dream about to get lost in the breeze.

This journey is filled with war, treachery, loss, victory, folklore. Add Intense guitars, blasting drums, funky ass basslines,traditional folk instruments and why the fuck not some catchy as fuck keyboards and we get this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV0Ef1RHshg

(Which is my favorite song of all time)

And for only Six songs this ain't too shabby.

This record can be bought on the internet....Unless you have a cool ass record store near you that has a wide variety of music.

Until next time. See ya' Little Duckies