Release date: 22nd February 2020
Okay, I’ll admit it. When I saw Verikalpa’s second album for review in my inbox, I let out an excited yell. I LOVED their debut album Taistelutahto so much and have been buzzing for album two practically ever since I listened to their debut for the first time (with the hype intensifying after hearing new material at Nummirock 2018).
Second albums are sometimes viewed as one of one of the more ‘difficult’ albums of a bands career (especially for those who have found success and high praise for their debut) so a part of me was ever-so-slightly nervous to hear Tuoppitanssi, but my fears were quickly quashed. In short: Verikalpa have built on what made their debut good in order to create an album that hits just as hard.
The first highlight comes in the form of the title track Tuoppitanssi, which is a song that plays on everything that made the band’s debut so strong. From the infectious keyboard riffa to the group vocals and relentlessly energetic instrumentation, it’s just trademark Verikalpa and it works. That’s not to say they have simply rehashed their previous album, however, because they haven’t – there’s also a freshness to the album with Verikalpa taking new approaches. Later track Verimaat has a definite darker vibe to it courtesy of the simplistic piano intro and the thicker, heavier instrumentation that follows. Verikalpa aren’t afraid of progression and Tuoppitanssi is clear evidence of this.
I can honestly spend all day and night yelling about how amazing this album is, such is the quality of it. But I’m just going to say this. If you’re a lover of folk metal and/or enjoyed their debut, then you’re absolutely going to love Tuoppitanssi.
10/10
