Karkelo

Released in 2009, Karkelo (Finnish for 'party' or 'frolic') represents Korpiklaani at their most refined yet rowdy peak. As their sixth studio album, it solidified their transition from the more shamanic Shaman era into the world-leading folk metal act they are today. Recorded between Petrax and Grooveland studios, the album features a more professional polish than their earliest lo-fi efforts while retaining the 'forest metal' identity. The inclusion of the hit 'Vodka' provided the band with their most recognizable anthem, defining their cultural role as the premiere 'drinking metal' band. Beyond the party tracks, the album delves into Finnish mythology and rural life, utilizing traditional instruments as lead voices rather than mere window dressing. It stands as a pivotal moment where the band successfully balanced their humppa-metal novelty with genuine songwriting depth, influencing a decade of European folk metal.