Crimfall - As the Path Unfolds...

April 7, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

Anytime the word “epic” appears in a description of a band in a specific metal music genre, the first thought that generally pops into mind is lots of cheese.  It would be something of a fair assessment, as bands such as Rhapsody of Fire and Bal-Sagoth are examples of such.  However, there hasn’t been much mention of “epic folk metal,” although one could think of Moonsorrow as such, minus the cheese.  That is where relative newcomers Crimfall enter the picture.  Their debut album As the Path Unfolds... fits with the definition of “epic” in many ways and yet, avoids overloading on the cheese factor.

Before getting into the album, it should be noted that Crimfall is the brainchild of Jakke Viitala (guitars and orchestration) and also employs the vocal talents of Mikko Häkkinen and Helena Haaparanta, who represent the contrasting vocals on the album.  For As the Path Unfolds..., Viitala also had the services of Janne Jukarainen (drums) and Henri Sorvalli (bass) for the recording of the album.  Going to such lengths to ensure the best product possible, there is very little room for error, so expectations are going to be high.  Fortunately, As the Path Unfolds... meets those expectations and in some instances, even exceeds them.

As expected with anything the caliber of As the Path Unfolds..., there is a prologue and epilogue, which would be “Neothera Awakening” and “Novembre,” respectively.  Both do what they are supposed to do: set up the potential story on the album and give closure.  The real meat of the album is in between the first and last tracks, and while it does take some time to get used to, the results are actually very positive.  Think of the Crimfall sound as a slightly more upbeat Moonsorrow meets current-era Nightwish.  Given that Viitala has control over many aspects of the album, there are a lot of things that could go wrong.  That isn’t the case, as his choices for vocalists, Häkkinen and Haaparanta, prove to be more than up to the task.  Haaparanata provides the clean female vocals that at times, almost sound gothic without losing much over time while Häkkinen utilizes the troll-like black metal growls to balance it out.  The music itself is soundtrack quality, yet doesn’t try to be overly bombastic.  As for any particular track to check out, it just wouldn’t be right to do so, since As the Path Unfolds... was created to be listened to from beginning to end.  However, if I must, “Aubade,” “The Crown of Treason,” and “Where Waning Winds Lead” are good tracks to go with on the album.  Given the comparison to Moonsorrow and Nightwish however, the mix could throw some people for a loop, since both bands aren’t usually mentioned in the same sentence for any purpose.

Overall, Crimfall is a pleasant surprise for those who seek something different in their folk metal library.  Having soundtrack quality songs, some stellar vocal work, and keeping the bombastic factor at tolerable levels should attract listeners and keep their attention for a while.  Multiple listens are in order for As the Path Unfolds..., and they should be done so from the start of the album to its logical conclusion.  Otherwise, you will likely miss out on something that the album has to offer.

Release Date: March 3rd, 2009
Label: Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Neothera Awakening
2. The Crown of Treason
3. Wildfire Season
4. Where Waning Winds Lead
5. Sun Orphaned
6. Ascension Pyre
7. Shadow Hearth
8. Non Serviam
9. Aubade
10. Hundred Shores Distant
11. Novembré

Total playing time: 46:47

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