KorpiklaaniBeer Beer

In the wake of 2018’s Kulkija release, Finland’s titans of folk metal Korpiklaani have laid plans to do as the title subject of their tenth album did, namely, to wander.

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With the Wayfarers and Warriors Tour 2019 edition of Kulkija fans of Korpiklaani, fans of folk metal, fans of just about anything even, will receive a bonus disc exclusive to this package that will absolutely make anyone raise their glasses. No less than fourteen versions of Korpiklaani’s 2005 anthem Beer Beer, featuring fourteen of their musical buddies singing those timeless lyrics in a myriad of languages.

Beer Beer is a refreshing shot of merriness to blend with the wistfulness of Kulkija and a choice soundtrack to any road trip or beer-related gathering. So, cheers, Korpiklaani!

Naturally, this folk-metal mainstay track translates in language and spirit with resounding ease. Andreas ‘Gerre’ Geremia of German thrash legends Tankard unleashes a high-energy version, Bier Bier. The Russian-influenced folk of Troll Bend Fir’s contribution Пиво Пиво suit the song precisely. The toughest track on the collection is Mellanöl, featuring Viking Danielson. Sure, this is an overload of Beer Beer but there just isn’t a situation in which this is a bad thing.

While many of the renditions hold fairly tightly to the original, there are some very inventive takes on the Beer Beer classic. Zetro from Exodus takes his own twist on the theme in Beer Kill Kill, while Meri Tadič from Irij lends a positively incredible euro-pop sheen in what I presume is Croatian. By far the most enticing variation is Shai Shai from Siberian-Nordic dark folk band Nytt Land, featuring a paired-back version with flutes, strings and impressive throat singing stirring the darkness underneath Natasha Pakhalenko’s ethereal vocals.

Of course, there’s a jovial Greek version, Μπύρα Μπύρα and a shanty-like take Øl Øl from Wayfarers and Wanderers tour companions Turisas and Trollfest. Beer Beer is a refreshing shot of merriness to blend with the wistfulness of Kulkija and a choice soundtrack to any road trip or beer-related gathering. So, cheers, Korpiklaani!

Beer Beer is due for release with Kulkija (Tour Edition) 15 February 2019 via Nuclear Blast Records.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Mellanöl, Пиво Пиво, Shai Shai
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Korpiklaani studio albums, Alestrom, Troldhaugen