Finnish band TURISAS (ancient Finnish war god) was formed back in 1997 and after a few demos they finally released their debut album “Battle Metal” in 2004.

I’m not familiar with their debut album but I’ve heard very good things about it, so I was more than interested to check out this, their brand new release titled “The Varangian Way”.

What we have here is a sterling case of Folk/Heathen/Pagan/Battle Metal which in its maturity and diversity very well could blow them into the premier league of the above mentioned genre right away. “The Varangian Way” is endowed with a superb production, essential for musical matters of this kind and the band members proves themselves to be highly competent musicians within 20 seconds of the first track “To Holmgard and Beyond”.

The promo that I’m sitting here with contains 8 tracks… 8 splendid tracks. We get everything from aggressive vocals to clean vocals. Choirs, and all kinds of instruments… you name them, and they are there. It’s symphonic, atmospheric, epic, melodic, bombastic, fantastic and peppered with huge and catchy choruses that make this album a must for every genre fan.

Just think of a mix between bands like; Ensiferum, Einherjer, Korpiklaani, and Rhapsody of Fire and you should have a pretty good idea of the style and sound of TURISAS, I think. This album is huge… I discover new things with every listen and one think is for sure; I’ll be standing first in line when this album is released later this month.

Do check this album out if you’re into Folk/Heathen/Pagan/Battle Metal… because you’re in for one hell of a great trip, TO HOLMGARD AND BEYOND.