Originally written by Erik Thomas
I generally don’t agree with reissues unless they actually are worth the extra $$ for something you more than likely already own. Fleurety’s recent re-issue is a decent example of how to do a re-issue right, and Naglfar’s Diabolical, re-issue really wasn’t necessary. So how do I objectively treat a re-issue by one of my favorite bands, of a CD I already own? Well, when you consider it’s re-mastered, has new artwork (Courtesy on Niklas Sundin), has a killer bonus track, and comes with a bonus DVD containing 2 videos and an entire concert; even owners of the original Plasmatica Records version can’t go wrong.
Taking advantage of Moonsorrow’s last 2 stellar albums that catapulted them to the top of the Viking metal pyre, Spikefarm, have smartly given those not familiar with their debut album Suden Uni (A Wolfs Dream), a chance to hear Moonsorrow’s early foray onto the battlefield. Those familiar with their last 2 slabs of Viking perfection (Voimasta Ja Kunniasta and Kivenkantaja), will no doubt either own this already, or at the very least know the style Moonsorrow play; perfect, epic, sweeping Viking metal that is truly sword clashingly inspiring.
Suden Uni lays the foundation of the lengthier vast epics that surfaced later on Voimasta Ja Kunniasta and Kivenkantaja, but it also show some level of slight black metal, and to be honest on this release they sound a lot like Finntroll. Sharing more of the ethnic folk instrumentation as Finntroll, (tootharp/accordion) and a few blastbeats, Suden Uni is less grandiose than the last 2 almost over the top albums. Still, though with the richer fuller sound this re-issue offers, it sounds more like the last 2 albums in the production department, as the original release was a little raw, thinning the epicness considerably, but now the splendor of their songwriting is as monumentally delivered as Kivenkantaja. You can hear the formative birthing of their brilliant mid-paced glory arise halfway into “Köyliönjärven Jäällä (Pakanavedet II” and the opening bars of “Kuin Ikuinen”. But you can also hear that they aren’t quite as polished or immaculate as on Kivenkantaja, as “1065:Aika” tries to encompass a magnificent level of grandiosity, but instead drones on somewhat for its 11:00 duration without the peak or flourish as say “Jumalten Kaupunki” did. The Trollish bounce that starts “Pakanajuhla” seems a thing of the past, even if gleefully enjoyable. But Moonsorrow now seem fine leaving that side of Finnish polka ethnicity to their friends Finntroll, while they themselves crest the waves of Bathory–ish heroism.
While I can’t comment on the DVD side of the bonus material, 2 videos and an entire concert can’t be anything to sneeze at. However, I can comment of the absolutely fucking incredible bonus track, “Tulkaapa Äijät!”. While a far cry from their now standard 13 minute epics, this three minutes is simply some of the best beerhall chanting, chain- mail-slappin’, vik’n’ roll metal fun I’ve had in AGES, that would make Finntroll crowd surf over a pit of starved ogres.
Needless to say, this is a must have for Moonsorrow fans and Viking metal fans, whether you own the original or not, as it’s both a re-issue done right and fantastic album on its own merit. You can hear the growth that spawned their 2 classic albums, but also hear a slightly different edge that you won’t hear other wise.
Strength and fuckin’ honour indeed.
