TURISAS - The Varangian Way

TURISAS is one of those bands that you will either love incredibly (or "love with mouth" as my friends sometimes say), or hate their guts. It really all depends on your tastes in metal.

TURISAS are both Folk Metal (i.e. power metal with traditional folk insturnments) and Viking Metal (self explanatory). And the neat thing is, it WORKS. Their albums are epic, headdbanging sing-alongs filled with crunching riffs, marching tempos, and lyrics about the glories of the various tribes (ficitional and nonfictional) of Pre-Christian Scandinavia.

This particular album is actually a concept album about a fictional tribe of Norsemen called the Varangians, and their experiences sailing around the seven seas. What makes it unique is that it's rather well-researched (at least that's what the band says).

It's great metal, but it's also a bit of an aquired taste. If you don't like power metal in general, you're going to hate this thing with the fury of a thousand suns.

However, if you love this type of over-the-top metal, this is right up your alley.

I give this album four pillaging Norse smileymen out of five.

I've heard very little of this band. I like folk metal and power metal but I detest excessive growling and grunting. How much of that is in this music?

I love The Varangian Way. I don't have Battle Metal.

Toho, they have a generally very rough vocal style but I wouldn't call it growling or grunting. There's also cleaner vocals in there as well. I think you'll get a chance to hear at least two more songs soon.....

I loved this release upon really listening to it. It took me awhile (and buying it a second time) to get it though. I love the clean vocal parts and can stomach the grunting. It is an acquired taste but once you get it the cd is well worth listening over and over.

Alex

Heard a few songs off it, sounds brilliant. Still need to pick this CD up - may also go see them play with Alestorm and Norther in March.

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may also go see them play with Alestorm and Norther in March.

I'd hate you more than I do ( mostly ageism and scarf related hatred ) if I wasn't seeing Pagan Fest soon!! That concert completely changes my outlook on life!

Exact33 put one song on the comp swap for me and I liked it so much that I had to buy that album immediately. And it was no disapointment - I love this album from the first song until the last.

Yep!

Battle Metal is a little more growling orientated but not the annoying kind. Pretty much how it is on Varangian Way but theres just more of it.

Absolutely KILLER band.
Love The Varangian Way. Still need to get the other one.

scottmitchell74 wrote:

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may also go see them play with Alestorm and Norther in March.

I'd hate you more than I do ( mostly ageism and scarf related hatred ) if I wasn't seeing Pagan Fest soon!! That concert completely changes my outlook on life!

Haha, well it may soothe you to know that I'll probably be unable to make the gig unfortunately!

Man, that sucks! However, those bands are closer to your "neck of the woods" so you might get a chance again. I'd be more torn up if I'd have to miss because I know it'll be a while (if ever) before they come so close.

That happened a little over a year ago with Blind Guardian. They were going to be in Houston the NIGHT before my family and I flew out for Disney and the DAY OF that flight they were in Dallas or Ft. Worth. It killed me to know this. I'd rather not have known they were in Texas.

Yeah, that is mighty unfortunate. But as you say, these bands are closer to me so I'll probably get another chance. Truth be told, the main band I want to see from the lineup is Alestorm, and with them hailing from the UK, I'm sure I'll get another chance.

That Alestorm is HIGH on my want list right now!!!!

I haven't heard this band. I recently heard Tyr and wasn't impressed. If Turisas is like Tyr I won't be interested.

What a great CD this is! 10/10 I saw them on this tour!