Formed in 1995 by two cousins (the Sorvalis), Moonsorrow appeared
to come out of nowhere in 2001 with no less than three releases,
though in actuality their debut had been recorded over a year
earlier and the second release (Tama Ikuinen Talvi) is a
remixed version of an earlier demo.
They have a clear kinship to fellow Finns
Finntroll,
no doubt largely due to the two bands sharing a keyboardist.
But while Finntroll songs are quick and to the point,
Moonsorrow specializes on sprawling epics (moreover,
Moonsorrow doesn't incorporate the humppa influences).
And yet there is a similar overall feel, a sound stylistically
rooted in black metal but rich with Viking and native folkloric
influences.
They have an inate ability to fuse heavy metal with the
grandiose atmosphere of Nordic traditions, resulting in a rich
and engaging listening experience.
Simply put, Moonsorrow is absolutely the best Viking metal band
in existence today, and their last two albums in particular
are metallic gems of the highest quality.
An excellent band.
