Korpiklaani Release ‘Harmaja’ Video
- Written by Marky Edison
Finnish Folk Metal Superstars Korpiklaani are set to release their new studio album, Kulkija, ('Wanderer') on September 7 via Nuclear Blast. The band have unveiled the second single, 'Harmaja', in the form of a thought-provoking music video. The clip is directed by Ville Lipiäinen (Nightwish, Beast In Black, Powerwolf).
Says Jonne, “'Harmaja' is an unusual Korpiklaani song with its slow tempo and emotional strength. The song is about longing and I managed to charge it with a great emotional atmosphere. When making the album we mostly used the first takes; we didn't get stuck in details when there was no particular need to. I was surprised - although in a positive sense - that Nuclear Blast wanted to release 'Harmaja' as a single and a video. Usually they prefer more uptempo, fun drinking songs. The new album Kulkija of course has that material too since being over an hour long it contains the entire scope of different emotions.
I bought a new classical guitar and started to re-acquaint myself with the 5-finger picking technique. I created a finger exercise that then formed the basis of the song. I sent a very basic version of the song to our lyricist Tuomas Keskimäki who, in the same evening, sent back the lyrics for 'Harmaja'. The text refers to 'Sylvian Joululaulu', a well known poem about longing by Zachris Topelius. I sang the demo in my home studio immediately and that was it - the song felt good and strong right away and I knew that it was going to end up on the album.
The video was shot in the pool of the Maritime Safety Training Centre in Lohja. The water was so cold that even constant visits to the sauna couldn't stop the coldness from creeping into my bones. It was very difficult to remember the lyrics, keep my head above the surface of the water and sing – while at the same time trying to look like I wasn‘t freezing to death. All for art!
Lipiäinen knew exactly what was needed for the video and managed to create just the right atmosphere. Lipiäinen knew exactly what was needed for the video and managed to create just the right atmosphere. The shots change slowly, there is no rush with anything and the story stays just right above the surface until the more stormy ending.”
'Kulkija' - Track Listing:
01. Neito
02. Korpikuusen kyynel
03. Aallon alla
04. Harmaja
05. Kotikonnut
06. Korppikalliota
07. Kallon malja
08. Sillanrakentaja
09. Henkselipoika
10. Pellervoinen
11. Riemu
12. Kuin korpi nukkuva
13. Juomamaa
14. Tuttu on tie