Jonne Järvelä – “Jonne” [Album Review]

Jonne Järvelä is well-known for his work as the front man of Finnish folk metal band, Korpiklaani, but on his brand new, solo debut, Jonne, he demonstrates a significantly different approach to his music.

Staying true to his roots, Jonne is teeming with Finnish folk music. The approach; however, is more of an organic, indigenous folk route; one wherein you won’t find any of the distorted guitars or rollicking, alcohol-fueled songs typically found on a Korpiklaani record. What you will discover is an entire album of, dare I say it, easy listening, traditional Pagan folk music. Music that is a fantastic journey from start to finish. The diverse yet complex instrumentation and brilliant melodies stick with you long after the record is over and it didn’t matter that I couldn’t understand a lick of what Järvelä was saying (except for the last song, “The Boxer”), I still found myself engrossed in the music, humming along while relaxing to the amazingly tranquil forest vibes he’s herein created.

A surprising, yet very well done cover version of Paul Simon’s “The Boxer,” sung entirely in English, rounds out the record bringing the journey to, what I feel is, a fitting end. I really enjoyed the record and I think fans of Korpiklaani will really dig getting to see a softer, gentler side of Järvelä.

Track Listing:

01. Viuluni lauluni soutaa
02. Ken söi lapsen lattialta
03. Ämmänkuolema
04. Kuku käki
05. Metsään on iäksi mieli
06. Tule hiidestä hevonen
07. Leppäyöhön löyly
08. Joki
09. The Boxer

Run Time: 40:59
Release Date: September 5, 2014

Check out the song “Kuku käki”