What makes Kivenkantaja by Moonsorrow notable?

The album was critically acclaimed for its ambitious blend of black metal with folk elements, earning praise from influential publications like Metal Hammer. Kivenkantaja helped to elevate Moonsorrow as key players in the Viking metal subgenre and contributed to the growing popularity of Finnish metal music internationally. Kivenkantaja marked Moonsorrow's third studio album, released during a pivotal period in their career when they were solidifying their status within the black metal scene. Following their well-received albums like Voimasta ja kunnialle, this release showcased an evolution in their sound through intricate arrangements and thematic depth.

Who is Kivenkantaja for?

Kivenkantaja works well if you're into dynamic journey with dramatic peaks, mythic soundscapes of folklore and wave-like pacing with intensity.

How many songs are on Kivenkantaja?

Kivenkantaja has 9 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Kivenkantaja

Moonsorrow · 2003

71 min · 9 tracks · black metal

Epic compositions merge haunting melodies and thunderous rhythms, conjuring a mythical landscape steeped in Finnish folklore.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Raunioilla — This opening track sets a grand tone for the album with its lengthy structure and dynamic shifts, encapsulating the band's fusion of aggression and melody.
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Kivenkantaja — The title track delivers a powerful narrative through its sweeping instrumentation and evocative lyrics, serving as a centerpiece for the thematic exploration of the album.
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Sankaritarina — Closing the album, this track weaves together complex rhythms and soaring melodies that reflect on heroism, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of triumph.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's epic structures and blend of folk elements create a unique listening experience within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with most exceeding six minutes, allowing for extensive development of themes and motifs.
Each song incorporates shifts in tempo and dynamics, alternating between melodic passages and aggressive black metal sections.
Folk instruments are interwoven throughout the arrangements, enhancing the mythical atmosphere without overshadowing the metal elements.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with dramatic peaks
mythic soundscapes of folklore
wave-like pacing with intensity
immersive listening for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking quick, standalone tracks
prefer upbeat, immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Kivenkantaja marked Moonsorrow's third studio album, released during a pivotal period in their career when they were solidifying their status within the black metal scene. Following their well-received albums like Voimasta ja kunnialle, this release showcased an evolution in their sound through intricate arrangements and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Finntroll· Ensiferum· Korpiklaani