What makes Kulkija by Korpiklaani notable?

The album was well-received, charting across several countries and reinforcing Korpiklaani's status as pioneers in the folk metal genre. Critics praised its engaging storytelling and lively instrumentation, contributing to cultural recognition of Finnish folklore in contemporary music. Kulkija is Korpiklaani's ninth studio album, released in 2018 as they continued to solidify their place in the folk metal scene. This album followed their previous release, Noita (2015), and showcased a refined sound while maintaining their signature blend of traditional Finnish folk elements with modern metal.

Kulkija works well if you're into dynamic journey with peaks, celebratory vibes for gatherings and wave-like pacing for immersion.

How many songs are on Kulkija?

Kulkija has 14 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Kulkija

Korpiklaani · 2018

71 min · 14 tracks · folk metal

Energetic folk melodies intertwine with heavy metal riffs, creating a vibrant celebration of Finnish culture and nature.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Neito — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its infectious humppa rhythm and lush instrumentation, encapsulating the essence of Korpiklaani's style.
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Harmaja — This song features haunting melodies and a reflective quality that contrasts with the more upbeat tracks, showcasing the band's emotional range.
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Sillanrakentaja — The intricate arrangements and storytelling within this track highlight Korpiklaani's ability to fuse narrative depth with energetic music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Kulkija blends folk melodies with metal elements effectively, though its pacing and cohesion vary across tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features traditional Finnish instruments layered over heavy guitar riffs, setting a lively tone.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere before concluding with an upbeat finale.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 peaks
celebratory vibes for gatherings
wave-like pacing for immersion
nature-inspired storytelling elements
energetic moments for dancing

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Engaging storytelling and lively instrumentals resonate with dedicated fans.
Career context: Kulkija is Korpiklaani's ninth studio album, released in 2018 as they continued to solidify their place in the folk metal scene. This album followed their previous release, Noita (2015), and showcased a refined sound while maintaining their signature blend of traditional Finnish folk elements with modern metal.
Stylistic neighbors: Finntroll· Eluveitie· Ensiferum