"Kulkija" is Korpiklaani's tenth studio album, featuring a more mature and varied sound than their earlier works. The album includes the longest song in their discography, "Johan," clocking in at over seven minutes.
- "Kulkija" was recorded at Tanyssari Music Studios in Lahti, Finland, with long-time producer Akseli. The album was released on September 1, 2018, by Nuclear Blast Records. It peaked at number 22 on the German Albums Chart.
- The album title "Kulkija" translates to "Wanderer" in English, reflecting the lyrical themes of travel and life's journey. This release saw the band further experimenting with different tempos and instrumentation, including mandolin, fiddle, and accordion.
- "Kulkija" received generally positive reviews from critics, who noted the band's continued commitment to their unique folk metal sound while also highlighting the album's melodic passages and lyrical depth. It charted in several European countries, including Finland, Germany, and Switzerland.
Finnish Korpiklaani is best known for their brand of "true folk metal" that combines traditional Finnish folk music with heavy metal. By the time of "Kulkija," the band had settled into a prolific release schedule, with this album arriving just two years after their previous studio effort.
Tracklist
