Search - Kiuas :: Spirit of Ukko

Am I listening to the same album as the guy under me?

tK | 08/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By all means, this definitely deserves a 5. But the album does not even show a hint of black metal or growling. This is exciting power metal that isn't cheesy at all. Actually, the album is cleverly constructed and tells a story. It is a rare form of viking metal. Every song is very energetic and not depressing at all. Also the vocalist is great at what he does, although he does not go high pitched as most power metal vocalists do. However, he is excellent, and I'd much rather hear his voice than whiny bands. The keyboardist and guitarists are really stellar on this album, and creates the exciting scene. You have to hear this, you will be pumped all the way.



This album also brings alot of rock elements actually, such as "no more sleep for me." i cannot compare this band to anyone else, its that unique.



And trust me this may not be a good review, but this is power/viking metal and not black metal. There is no growling, maybe screaming. The atmosphere is happy and effervescent. Get it."

"On Winds Of Death We Ride"

D. Knouse | vancouver, washington United States | 03/16/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pick this up if you like a mixture of US Power Metal and Scandanavian Black Metal melded together with Folk music inclinations. The lyrics are classic Power Metal with the underlying rage and themes of Scandanavians being forced to adhere to Christian theology against their will. Most of the songs work really well and are filled with excitement and energy. Except for the infectious chorus on "No More Sleep For Me" it otherwise struggles to stay afloat while "Thorns Of A Black Rose" has a bit of difficulty remaining relevant to the end but is eventually made passable with a few good moments. "Across The Snows" is the best song overall with a perfect balance of all the styles mentioned above. It is notable that the lead singer is not a shrieker but instead stays in the middle ranges almost entirely as he pulls it off with menace and fury. None of that "Aaahhhh!!!!!" upper-register stuff here. The total running time is (42:23) but the epic feel of the music and length of the songs actually makes the album sound longer than it should.



1. THE SPIRIT OF UKKO (5:52)

2. ON WINDS OF DEATH WE RIDE (4:20)

3. NO MORE SLEEP FOR ME (4:06)

4. WARRIOR SOUL (5:48)

5. UNTIL WE REACH THE SHORE (4:27)

6. ACROSS THE SNOWS (5:59)

7. THORNS OF A BLACK ROSE (4:46)

8. AND THE NORTH STAR CRIED (6:59)"

Awesome metal from Finland

Mr. Ben | mid-michigan | 06/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked this up while on vacation in Finland, didn't know anything about the band, never heard of them. Just picked it up based on the awesome cover. And I was plenty surprised. "Spirit of Ukko" opens with a great brutal open and while it does ease up, its all awesome.

Kiuas perform at a very high level throughout and no track is dull. On top of that, the album is very satisfying to listen to from beginning to end. It made the plane ride back a lot more enjoyable!



Awesome metal CD all around."