Band:	Moonsorrow
Album:	V: Hävitetty
Style:	Viking folk metal
Release date:	January 10, 2007
Guest review by:	SnowSword

01. Jäästä Syntynyt / Varjojen Virta
02. Tuleen Ajettu Maa

Well well well, how does one begin to review an EPIC of these proportions? Let me start by saying this: Moonsorrow is one of my top favorite bands, so this review is probably a bit biased. I will do my best to describe it objectively though!

Those who know Moonsorrow have already probably noticed that over the course of their albums, their songs have been getting longer, more epic, less "catchy" and with much more time given to stretched-out beginnings and endings. Well, with only 2 tracks for the whole album, you might guess that this record is a definite continuation of that trend! Each of these 2 tracks is almost half an hour long. V. Havitetty (full name Viides Luku - Havitetty which means Chapter 5: Ravaged) very much continues where Verisakeet left off.

The build-up and fading away of each track are long and very effective. The music starts very simply, with a sort of fire-crackling sound, and over time more sound get layered on until the music just EXPLODES with fierceness and complexity! What is interesting also is that at its most dense, this music is very bass-heavy; the first time I was listening to this CD was in my car, and the bass was making my entire car vibrate even though I did not even have the volume up all that high!

It's hard to describe anything more about this CD. You just have to hear it - no, you have to EXPERIENCE it. This is NOT an easy, light listen. After hearing it the first time, I didn't know what to make of it. It took me several listens to begin to understand it! Those 2 tracks are real epics in every sense of the word: they tell stories, with a beginning and an ending. It's very emotional. I can't heap enough praise on this record, I think it is a work of genius worthy of great respect!

The being said, I should also mention (as is usually the case with these types of records) that it's not for everyone. If you are new to Moonsorrow, don't start with this one; go for Suden Uni, or Voimasta ja Kunniasta, or Kivenkantaja instead as an introduction to the band. If you are already familiar with Moonsorrow I can say this: if you love Verisakeet, you will probably love this. If you didn't like the direction they took with Verisakeet, then you probably would not like this. What else can I say about it... The cover art is beautiful!! The insert also, thankfully, includes English translations of the lyrics. I've noticed from other Moonsorrow reviews that some don't like Ville Sorvali's heart-rending vocals especially on Verisakeet; I suppose it is an acquired taste, but it is a taste acquired by many including myself. The vocals on V. Havitetty are in that vein so be warned! Otherwise... enjoy!