Shuddersome Soundscape #11: One Vital Ingredient

 Graveyard dirt has been an important component in spell work for centuries, featuring in rituals from all across the globe, from ancient cultures even to modern witchcraft. Its significance comes from its connection to the dead, to the world beyond to veil, and to the churchyard that graves used to border, steeping it in enough power to aid in whatever magic for which its used. Although the name of the ingredient sounds ominous, it can be used for positive or good-intentioned outcomes just as often as negative ones. However, if the person in question uses the graveyard dirt in deals with too dark of forces, he may find himself trapped in a dance with the devil. In this week's song, we explore that outcome. Here is "Ruumiinmultaa" by Korpiklaani.

First, I must say that in recent weeks, Korpiklaani has become one of my favorite bands, so imagine my delight when I found a song that was perfect for this series. But who is this band of whom I've grown fond?

Korpiklaani is a folk metal band hailing from Finland, an origin that is woven thoroughly throughout their music. Their unique, iconic sound combines heavy metal with traditional Finnish rhythms such as polka and humppa. Their lyrical themes range from upbeat drinking songs to mystical folkloric tales, often written in the style of the old runic songs of the Finns and skillfully paired with frontman Jonne Järvelä's distinct, sometimes growly vocals. Furthering their trademark style, their instrumental lineup includes violin and accordion, and not merely as accompaniment, as both folk musicians very capably can take center stage and shred just as well as any other metal band's guitarist can.

Korpiklaani's music not only bears inspiration from Finnish culture but also from that of the Sámi, the indigenous peoples of Sápmi, which is the region spanning Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway. One example of this Sámi influence is found in "Ruumiinmultaa," as Järvelä's backing vocals in the interludes resemble joik, a traditional type of singing prevalent in Sámi folk music.

This week's song comes from Korpiklaani's eighth album Manala, which translates to "Underworld." Many of the album's songs are bridged together by a central theme: the Kalevala, the national epic poem of Finland which tells of the people's history and mythology. As explained by Jonne Järvelä (on Blabbermouth.net): "In the 16th poem of Kalevala, Väinämöinen, a shamanistic hero travels to Manala to seek for knowledge about the dead. On the journey he meets the ferrywoman (similar to Charon), a girl, Tuonen tytti, or Tuonen piika (Death's maid), who takes him across the river of Tuoni. However, on the isle of Tuoni he is not given the spells he was originally looking for and he barely manages to escape the place. After his return he curses anyone trying to enter the place alive." 

With the album, the band also released a special bonus disc featuring English versions of the Finnish language songs. Manala is also significant in that it is the first to feature the very talented Tuomas Rounakari on violin.

"Ruumiinmultaa" translates to "Soil of the Corpse," the key ingredient that the song's narrator needs in this supernatural deal. In accordance with ancient beliefs, he uses this soil in a spell that will grant him wealth and love, especially when aided by particularly dark forces. He must be cautious, complete the rituals as required, and pay dues where needed, for if he doesn't, he risks losing his prosperity, his mind, or even his life to the very entities he sought to help him.

Here is the English version of "Ruumiinmultaa," titled "Soil of the Corpse." 

P.S.: To those who have joined me on this Shuddersome Soundscape series, I thank you heartily and hope you will join me next week for our final song of the spooky season.