Hello folks, it's that time again, so put on your furry boots, grab your axe, it's off to battle with TURISAS. Finland's Battle Metal warriors are back with a new album entitled "Turisas2013", but before we get to the review I have to take a minute to say, that it's a terrible title. It is merely two headings jumbled together, sure, you can say BLACK SABBATH did it just a couple of months ago, but let's not forget, SABBATH can call their album "Pink Poopy Choo Choo Train" and they'll still be more Metal than anyone on the face of the earth, and keep in mind that they didn't stick up their name with a number, "Turisas2013" just sounds partially silly, and part megalomanic, but hey, that's just me.

I don't know whether it is the lineup changes since the last album (4 band members have been replaced since 2011) or a different approach to the writing process, but the most striking thing about this album is that it doesn't sound like TURISAS of yore, not that it sounds totally different, but it's certainly a change. That change can be heard from the very opening of the album with "For Your Own Good" is a very keyboard dominated track, surely inspired by new keyboard player Robert Engstrand (replacing Netta Skog's accordion), in fact the keyboards are very dominant throughout the new album, giving a very different edge to the album.

Another change is in a manner of Metal subgenre. The album is far more dominated by Power Metal than the Folk vibe we have been so used to from the band, a good example is "Into The Free" a fast and fun track with a great rhythm. A track to look out for is "Run Bhang-Eater, Run!", which mixes the newer Power Metal direction with a nice eastern European sounding Folk intro and some nice horns, speaking of horns, there's also a moaning girl on the track. "Greek Fire" is a real stand out, heavy opening, slow verse, and a great riff. "No Good Story Ever Starts With Drinking Tea" is yet another great kicker, classic Folkish drinking song.

I actually expected a rather diversified reaction to this album from some people, while it has some classic TURISAS elements, it's got a different sound to it, the band have freshened up their sound, leaving behind the concepts that we're so used to from them. This is a real change for them, the songs differ from each other greatly at times, but who said that's a bad thing?

I enjoyed the record, but like I said, some fans may find the band's choices for the record a bit odd. All in all, apart from the name, the record is very good, not their best, but very good, especially if you come into it with an open mind.