Various Artists – Ragnarok Juletide

Releasedate: 11-11-2014; Label: Spinefarm Records
By: Basak Günel

It’s that time of the year again! While some of us love the Christmas season for the mulled wine and the sweets, I gotta admit I am not really a big fan of the cliche Christmas songs. However, there has been one album recently that really cheered me up in this cold season ; it’s Ragnarok Juletide!

For the ones who are not familiar with the Finnish metal scene, the line-up of Raskasta Joulua, which has been around for 10 years, consists of some legendary names such as Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH, TAROT), Tony Kakko (SONATA ARCTICA), J.P. Leppäluoto (ex-CHARON, HARMAJA) and Jarkko Ahola (TERASBETONI, AHOLA) and the line-up of this album also includes some guest vocalists. What makes this album so special is the fact that, for the first time ever, the versions of Finnish and international Christmas classics have been recorded in English language and released under the name of “Ragnarok Juletide”.

When there are so many various artists in an album, there will surely be a lot of diversity as well. Considering that all of the artists involved are really successful and talented, I have to admit that this album is so much more magical and colorful than I have expected. It’s not just a “Christmas compilation” but a unique touch of metal and symphonic elements to the songs. In this sense, the album is not boring at all; from the first song, it will catch the listener’s attention.

Musically, the album also has a lot to offer; some songs such as “Sylvia’s Day” and “White Christmas” have awesome e-guitar solos whereas “Here on the Hay” and “Little Drummer Boy” will be quite entertaining for the fans of power/symphonic metal. As a fan of the dark/gothic side of metal (and as a fan of J.P Leppäluoto), my favorite song is “Elf”. Another surprise song for me was hearing Elize Ryd’s (AMARANTHE) vocals on “Christmas Is Here” and “Christmas Has Come” . It was really the ‘icing on the cake’ to hear female vocals in this album!
“Ragnarok Juletide” is the album to light up the mood on the Christmas days! It’s fun, entertaining and it’s musically magical!

Line-up:
Erkka Korhonen – guitar, arrangements
Tuomas Wäinölä – guitar
Vili Ollila – keys
Mirka Rantanen – drums
Erkki Silvennoinen – bass

Vocals :
Elize Ryd
Marco Hietala
J.P. Leppäluoto
Tony Kakko
Jarkko Ahola
Ari Koivunen
Pasi Rantanen
Antti Railio
Ville Tuomi
Antony Parviainen
Tuple Salmela
Kimmo Blom

Links:
Raskasta Joulua Official
Raskasta Joulua Facebook