With "The Varangian Way", Turisas put themselves up there in the folk and historical inspired metal scene with their fellow Finns Moonsorrow, Ensiferum, Korpiklaani, and Finntroll. While the release was easier to find on these shores than the preceding album "Battle Metal", "Varangian" was a far more mature and cogent concept album that demonstrated a band finding their sound and effectively distinguishing themselves from their peers. Frankly (and sad to say), I have found Turisas' output of that single album ("Varangian Way") far superior to the several releases of Ensiferum, who are the closest in concept and sound. Now, Turisas are due to drop their third release "Stand Up and Fight" on our shores.

So, what about the music? I'll admit I was expecting "The Varangian Way, Part II" since that release was so well constructed and performed. While there are some continuances of that Varangian adventure concept theme, "Stand Up And Fight" is definitely not a sequel.

Instead, we have the Pagans Of Penzance.

"Stand Up And Fight" is a brilliant, bombastic display of aural theatrics and I've been hard pressed to determine if I've ever heard anything quite like it. Turisas have gone above and beyond where they went with "The Varangian Way". 'Stand' is a pagan warrior's celebration is song and, ahem, dance (as I listen I can't help but see a full-on spectacle show of outrageous antics). The first track, 'The March of the Varangian Guard' and the title track are equal parts Blind Guardian, Queen, Savatage, and martial pep rally anthem. 'Take The Day' is one the most infectious, uplifting metal songs that I have ever heard. It is truly an antidote to the black metal blues (yes, Stryper, you can be pagan and be uplifting). As I was driving my morning commute, I wanted to sing at the top of my lungs while speeding down the freeway, weaving in and out of traffic.

'Hunting Pirates' is a frenetic nautical shanty of a song. Once again, it came on during my commute and I almost wished I could run along side that SUV that cut me off and take 'em out with a volley of cannon fire. 'Venetoi! Prasinoi!' is probably the most cinematic and theatric of all the songs. 'The Great Escape' sounds like it could be sung when storming the Emerald City. My favorite track by far is "Fear The Fear". Here, Turisas step out of their historical storytelling to offer a social commentary and confront the ineffectual nature of our current state of affairs. The last two songs, 'End Of An Empire' and 'The Bosphorus Freezes Over', are quite dramatic and evocative, like part of a score from a film never made.

Overall, "Stand Up And Fight" is over the top, overly dramatic (without being too silly), infectious, empowering, operatic, uplifting, and sweepingly optimistic. Turisas have orchestrated an album that is utterly unique and completely epic in its scope and, at the same time, raised the bar on what folk metal can do and achieve.

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Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 3/ 10

Their website heralds, "an adventurous new chapter", but not sure what to make of this! The red & black striped Viking/pagan metallers have had an overhaul, replacing most of the folk elements with symphonic backdrop. Seems they wished to escape comparisons to fellow Finns like Korpiklaani, Finntroll and Ensiferium. Well, they've succeeded in distancing themselves, but at what cost? At various times, I'm reminded of a John Williams' film score, carnival sideshow barker, Rhapsody Of Fire, countrymen Lordi and Nightwish, The Magnificent Seven theme, Alestorm… but not the quaint fiddle & accordion outfit that released their previous pair of albums. Perhaps the varied nine cuts muster more oomph live, at least I hope so! Might be forgiven if the hymns were infectious as in the past, but only the title cut comes close, still with incessant orchestra playing in your ears.

A clear throated and pedestrian, danceable rhythm makes 'Fear The Fear' indistinguishable as anything from a metal outfit. The 3:49 'Venetoi! Prasinoi!' is predominately an instrumental, while the Zappa-ish voiceover begun 'End Of An Empire', with its piano and multi-sexed choir, could be something off a recent Therion disc. Orchestral strings open a whispered/spoken word 'The Bosphorous Freezes Over' finale. Major disappointment/mistake.