Noitasapatti’s Sankarin Matka: A Fierce Journey of Finnish Black Metal
Prepare yourself for a dark voyage into the spiritual and primal underworld as Finnish black metal force Noitasapatti releases their second full-length album, Sankarin Matka (A Hero’s Journey), on November 29, 2024. This latest offering by Inverse Records marks a new high for the band, plunging into the depths of Finnish folklore, existential quest, and primal rage with a sound that’s raw, fierce, and steeped in second-wave black metal influences.
The album’s recent single, Henkien Polulla (On the Path of Spirits), embodies the classic black metal spirit with a streamlined yet atmospheric approach that harks back to the genre’s roots. “It’s the closest we get to a traditional second-wave sound on this album,” the band notes. And the track does not disappoint. With its intense riffs, sharp blast beats, and a vocal performance by Erakko that’s both menacing and otherworldly, Henkien Polulla takes listeners deep into a world of shadowy devotion and mysticism. The song’s live performances have become a staple of the band’s set, showcasing its captivating power and unrelenting force.
Noitasapatti – Henkien polulla (single 2024)
Track list:
- Henkien polulla
Music by Janne Kekki
Lyrics by Jussi Tuulensuu
ISRC: FI3FC2448406
Single cover by Mika Huumonen
Album cover by Mika Huumonen
Noitasapatti – Sankarin matka (Album 2024)
Track list:
- Tulikipuna
- Tuhatkasvoinen
- Sankarin matka
- Paluu liekkeihin
- Käskyläisen sanat
- Henkien polulla
- Matka halki myrskyjen
- Tähtivaeltaja
Album cover by Mika Huumonen
Formed in 2017 in the misty city of Pori, Finland, Noitasapatti was born from the collaboration between vocalist and bassist Erakko, guitarist and keyboardist Liekkiö, and other members who have shaped the band’s dynamic evolution over the years. This album, recorded during the summer of 2023, benefits from their well-seasoned cohesion and an unmistakable chemistry that delivers chilling atmospheres and blistering ferocity. The addition of Häviö and Kadonnut on keyboards has expanded the band’s sound to include haunting ambient textures and epic undertones that make Sankarin Matka a distinct black metal journey with a melancholic yet powerful edge.
Noitasapatti’s music draws deeply from the roots of 1990s black metal, yet incorporates a unique twist of melodic finesse, doom-laden undertones, and even touches of early British death/doom and Viking metal. The result is a richly layered and nuanced album, featuring meticulously crafted instrumentals that balance between punishing riffs and atmospheric moments. Paluu Liekkeihin, the album’s first single, is a testament to this blend—an incendiary track that mirrors a descent into flames, filled with guttural howls and an undeniable Burzum influence.
Henkien Polulla furthers the album’s narrative, depicting a character drawn toward spiritual forces seen in flames, striving to connect with the spirits he venerates. With lyrics sung in Finnish, Noitasapatti keeps the storytelling rooted in its Nordic heritage, a rare and authentic touch that adds depth and resonance to the album’s themes.
If you’re a fan of bands that bring an epic scale to the black metal genre, Sankarin Matka should be on your radar. This release promises to be one of the most distinctive entries in the Finnish metal scene this year, solidifying Noitasapatti’s place among contemporary black metal’s most intriguing acts. With a style that’s both crushingly heavy and hauntingly melodic, Sankarin Matka invites listeners to embrace the shadows, confront the spirits, and walk the path of the hero.
