I still find myself absolutely flabbergasted by the overwhelming quality of damn near anything related to folk metal in 2025. It started with the return of Saor, and it seems to only be greatness at a steady flow from then on with names new and old, well-known and obscure coming around to show us that the ancient realms still have so much say in the modern climate. Even now, after plenty of surprises, I’m continuously caught off-guard. Despite putting out just a single EP three years ago, it’s with their first album that Veljessurma is filled with surprises that just keep on coming.

Even a slight alteration to a tried-and-tested formula can be enough for things to come together just as much as it can make it all fall apart upsettingly quick. A fresh instrument here. Use of atmosphere there. A lot of small things can add up quite quickly in order to paint a fantastic picture where many others can barely even put a rough sketch into your mind’s eye. It can be a great deal to balance for any new act for any number of different reasons, but it’s clear within the first few minutes of “Haltioissaan” that Veljessurma already has the chops to not only dare to go for glory but actually achieve it in such a form that feels satisfying and downright enthralling for all it each engrossing detail offers. Many times have we seen the ancient unseen world beyond the veil given loads of justice as the year has gone on with Veljessurma doing naught but furthering that glory deeply with each step that you’re asked to take deeper into the overgrown forest laden with roots, moss-beasts that roam under the canopies, and offering us a connection to the old realm that is seldom given justice. Able to approach it all with tact and ferocity while never once missing out on the nuance and delicate intricacies that have always made this corner of metal a real treat when it’s given the proper respect and space to grow, “Haltioissaan” quickly takes on a life all its own whose spirit is nigh on undeniable for how potent and rageful it is despite its deep sorrow for what has transpired and the hope it has for a future that is not likely to be.

Across eight bewitching pieces, Veljessurma becomes the latest in a growing catalog of immensely talented musicians of the dark underground that are giving this sound a voice the likes of which we simply haven’t seen in such overwhelming capacity in the last few years. Quantity never instantly means quality, yet the high bar in this sound has been surpassed with staggering consistency. For all they delivered within “Haltioissaan”, Veljessurma has more than earned the right to be hailed as one of the most triumphant in this genre when 2025 is all said and done.

LISTEN to “Haltioissaan” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Veljessurma on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Veljessurma on Instagram here.