Rating:10/10
Release: 3 November 2008
Label: Century Media Records

Turisas fan for some time? Then you should have this. Folk metal fan? Then you should have seen it at least one time.
The DVD is Turisas like we know Turisas. Tip, keep your mother away from the TV, because she might be shocked when she sees the frightfully dressed Finns. It is difficult to choose what to look first with this DVD. To explain the hiccups in the performances it might be helpful to first watch the documentary, but of course we are going for the music in the first place.
The Festival section contains songs from the Finnish tour in 2008. The opening track “As Torches Rise”, speaks for itself, you’ll see a spectacular performance, in which both the band and the audience are raging, full of pride and combativeness. The powerful vocals, great songs to sing out loud (another reason not to have your mother in the house), the authentic sounds of violin, accordion and the metal sound of the other band members. You get it all for you choose and at the end of the DVD you decide to watch it again. The only downside seems to be the vocals here and there.
But fortunately there is more. If you have ever been to a concert of Turisas you will probably know that the singer likes to talk, sometimes even so much that you will get a little bored, but this documentary gives the band an ample opportunity to tell their story.
Not only are we taken, during the tour, through a large part of Finland. But we get so see a sick Mathias, but despite of this, he never disappoints his fans and keeps on playing. This is the explanation for the less beautiful vocals here and there. The band shows us how you should do your make up in these beautiful colours.
The band celebrates Midsummer in traditional Finnish way as well and let us all see what is needed.
Overall a nice documentary, which is definitely a nice addition to the live part.
On top of that you get another promo video of Rasputin and some bloopers.
If you have never been to a concert of Turisas, you know now you’ve really missed something. Give it a quick cry and go to the next gig as soon as you can.
This DVD is a must have for every folk-metalfan too!

Tracklist

1. As Torches Rise
2. To Holmgard and Beyond
3. A Portage to the Unknown
4. The Messenger
5. One More
6. In The Court of Jarisleif
7. Fields of Gold
8. The Dnieper Rapids
9. The Land of Hope and Glory
10. Miklagard Overture
11. Sahti-Waari
12. Rasputin
13. Battle Metal