Moonsorrow are not easy listening. It took me several goes, having got into the right mind set, before I was able to appreciate what a fine album this is. It's haunting and uplifting, melodic and depressing, ponderous, and in places almost jaunty and light, with a heavy bottom end like a slab of concrete. Lilting, melodic synths complement the deep and heavy doom-laden riffs, overlaid by some very harsh vocals, all in Finnish of course. There are some very langorous rhythms there, but just when you think you're getting comfy and drifting off, it pulls you back into wakefulness with a scream - literally!
I've only awarded 4 stars because I have to say I think there are better death vocalists out there, but this is nonetheless one of the best albums I've heard. But like a previous reviewer said, it ain't background music. You have to give it your full attention - it insists. It's quite relaxing however, and it's quite possible to fall asleep to it and have awesome dreams of ice-trolls stamping across bleak tundra, waving swords. Or something.
Seriously, Moonsorrow are something special. I look forward to more.