Korpiklaani

T

he roots of Korpiklaani ("Forest Clan") stretch back to a Finnish band named Shaman (no relation to the Brazilian band), a band steeply rooted in Finnish folk and language (the lyrics were entirely sung in the Sámi language). After two albums, main man Jonne Järvelä decided a shift in direction was necessary, the goal being to retain the folk roots but with a more increased metal influence. With new members in tow, Shaman became Korpiklaani for the release of Spirit of the Forest (2003) under the membership of Ali Määttä (percussion), Arto Tissari (bass), Jonne Järvelä (vocals/guitars (electric, acoustic)/shaman drum/lyrics (tracks 1-4, 6, 8, 11-14)/songwriting (tracks 1-4, 6-9, 11-14)), Toni Honkanen (guitars) and Jaakko Lemmetty (violin/jouhikko/flute/songwriting (tracks 5, 13)).

Voice of Wilderness (2005), Tervaskanto (2007), Korven kuningas (2008), Karkelo (2009) and Ukon Wacka (2011) followed, with Matti Johansson (drums/vocals (backing)) and Kalle Savijärvi (guitars/vocals (backing)) now in the fold. Tales Along This Road (2006) with Jarkko Aaltonen (bass/lyrics (tracks 3, 8)) and Juho Kauppinen (accordion/vocals (backing)/guitars (track 3)/songwriting (track 3)) came next.