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 KORPIKLAANI (or “Forest Clan“) emerged out of the ashes of Shaman, when the
band opted to change its name, as well as its musical and lyrical expression.
The goal was to move away from Shaman’s trademark use of the Sámi language’s
strong, impulsive Folk Metal, as heard on Idja (1999) and Shamániac (2002).
Jonne Järvelä envisioned a new direction characterized by original Metal songs
heavily influenced by traditional Finnish Folk melodies. He began searching for
musicians willing and able to share his vision.
The first addition to the line-up was a young violinist named Jaakko Lemmetty,
better known as Hittavainen. Matson, an old friend and superb drummer soon
joined the band, bringing with him the talents of his former bass player Arto
Tissari and guitarist Toni Honkanen, a.k.a. Honka. Honka knew a skillful
percussionist, Ali Määttä, and he too was quickly recruited.
KORPIKLAANI’s music is very Finnish and the band does not fear to be labeled
“yokels“, living in the middle of the forest. They prefer to draw inspiration
from their surroundings, as they so skillfully did on their 2003 Napalm debut,
“Spirit of the Forest”. The album presented an indisputable Folk Metal
achievement. Its musicality, varying from the mysteriously charming instrumental
compositions to the "humppa" melodies that immediately invite the listener to
dance along and reflect the entire spectrum of the Finnish Folk Metal art.
 With the recording of “Voice of Wilderness” complete and awaiting its 24 Jan
2005 release, the members of KORPIKLAANI concentrated on finding a permanent
accordion player. Juho joined the band in the fall of 2004 enabling them to more
easily transfer the energetic melodies and Folk Metal atmosphere to the live
stage.
Yet the line-up changes didn’t stop there. Arto began his military service and
decided to not continue with the band. As such, Jarkko Aaltonen replaced him in
the summer of 2005. Likewise, Ali and Honka parted ways with KORPIKLAANI, as
they did not feel they could adequately devote themselves to the band due to
personal commitments.
Nevertheless, the forest clan returned in 2006 with “Tales Along This Road”,
recorded by Samu Oittinen at Fantom Studio. With breathtaking speed, their third
release wasted no time in getting down to business, as tracks like
"Korpiklaani", “Väkirauta”, or “Happy Little Boozer” became the new anthems
delivered live to thousands of singing fans at myriad infamous open air
festivals, such as Wacken, Masters Of Rock, Metalmania , Up From The Ground, and
Tuska, making 2006 KORPIKLAANI’s most successful year to date.
 2007 also begins with a bang—as it witnesses the release of “Tervaskanto” (or
“Old Man”). The album was once again recorded by Samu Oittinen, with additional
guitars recorded in Jonne´s home studio, and meticulously mastered at the
renowned Finnvox Studios. The wild Finns have again managed to bottle the
atmosphere and energy of their live show and inject it into their fourth album.
"Tervaskanto" delivers powerful Folk Metal songs that are immediately absorbed
into the blood and instinctively cause neck muscles to move. Traditional
instruments such as the accordion, fiddle, and flute battle it out with the
purest of Metal, spiced with a dash of humppa and large helping of good humor.
"Tervaskanto" delivers the party, dance ,and singalong hymns for the upcoming
summer festival season and turns each introspective evening by the campfire into
a roaring celebration.
FROM www.napalmrecords.com
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