Finntroll

Folk Black Metal - Finland

Anno 1997: during a night of alcoholic carnage in Finland Teemu “Somnium” Raimoranta (guitar) and Jan “Katla” Jämsen (vocals) conceived of a band that fused the darkness and grandeur of black metal with the traditional Finnish hoedown-music. The resultant sound was FINNTROLL. The namesake came from an old Finnish legend where Swedish priests coming to Finland had an encounter with a wild-looking man who killed most of their party. The survivors came back bearing the tale of the FINNTROLL. Anno 1998: A year later Skrymer, Tundra, Trollhorn and the mighty Beast Dominator joined the band that soon became the biggest name in the rising Folk/Pagan Metal scene – even if they never aimed for sitting at the head of that table. FINNTROLL was soon to overcome the sort of obstacles that would have left most bands defeated and bleeding. Founding member Katla had to leave the band after the release of the second album “Jaktens Tid” (2001) because of severe throat problems. Shortly after, the other founding member Somnium died after tragically falling from a bridge. His legacy was continued by Routa, while Katla was replaced by Wilska who already left in 2006. Ultimately, it was with the final comrade in arms to join Vreth, on vocals, with whom the band reached their biggest successes including a legendary co-headline show at Wacken Open Air 2006 – well documented on the “Ur Jordens Djup” album’s bonus DVD.