Artist: KORPIKLAANI
Album: SPIRIT OF THE FOREST (CD)

Release date: 2003
EAN/UPS: 0693723229522
Media type: CD

A Lahti based band project mentored by Jonne Jarvela and previously having delivered two albums, 'Idja' in 1999 and 2002's 'Shamaniac', under the previous guise of SHAMAN. Jarvela had also appeared on FINNTROLL's 2001 'Jaktens Tid' opus. Upon discovery of the high profile Brazilian act bearing the same name the band switched title from SHAMAN to KORPIKLANNI ("Clan of the woods") during July 2003.

With this name change the group also opted to change tack in musical style too, adopting traditional Finnish folk melodies. This would be effected with the introduction of a fresh set of musicians in guitarist Toni Honkanen, bass player Arto Tissari of MASTERSTROKE and CRYSTALIC, violinist Jaakko 'Hittavainen' Lemmetty from MOONSORROW and THE MIST AND THE MORNING DEW, percussionist, Ali Maatta and drummer Matson. Signing to Napalm Records KORPIKLANNI debuted with the November 2003 release 'Spirit Of The Forest'. Session drums for these recordings came courtesy of Samu Ruotsalainen (a.k.a. 'B. Dominator') of SHAMAN, BARATHRUM, RAPTURE, SHAPE OF DESPAIR and FINNTROLL repute. KORPIKLAANI accordian player Juho Kauppinen also operates DEMONIC CREMATION and FALCHION. Following the release of 'Spirit Of The Forest', KORPIKLAANI added a second guitarist, Cane, to the line-up.

Second album 'Voice Of Wilderness' would be recorded during the Summer of 2004 with producer Samu Oittinen at Fantom Studios. KORPIKLANNI's 2005 line-up saw Jonne Jarvela being joined by guitarist Kalle Savijarvi, bass player Jarkko Aaltonen, violinist Jaakko Lemmetty, accordian player Juho Kauppinen with Matson retained on the drums. Touring in September saw Russian gigs in St. Petersburg and Moscow upfront of European dates. The band then entered the recording studio in mid November to craft the album 'Tales Along This Road'. Scottish pirate Metal band BATTLEHEART covered 'Journey Man' on their debut April 2006 EP.

TRACKLIST:

1. Wooden Pints
2. Before The Morning Sun
3. God Of Wind
4. With Trees
5. Pellonpekko
6. You Looked Into My Eyes
7. Hullunhumppa
8. Man Can Go Even Through The Grey Stone
9. Pixies Dance
10. Juokse Sina Humma
11. Crows Bring The Spring
12. Hengettцmilta Hengilta
13. Shaman Drum
14. Mother Earth

LINE-UP:

Jonne - vocals & guitars
Hittavainen - violin, jouhilkko, flutes & Accordeon
Juho - accordeon
Cane - guitars
Honka - guitars
Arto - bass
Matson - drums
Ali - percussion