KORPIKLAANI (or “Forest Clan“) emerged out of the ashes of Shaman, when the band opted to change its name, along with 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) and opt for a stronger and more widely accepted sound. Jonne Järvelä imagined the change of style to be characterized by both a heavier influence of the traditional Finnish folk melodies and of metal. He began to search for musicians able to produce the results he envisioned. The first addition to the line-up was a young violinist named Jaakko Lemmetty, better known as Hittavainen. It became clear to Jonne after only the first audition that Hittavainen was a perfect match for KORPIKLAANI. Matson (drums), an old friend of Jonne’s, a superb drummer, and the natural choice for the new line-up soon joined the band, bringing with him the talents of his former bass player Arto Tissari and guitarist Toni Honkanen, a.k.a. Honka, into play. Honka knew a skillful percussionist, Ali Määttä, who had previous experience in the folk music scene and he too, was quickly recruited. Shaman was Jonne Järvelä's way to express his musical insanity, and that has not changed in KORPIKLAANI. The madness continues. Many of KORPIKLAANI’s songs come directly from the annals of the Finnish folk archives, but are activated with a fierce twist of metal. This constitutes the major difference between KORPIKLAANI and other folk metal bands, which usually use folk music only as the impulse in metal. 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 RECS 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. But 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 committments. The current lineup has been stable ever since, and KORPIKLAANI made with “Tales along the Road” a strong successor to “Voice of Wilderness”. Tales along the Road is the first album that has more songs in Finnish than in English. This is a logical step for a band that feels so close to their roots and the Finnish folk music. It was also enhanced by the excellent lyrics written by Juha Jyrkäs (a.k.a. Virva Holtiton). His lyrics are written according to the traditional “Kalevala” style. In “Tales along the Road” folk and metal mingle even stronger to an irresistible unity, as well for lovers of traditional folk music, as for metal enthusiasts, and of course for beer lovers! In June 2007 the next album “Tervaskanto” was released. In Tervaskanto the folk-metal style has even more taken shape. The songs are energetic, catchy and very melodic. Most lyrics are written again by Juha Jyrkäs who became more or less permanently engaged as lyrics writer. This album only has two songs in English, but the booklet contains, as usual, translations of the lyrics and some background information. The usual mix of skillfully played genuine instruments, rough vocals, original melodies, outstanding lyrics, energy, joy and beer, made Tervaskanto to a highlight for many people. KORPIKLAANI performed through the years on many stages and many festivals. To see this band live is an unforgettable experience. When KORPIKLAANI plays, it is party time for the band, but maybe even more for the audience that soon changes in one big happy, whirling pit, where everyone has a great time, and all daily worries are forgotten. The great times on stage and the enthusiasm of the audience inspired the band to write even more songs, and already in February 2008 another album will be born: “Korven Kuningas” (The king of the woods). In the meantime songs of Tervaskanto will show up among the many catchy songs that KORPIKLAANI already plays on stage.