'Over the years, I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting countless wonderful people in every corner of this beautiful planet, and a lot of times these music enthusiasts have expressed a very similar-sounding story. That our presence – whether it be via a studio recording or our ferocious show – is capable of transporting them to a better place and washing away all earthly worries. Doesn't this sound amazing – especially during these challenging times?' This gentle voice belongs to the vocalist-guitarist Jonne Järvelä, who happens to be the creative force behind the unique Finnish ensemble KORPIKLAANI. Having experienced multiple triumphant years within the inner circle of folk-influenced heavy metal, Jonne now acknowledges his position as one of the most recognisable artists ever coming from the land of a hundred thousand lakes.

'On the other hand, I am not that greatly surprised to hear these life-affirming stories... I mean, even at the risk of sounding a bit self-centred, I'd love to think that KORPIKLAANI is something slightly more than just another group in the rock 'n' roll universe. To put it better, KORPIKLAANI is a natural representation of our life’s journey in a number of ways; like traditional folk music, our songs are also guaranteed to keep people dancing all night and can also bring comfort in the more melancholic moments. It's up to the listener, and which path he or she is wandering at the time...'

KORPIKLAANI – preceded by Jonne's own project SHAMAANI DUO (1993-1997) and the band SHAMAN (1997-2003) – was founded somewhere deep in the primeval northern forests in 2003. Ten celebrated studio albums, numerous world tours and hundreds of millions of digital streams alongside multiple other releases, have established KORPIKLAANI’s status as one of the leaders of innovative heavy music. For their diehard legion of fans, they are known as Folk Metal Superstars.

'I have always been fascinated by ancient Lappish/Samish culture and the infectious melodies of aged folk songs. However, that's only one side of the coin as I have loved rip-roaring metal since I was a frantic kid looking for some rebellious sounds. My butt was kicked by the likes of MOTÖRHEAD, IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST', says Jonne.
'Since the early 2000s, KORPIKLAANI has combined these elements as we have tirelessly attempted to pump new life into the ancient tales of joy and heartbreak, and added the enormous energy of current heavy metal into that folk metal melting pot. We have always been on a mission to create something new and unprecedented.'

Here and now, KORPIKLAANI’s fearless journey continues on – and this time, the journey is powered by rather serious subject matter. Their eleventh full-length studio record 'Jylhä' (which has no direct translation but can be described as majestic, or wild and rugged in a beautiful way) brings all the well-known and essential ingredients to the table: heavy-duty guitar riffing, rhythmic folk melodies and more.

'Where should I start... There are so many new angles', smiles Jonne. 'This time, we brainstormed, composed, demoed, did pre-production and recorded all of the material more meticulously than ever before. Every single track went through many cautious and patient developmental phases, and at the end of the day, we can say with certainty that we made the most of these songs. One of the key architects of ideas was our new drummer Samuli Mikkonen. He took over the early demos and started developing the raw songs with his youthful enthusiasm. Both playing and ideas-wise, Samuli's input was simply phenomenal. There was no holding back from the others either, accordionist Sami Perttula started arranging folk instruments – both his own and Tuomas Rounakari's violin parts – into the new material during the very early stages of the process. All in all, I would say that the results are outstanding: catchy folk melodies and crushing heavy metal – carefully crafted by guitarist Kalle 'Cane' Savijärvi and bassist Jarkko Aaltonen – that blend together just perfectly.”
Immortalised at trustworthy Sound Supreme Studios in Hämeenlinna and at Jonne's own facility JonneMusic in Lahti with renowned producer Janne Saksa (MOKOMA, TURISAS, ROTTEN SOUND, STAM1NA), 'Jylhä' is easily KORPIKLAANI’s tightest and most diverse recording to date.

'The album blasts off with belligerent track ‘Verikoira’, which was composed having JUDAS PRIEST's mighty ‘Painkiller’ in the back of our minds. One can also hear my vocal tribute to one and only Mr. Rob Halford ', reveals Jonne. 'However, 'Jylhä' is not just a pummelling heavy metal record, as it's also our most versatile full-length. For example, some of the new songs feature energetic punk rock influences and there are even some audible laid-back reggae rhythms. I am also delighted to mention that one of our closest friends within the metal scene, bass player Jack Gibson of thrash legends EXODUS, makes a guest appearance with his banjo!'

What about the tales of the wilderness then? The fascinating and miscellaneous tales have always been a crucial part of KORPIKLAANI’s journey within the realms of unspoiled Finnish nature, ancient Scandinavian myths, shamanistic voyages and beyond. 'Did I already mention that 'Jylhä' offers some new angles?', the singer/guitarist laughs. 'Well, lyrically, there are definitely some previously unknown passages – such as fables connected to the infamous Lake Bodom murders in Southern Finland in early 1960s.'

KORPIKLAANI’s long-time lyricist Tuomas Keskimäki – the renowned Finnish poet and author, comments: 'When I am coming up with narratives, interesting wordplays and other ideas for KORPIKLAANI, I often feel like I am diving into some absorbing fantasy world. I would describe this state of mind as some kind of a deep trance', says Keskimäki. 'As a whole textual piece, 'Jylhä' is rather widespread. For example, there are stories about the fragility of life, revealed by using nature metaphors. ‘Miero’ is one of these tales: after all, it's a fact that the lifetime of a human being is just one blink of an eye compared to the eternal aeons of the cosmos.'
'On the darker side, there are several murder songs - I wasn't really planning these rather untraditional lyrics, they just happened... One of these is ‘Kiuru’, and that story is inspired by a famous Finnish double homicide case, which took place in the small village of Tulilahti in 1959. In these lyrics, the character called Kiuru – Skylark in English – acts as eyewitness and a prophet, but at the same time, this creature also functions as an allegory of many things... All in all, I am really happy with the lyrics and all these new themes!'

When asked about his current sentiment regarding the new KORPIKLAANI opus 'Jylhä', the commander of the forest clan sighs and smiles. 'Using 'Jylhä' as our solid steppingstone, we are able to reach completely new heights. For me, it's crystal clear that KORPIKLANI has never been better.'

It is a fitting album for our dark times, summed up well by the song ‘Huolettomat’ (The Careless). It talks about living in the present moment, alongside a story of joy and celebration. Today is today, tomorrow is uncertain.