Robert Hanson
Craig Ferrin
Musc -1010-403
Oct. 06, 2014
Korpiklaani is a folk-metal band that originates from Finland. It was founded by Jonne
Jarvela after his last band (Shaman) took on new members and a new name in 2003.
Korpiklanani — which translates to “Clan of the Wilderness” — dropped Shaman’s synthesized
approach to their music, and took on a full array of more traditional folk instruments including:
violin, accordion, wood flute, a shamanic drum, and a jouhikko (Finnish bowed lyre). As well as
guitars, drums and bass: to aid with their transition from Sami folk music into folk based metal.
Wilderness Clan couldn’t be a more perfect name for this lively bunch of musicians, as their
music often brings with it the feel of skipping through the forest, long hair blowing in the wind.
All this while playing the flute or accordion for the critters, real and fantasy, who are partying all
around. Some of the recurring themes in Korpiklaani’s music are alcohol, the wilderness and
general all around good times (brought around through the use of hummpa, a Finnish music style
much like polka).
The first album release, through Napalm Records, was titled Spirit of the Forest and
released the same year as the bands transition in 2003. It features 14 tracks including two of my
favorites from the band — “With Trees” and the instrumental “Pixies Dance.”
In February of 2005 Korpiklaani released their second studio album, Voice of the
Wilderness. This second album brought even more members playing a wider assortment of folk
instruments: bagpipes, mouth harp, kantele (a plucked string instrument or the dulcimer and
zither family), and even a torupill (bagpipe from Estonia). Jarvela also resurrected his version of
Samic yoik singing. Yoiking, as it is known, can be compared to the traditional chanting of
some Native American tribes, and can be dated to pre-Christian Samic lands of Finland, Norway,
Sweden and northern Russia. This Album featured another personal favorite with its track,
“Journey Man.”
The first song, the one that got me hooked on Korpiklaani and their unique style of music
came in April, 2006 with the third album, Tales Along This Road. That song, “Happy Little
Boozer,” could easily be their most known — however being a more “underground” band that is
hard to say. Even more instruments and some extra heaviness are added this time around. Lead
vocalist Jarvela brings a mandolin along with his guitar and voice. Also added by other
members of the band are a recorder and tin whistle.
Tervaskanto (Resinous Stump) came in June 2007 as the clan’s fourth album with
Napalm Records. This album continues on the sound of the previous album.
The fifth album was Korven Kuningas in March 2008 through a newly signed agreement
with Nuclear Blast Records. In English the album title and last track of the album mean King of
the Woods. In this album, Jarvela trades his mandolin for the West African djembe (hand played
drum), and finishes the album with about 16 and half minutes of solely percussion.
Growing heavier and adding a viola to the ever changing line-up of instruments, Karkelo
was released on June 26, 2009. Translating to party, Karkelo was true to what it advertised with
the opening of the first song being Jarvela chanting, “Vodka.” And ending with a song title
meaning, “Hangover” (Kohmelo).
Dropping the djembe and bringing back the mandolin, Jarvela led Korpiklaani to their
sixth album, Ukon Wacka on February 4, 2011. Ukon Wacka is referring to an ancient sacrificial
feast to the Finnish mythological God Ukko. Ukon Wacka remains true to the heavy folk sound
that Korpiklaani had been building up to, as well as the good-timing alcohol related theme with
the track sung partially in Spanish titled “Tequila.”
By the Seventh, and most recent album, the band had removed all their traditional
instruments (aside from the accordion and violin). They released Manala, or Underworld in
August 2012 entirely in Finnish. It came with a separate CD made specifically for their
American fans that had been recorded in English.
Shortly after the release of Manala, Korpiklaani started a tour of North America to
promote their latest album. For the first time Korpiklaani would be playing in Salt Lake City.
On September 4, 2012, I was able to see live this band that I have enjoyed ever since I first heard
“Happy Little Boozer” so many years ago. I will never forget the show that they put on, and hope
that they will come back someday.
The good timing Wilderness Clan has been through many members and even more
instruments have come and gone. However, the current members are:
Jonne Jarvela was the founding and only one to see all three reincarnations of the band
that resulted in Korpiklaani. Born on June 3, 1974 to a hummpa playing, son of an accordion
player, and founding Shamaani Duo in 1993, Jarvela self-produced one Album under that band
name, (Hunka Lunka). Shortly after Shamaani Duo became the band Shaman while taking on
slightly heavier folk tones than Shamaani Duo. Before becoming the full-fledged Korpiklaani
that exists today, Shaman produced two albums (Idja and Shamaniac). Jarvela has been the
growly front to Korpiklaani since the transition from Shaman. He recently — with the blessings
of his band-mates — followed his passion for traditional folk music and branched off for a solo
album. This album, self-titled Jonne, was released September 5, 2014, and featured a softer
more to the roots style of Finnish folk music.
Matti Johansson joined the band in time for their second album as a drummer and backup
vocalist, and has been banging away with Korpiklaani ever since.
Kalle "Cane" Savijärvi also joined the band for the second album as a lead guitarist and
back-up vocalist. He, with Jarvela, are the free-spirited faces of Korpiklaani.
Jarkko Aaltonen came along an album later in the Korpiklaani chronology, joining as the
bands bassist for the third album. Jarkko and Jarvela actually had a pre-Korpiklaani history
together and attended at least one class in grade school together.
Tuomas Rounakari joined as the newest violinist only in time for the most recent album.
Toumas, however, was a fairly accomplished violinist before Korpiklaani. He has released one
solo album, Shaman Violin, featuring only his violin, stomping and bells attached to his boots.
The artist plays traditional shaman songs from his native land of Russia. And brings the amazing
sound of his skilled violin playing and knowledge of ancient music to aid in Korpiklaani’s
evolving sound.
Sami Perttula replaced long time accordionist Juho Kauppinen, when he left the band
after the latest album. Although Perttula has not been a part of the recording or release of any
studio albums, he has been touring since 2013 and hopefully will bring a lively addition to
upcoming Korpiklaani albums.
Composition History:
“Happy Little Boozer” is the first track on Korpiklaani’s third album Tales Along This
Road. Released on April 21, 2006, and written by Korpiklaani’s lead vocalist Jonne Jarvela; this
was the first Korpiklaani song I ever encountered. New to the metal scene I heard this happy
song with its heavy tone caught my ear and hooked me. This is definitely a staple song in
Korpiklaani’s good-timing alcohol-induced breed of folk driven metal.
“With Trees” is the fourth track in Korpiklaani’s first album released November 10,
2003, and one of the bands longest songs. This was also written by the bands lead-man Jonne
Jarvela. “With Trees” also plunges the deepest into the band’s nature based theme. “I would
rather be with trees, than in the middle of crowded streets.” This line sums the song up nicely, as
the band expresses their love for the forest and the “spirits” that reside within. On top of the
powerfully natural lyrics it comes packed with a beautiful folk style melody.
“Journey Man” written by Jonne Jarvela, and the second song in Korpiklaani’s second
album, came to be my personal favorite. This was released with Voice of the Wilderness on
February 1, 2005. The upbeat music and opening line, “I was born in a deep forest, I wish I
could live here all my life.” Stuck with me, every time I have ventured into the mountains this
song would be playing through my head, driving me into the ecstasy of being one with the Earth,
the trees and everything that exists deep within the wilderness.
Listening Guide:
“Happy Little Boozer”
0.00 Introduction is accordion with violin and mouth harp accompaniment.
0.15 Introduction gets heavier with addition of drums electric guitars, bass and faster accordion.
0.35 First verse begins with raspy metal voice.
0.44 Chorus is entire band singing in harmony.
1.04 Heavy music continues, rapid melodic flute enters
1.24 Flute solo ends.
1.44 Second verse begins with raspy metal voice.
1.54 Chorus is entire band singing in harmony.
2.34 Chorus is played again, all band members singing.
3.34 Abrupt end with violin “slide.”
“With Trees”
0.00 Intro is slow, jouhikko and drum melody with flute.
1.12 Drum and jouhikko rhythm change, violin enters in place of flute.
1.54 Heavily distorted electric guitar takes place of violin, adds weight to the melody. Drum and
jouhikko change rhythm, speed increases.
2.25 Shaman drum beats heavily
2.26 Rhythm changes to slow folk metal tune
2.46 Screeching flute, imitating bird call enters.
3.05 Verse one, raspy metal voice.
3.45 Vocals and backing music increase in intensity, flute re-enters with original melodic tune.
3.45 Flute and distorted guitar playing the same rhythm with drum backing
4.07 Guitar drops out, emphasizing flute.
“Journey Man”
0.00 Drums enter heavily then descend
0.02 Violin and electric guitar burst forcefully into song. Very high tempo ensues.
0.21 First verse raspy voice singing powerfully and fast.
0.40 Chorus is band almost yelling harmony.
0.50 Violin takes forefront
1.00 Verse two, same as verse one.
1.19 Chorus is repeated same as before.
1.29 Violin takes forefront.
1.38 Chorus is repeated same as before.
1.48 Flute enters, playing in harmony with violin.
1.58 Distorted guitars start to fade out, flute exits. Drum beat changes. Violin speeds prepare for
end.
1.59 Vocalist begins inaudible growl with the fading music.
2.17 As music is about faded, cymbal is beat repeatedly.
2.18 Guitars and violin give four quick notes, then fade.
2.31 Song ends
“Levan Polka”
0:00 Opens with drums.
0:01 Guitars, violins and accordion enter with a polka rhythm.
0:08 Lead vocalist yells, “Hey, Hey.” and song speeds up.
0:16 First verse starts with raspy voice. Violin and Accordion exit.
0:23 Chorus
0:30 Accordion re-enters
0:38 Second verse starts with same raspy voice. Accordion exits.
0:45 Chorus
0:53 Accordion re-enters
1:00 Violin takes accordions place playing the melody.
1:07 Third verse starts with raspy voice. Violin exits.
1:15 Chorus
1:22 Accordion re-enters.
1:30 Violin takes accordions place playing the melody.
1:37 Fourth Verse starts with raspy voice. Violin exits.
1:45 Chorus
1:52 Wood flute enters and plays melody.
2:06 Fifth Verse starts with raspy voice. Wood flute exits.
2:13 Chorus
2:21 Wood Flute re-enters
2:28 Accordion and violin takes the place of wood flute playing the melody.
2:36 Sixth verse starts with raspy voice. Accordion and violin exit.
2:43 Chorus
2:46 Vocal gibberish.
2:50 Violin re-enters
2:54 Repeat of vocal gibberish
3:05 Shouted, “Hey.” closes song
Bibliography:
1. Ramos Jr, Octavio. "Voice Of The Forest". Soundchecks.co.uk. Retrieved October 5,
2014
2. Korpiklaani Set "Karkelo" as Title for New Album: News @ smnnews.com Retrieved
October 5, 2014
3. Ksenia , Artamonova. "Interview with Jarkko Aaltonen". Headbanger.ru. Retrieved
October 5, 2014
4. https://www.facebook.com/korpiklaani
5. http://finnishcharts.com/search.asp?search=Korpiklaani&cat=a
6. Monger, James Christopher. "Biography: Korpiklaani". AMG. Retrieved October 5,
2014