Finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani have been acclaimed for their ‘beer metal’ songs.
But violinist Tuomas Rounakari says there’s more to the band than drinking anthems.
“Beer metal — that's kind of an understatement. I have to admit we do play happy metal, but we play because it's fun to play and also music in our tradition has a huge role, it's always had a huge role,” Tuomas says.
“Most of the songs are deeply rooted in Finish folklore and folk songs that are roughly collected and preserved in Finland. We are very lucky in Finland because we have a nearly 200 year old collection of folk melodies and folk texts, so that's actually where all our ideas come from.”
Tuomas says Korpiklaani hoped to demolish stereotypes surrounding metal and Finnish people.
“If you look at the generic ideals of Finland, it's people who don't talk to each other and have a very black sense of humour. It’s very natural for us to look beyond those strict lines. I wanted to learn to improvise and I wanted to do something special with my own instrument and something that would break the boundaries and break the traditions.”
Sharing a joke about the huge range of metal sub genres, Tuomas questions why metal has often been stereotyped as “bloody”.
“Metal has so many different genres and even I don't know the difference between Pagan metal and Viking metal. I think it's really good for anyone to expand their horizons [in] what they listen to.”
Having toured places such as Europe and America, Korpiklaani are set to hit Australia for the first time this October.
“I know there are some really enthusiastic people who are waiting for us to come over and we're really [excited] to go over there. It's a new territory and a new audience for us and it's going to be interesting to see how it's going to be in Australia.”
With a love for nature and history Tuomas says the band has “kept alive” the history of the nation and its people.
“Music is always connected to who you are; it's [part of] your identity and you can't escape it.”
Korpiklaani play The Zoo October 22.
