Finntroll formed in 1997 with guitarist Teemu “Somnium” Raimoranta and vocalist/lyricist Jan “Katla” Jämsen. Year later guitarist Samuli “Skrymer” Ponsimaa, drummer Samu “Beast Dominator” Ruotsalainen, pianist Henri “Trollhorn” Sorvali and bassist Sami “Tundra” Uusitalo joined to form the band’s first steady lineup. The same year saw the publication of the band’s debut demo “Rivfader“.
The band released their second album “Jaktens Tid” in 2001 which featured yoiking by Shaman vocalist Jonne Järvelä later known as the vocalist and guitarist for Korpiklaani.
After the album “Jaktens Tid” Finntroll faced cancellations and vocalist Jämsen’s retirement due to a viral-based tumor. He retired after the release of “Visor om slutet” an acoustical experiment in a forest cabin near Helsinki. The mid-price EP released as “Visor om slutet” held a high position on the Finnish midprice chart for several weeks.
In 2003 guitarist Teemu Raimoranta passed away after falling off a bridge in Helsinki. Despite losing their founding members, the band continued touring Europe supported by Katatonia and hired guitarist Mikael Karlbom as a replacement.
In 2004 the band released an EP “Trollhammaren” a prequel to their album “Nattfödd”. In 2004 Trollhorn stopped touring, prompting the hiring of touring musicians. Aleksi “Virta” Virta became the band’s second keyboardist in 2005.
Tapio Wilska the band’s vocalist since 2003, fired on 29 January 2006, stating he wishes to keep the reason for his dismissal private.
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After Wilska’s departure the band opted to appoint Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns as a full-time vocal member.
In 2007 released their fourth album “Ur jordens djup” emphasizing epic keyboard riffs and melodic guitar. Former vocalist Katla wrote the lyrics, continuing her role with the band. The final song “Trollvisan” is an acoustic hidden track believed to be the “Aamund och Kettil song” but does not mention the two priests referring to “de kristna” (“the Christians”).
The band has recorded a live performance for their first DVD with a release date yet to be confirmed. They released their fifth album, “Nifelvind” with Katla writing the lyrics. A music video for “Solsagan” released in January 2010 followed by the album in February 2010.
The band released their sixth studio album “Blodsvept” in March 2013. May 2014 drummer Samu Ruotsalainen announced his departure in July and replaced by Heikki “Mörkö” Saari.
In 2014, the band released a live album “Natten med de Levande Finntroll”, which is highly praised by Thomas Woroniak of RockRevolt Magazine. The band’s next album “Vredesvävd” is set to be released on 18 September 2020. The music is unique, vibrant and exceptional.
Current members
Samuli “Skrymer” Ponsimaa – guitar
Henri “Trollhorn” Sorvali – keyboards, guitars
Sami “Tundra” Uusitalo – bass
Mikael “Routa” Karlbom – guitar
Aleksi Virta – keyboards
Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns – vocals
Heikki “Mörkö” Saari – drums
Studio albums
Midnattens widunder
Jaktens tid
Nattfödd
Ur jordens djup
Nifelvind
Blodsvept
Vredesvävd
