Once there was Waltari... and Head First.

There's no denying the status of Finnish crossover monster Waltari as the first "metal-like" band export from their home country back in the early 1990s. But only a few can still remember that their singer Kärtsy Hatakka already had another band back then under the name Head First: the only real funk metal band from Finland. And now this very band is releasing their debut, on May 27 via Metalville Records, after 30 years of waiting.

Kärtsy initially played in two bands at the same time, Waltari and Head First. The latter achieved considerable success in the Helsinki area with their danceable mix of funk, metal, and prog rock. In some of the first Waltari songs, the funky influence of Head First was also clearly audible.

"Head First was hip," Kärtsy remembers. "All the big Helsinki live venues loved the band, and bigger and bigger crowds came."

But then Waltari surprisingly got an international record deal in 1991, and the rest is history. And so Head First was put on hold indefinitely. But now, after 30 years, they are back.

A few years ago, the band took the first steps towards re-activation by playing some shows in Helsinki and the surrounding area. So, the wish to finally release a first album became the declared goal of Head First.

Based on the biggest live killers, the existing song material was adapted to today's sound expectations. In addition, some brand-new songs were created. In addition to the three original members Kärtsy, Jaani Marttila, and Sami Timonen, a new bass player, Jesper Anastasiadis, was brought into the band.

Head First means old-school funk metal with a fresh edge of groovy beats and infectious energy.

Further details to follow.

Lineup:

Kärtsy Hatakka - vocals
Jaani Marttila - guitars
Jesper Anastasiadis - bass and backing vocals
Sami Timonen - drums