Korpiklaani violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist Tuomas Rounakari has finished recording his next solo album, Bear Awakener. he has issued a brief studio recap:

"January 13th. The midpoint of hybernation and winter. A perfect day to finish recording the Bear Awakener album. Most grateful for everything! Working at Verde Studio with Mika Rintala, a legend in audio engineering, was exactly what I was looking after: effortless, fun, inspiring and explorative.

We lost a day from the schedule as the raw-gut violin strings arrived in the very last minute. These strings took the violin modifications to a next level and the sound was a perfect match with the custom equipment by Verde Audio."

The planned release date of Bear Awakener is on March 13th. According to an ancient Finnish bear calendar, this date marked the end of winter hibernation and awakening of the bears. 

Back in December 2021, Rounakari shared two videos. The first episode tells about the first explorers in Siberia from the 17th century onwards and what made the Finnish explorers different from others. The second episode gives an example of archive studies and what makes the archived materials inspiring. In the middle of it all we learn about bear- related myths and ceremonies of the indigenous Khanty and Mansi people as well as the pre-christian Finns.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Pre-Order the Bear Awakener album here.

Korpiklaani released their 11th studio album, Jylhä, back in February 2021. The album was hailed by critics and fans alike as the most elaborate and mature Korpiklaani album to date. While this might be true, it doesn't mean the band forgot how to party: during the Jylhä sessions they took the classic Anthrax banger "Got The Time" (a song originally released in 1978 by British musician Joe Jackson) and converted it into a typical Korpiklaani tune called "Ennen" ("Before"). But that's not all - they've filmed a wild and very entertaining video, shot by Markku Kirves and again starring actor Yrjänä Ermala, which is being released along with the cover song.

“This was the first time a video producer encouraged us to drink while on a video shoot and we were very happy to do as directed!” - Jonne (Korpiklaani)

Says video director Markku Kirves: "Our old man wakes up and feels dizzy after last nights party. Suddenly, a knock on the door. Memory is weak and because he sees only blurry figures walking around the house, he decides to hide. But is there anything to drink…"

Watch the video below, and stream the song here.

Jylhä tracklisting:

"Verikoira"
"Niemi"
"Leväluhta"
"Mylly"
"Tuuleton"
"Sanaton Maa"
"Kiuru"
"Miero"
"Pohja"
"Huolettomat"
"Anolan Aukeat"
"Pidot"
"Juuret"

"Tuuleton" video:

"Niemi" video:

"Mylly" video:

"Leväluhta" video: