Korpiklaani violinist, composer, ethnomusicologist Tuomas Rounakari has been forced to postpone the release of his new solo album, Bear Awakener, due to the ongoing pandemic and its effects. But to shorten the wait, he has revealed the first album teaser, some feelings from his studio days in January 2022. 

Tuomas stated: "Disappointed to announce that our release of the Bear Awakener album will be postponed. Not sure exactly for how many weeks, but hopefully it will be shipped everywhere during April. The reason is the obvious one - Covid-19 and its many effects from long queues in printing to unpredictable shipping times. It has hit our team members directly too, but all are well and in good shape by now.

The digital version including the digital booklet is already final. Releasing that before the physical copies simply feels wrong given the nature of this album. I hope to make up this delay with a few more videos around the topic during March.

And for starters! Verde did this little teaser from our studio session for you! We were too busy to actually film anything properly, but this does transfer some of our feelings. Hear the sound of the violin with raw-gut-strings on two different songs!"

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, 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: