On February 8, Aniruddh “Andrew” Bansal of Metal Assault conducted an interview with bassist Sami Hinkka of Finnish folk metallers ENSIFERUM at the Key Club in West Hollywood, California. The chat can now be streamed HERE.
“From Afar” was released on September 9, 2009 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was produced by Tero Kinnunen (NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS) and Janne Joutsenniemi (‘Victory Songs’ producer) and was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, SENTENCED, AMORPHIS).
Source: Blabbermouth.net
Raskas Joulu (Heavy Christmas) — a Finnish project which celebrates Christmas and its music tradition mixed with metal — will be touring again this year.
Taking part in this year’s event are the following musicians (Note: Not all musicians will participate in each concert):
Nightwish, Tarot, Teräsbetoni, Sonata Arctica, Northern Kings, Ari Koivunen, Sub-Urban Tribe, Charon, Machine Men, Stratovarius, Children Of Bodom, Sinergy, Kotipelto, Ensiferum, Kilpi, Leningrad Cowboys, Peer Gunt, Los Bastardos Finlandeses, Thunderstone, Urban Tale, Kiuas, Dyecrest, Ancara, Verenpisara, Mauron Maiden, Twilightning, Maija Vilkkumaa, Havana Black, Wigwam, Amoral, Soulcage…
Raskas Joulu has combined these elements for 6 years now and it looks like the end is not in sight.
Raskas Joulu Tourdates:
Nov. 20 – Imatran Kylpylä, Imatra – FIN
Nov. 26 – Pakkahuone, Tampere – FIN
Nov. 27 – Raahesali, Raahe – FIN
Dec. 03 – Rikala-Sali, Salo – FIN
Dec. 04 – Finlandia-Klubi, Lahti – FIN
Dec. 05 – 3 p.m. – Kerava-Sali, Kerava – FIN
Dec. 05 – 11 p.m. – Osmantupa, Eura – FIN
Dec. 10 – Himos-Areena, Jämsä – FIN
Dec. 11 – Klubi, Turku – FIN
Dec. 15 – Akustiikka, Ylivieska – FIN
Dec. 16 – Musiikkikeskus, Kuopio – FIN
Dec. 17 – Bar’n Night Vaakuna, Mikkeli – FIN
Dec. 18 (3 p.m. + 9 p.m.) – Tavastia, Helsinki – FIN
For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/raskasjoulu.
Ari Koivunen (vocals) – “Sylvian Joululaulu” (live at Nosturi in Helsinki on December 18, 2009):
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 