Renowned Finnish violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist TUOMAS ROUNAKARI’s participation in Peaceday 2024 on Youth Island, Denmark, was a significant moment in the event’s celebration of global unity and peace. Once a military base equipped with Hawk missiles, the island has now become a symbol of transformation, hosting youth-led initiatives from across the world. At Peaceday, the International Youth Assembly presented an updated declaration to the UN, which was live-streamed from the island to the Summit for the Future in New York, where global leaders gathered.
Rounakari, along with Anganjoq from Greenland, led spiritual ceremonies and worked with other musicians to compose a peace song, deeply rooted in Greenlandic tradition. This powerful performance, with the audience singing in unison for over 20 minutes, resonated deeply with everyone present. The event culminated in the lighting of a peace fire on a former missile base, symbolically blessed with ashes from indigenous ceremonies worldwide.
On January 26th 2024, at the Sibeliustalo in Finland, TUOMAS ROUNAKARI and the illustrious YASUHARU TAKANASHI came together for a groundbreaking concert, ‘Epic East Meets Northern Beasts’. This sold-out event captivated audiences with its breathtaking performances, and the footage is now available for your viewing pleasure.
TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.
Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.
Tuomas Rounakari solo performance has been selected to: World Cultures Festival in Hong Kong (2019), Arctic Arts Summit (2019), Nordiskt Ljus Festival in Sweden (2022), Festspillene Helgeland in Norway (2021), Nuuk Nordik Festival in Greenland, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland (2018, 2013, 2012), Helsingin Juhlaviikot and many others. He has also played the solo performance in several theaters such as Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, Merlin Szinhas Teater in Budapest, AlfredVeDvore in Prague, Ashurst Hall in Flagstaff USA among others.
Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI is proud to officially launch ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) with the release of “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience. This release represents a significant milestone in ASA’s mission to merge art, music, and environmental advocacy, and marks the beginning of a bold new creative journey for Kuusniemi and his collaborators.
“Aurora Nuclearis” serves as a dynamic introduction to ASA’s unique blend of long-form and short-form content, seamlessly integrating music, visuals, and storytelling. The project draws deeply from themes of environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, with this inaugural piece setting the tone for future releases. ASA aims to create an immersive experience for a diverse global audience, offering both profound artistic expression and urgent environmental commentary.
Reflecting on the significance of “Aurora Nuclearis,” Kimmo Kuusniemi shares, “This piece beautifully bridges my musical journey, intertwining my past influences with the new creative direction of ASA. It’s a powerful start for the ASA project, paying homage to where we’ve come from while embracing where we’re headed. We are, after all, the sum of our past experiences, and ‘Aurora Nuclearis’ honours that truth.”
Dedicated to the memory of the late Finnish keyboardist Esa Kotilainen, who passed away in 2023, “Aurora Nuclearis” also pays tribute to a long-standing creative partnership. Kotilainen, known for his pioneering work in progressive music, first collaborated with Kuusniemi in the late 1970s with Sarcofagus—reputed to be Finland’s first heavy metal band. Their shared passion for pushing musical boundaries profoundly influenced the soundscapes of many projects over four decades. Originally conceived years ago, Kotilainen and Kimmo began working on “Aurora Nuclearis” together, with Kotilainen recording keyboards, but the project remained unfinished until now, symbolising both a continuation and a new beginning under ASA.
Viivi Kotilainen, Esa’s daughter, reflects on her father’s deep connection to nature: “Nature was everything to my father. He believed that the natural world was a source of endless inspiration and peace, shaping not only his music but his entire life. He often worried about the future, fearing that the beauty he experienced might not be available to future generations. My father saw nature as his refuge, his creative wellspring, and he passed that love down to us. Even in his later years, he shared moments from his nature walks with us, reminding us of the importance of staying connected to the world around us.”
To complement the full-length experience, ASA is also releasing several short-form videos, each approximately one minute long. These mini music videos, inspired by ancient environmental proverbs, offer viewers bite-sized yet thought-provoking content that underscores the urgency of today’s environmental crises.
Tuomas Rounakari’s shamanic violin brings an evocative, mystical layer to “Aurora Nuclearis,” enriching the piece with his deep cultural insights. Juho Martikainen’s innovative double bass playing adds a profound depth, complementing the piece’s rich, atmospheric soundscape.
ABOUT ASA:
ASA, led by Kimmo Kuusniemi with the support of Sakari Heiskanen and Tuomas Rounakari, is a cross-arts odyssey that fuses ancestral wisdom with modern digital platforms. ASA crafts narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences while drawing from ancient traditions. Through a combination of music, visuals, and storytelling, ASA aims to engage a global audience with its immersive and thought-provoking content.
Contact: For more information, please contact Tarja Virmakari at tarja@ancientstreaming.com
ABOUT KIMMO KUUSNIEMI:
Finnish-born visionary artist, Kimmo Kuusniemi stands at the intersection of art, music, film, and environmental advocacy. Currently, Kuusniemi is engaged in several cutting-edge projects that blend technology, art, and environmental activism. One of his latest initiatives, the “Ancient Streaming Assembly”, merges traditional wisdom with modern digital platforms to promote environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
Godfather of Finnish Heavy Metal in the 70s: In the late 1970s, Kuusniemi established the legendary band Sarcofagus. Blending progressive and experimental elements with heavy rock, Sarcofagus crafted a version of heavy metal that was distinctly ahead of its time. Always at the cutting edge of innovation, Kuusniemi has consistently harnessed the latest technology to expand his artistic expression.
Music Video Pioneer in the 80s: In 1981, showcasing his forward-thinking prowess, Kuusniemi produced and directed a full album length broadcast quality music video for his third album, Kimmo Kuusniemi Band “Moottorilinnut”. Coincidentally, this was the same year MTV made its debut in the USA, signalling the onset of a new era for music and visual media. Though MTV was launching on the other side of the Atlantic, Kuusniemi’s ambitious project underscored his position at the forefront of the evolving music-video landscape.
Eco-Filmmaker Before It Was Cool: In the 1980s, Kuusniemi ventured deeply into environmental film-making. He produced a series of informational short films and documentaries highlighting various environmental topics, aimed at educating and raising public awareness.
Echoes from The Present in the 90s: This commitment to environmental consciousness culminated in 1991 with the Double Vision’s “Dream On” project—a compelling film and extended single produced for the International World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The project received high visibility in the Music TV Europe and Asia.
More than three decades ago, the “Dream On” music video projected a cautionary tale of an impending environmental crisis. Disturbingly, the future once envisioned by the “Dream On” project has now become our present reality, showcasing humanity’s prolonged inaction.
Architect of Alternative Global Documentaries: Following “Dream On”, Kuusniemi continued to make his mark in the realm of International film and television. He produced several TV documentaries that achieved international distribution.
Among his most notable works is the groundbreaking 8-hour adventure/history TV series, “Baltic Sea Adventure” which garnered widespread acclaim and captivated audiences globally from Greenland to Australia. The “Baltic Sea Adventure” series is a comprehensive TV series about the Baltic Sea countries, cultures, and environment.
Notably, the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior ship was meant to be part of the series, but due to an unforeseen delay with the diving boat being stuck in a different part of the Baltic, the meeting was missed.
The Visionary of Things To Come: Whether through his compelling documentaries, informational films, or innovative projects, Kuusniemi’s work continues to resonate with the imperative need to harmonise with nature, drawing insights from the past and weaving them into the tapestry of today’s narrative. His vision for a sustainable future is reflected in all aspects of his diverse and dynamic career.
ABOUT SAKARI HEISKANEN:
Sakari Heiskanen is a versatile Finnish media producer and transmedia specialist with a rich background spanning journalism, TV entertainment, and book publishing. Raised in a creative environment, Sakari’s passion for storytelling and media was sparked at a young age, influenced by his art director father. Over the years, he has evolved into a seasoned professional, pioneering event streaming and podcast production while making significant contributions to the digital media landscape.
The Architect of Transmedia Experiences: With a BA in Media Production and a thesis on virtual reality, Sakari has always been at the forefront of technological innovation in media. His expertise extends across multiple platforms, seamlessly blending traditional and digital media to create immersive experiences. As a creative wellbeing expert and advisor, Sakari’s work often intersects with themes of mental wellness and artistic expression, making him a sought-after figure in both the media and arts communities.
Chief Whisperer and Master of Brainwaves at ASA: Together with Kimmo, Sakari is a conceptual and ideological force behind the Ancient Streaming Assembly (ASA), a groundbreaking collective cross-arts project by visionary artist Kimmo Kuusniemi. Serving as the “Chief Whisperer and Master of Brainwaves,” Sakari is instrumental in shaping the project’s narrative and ensuring its alignment with its core mission: merging traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology to promote environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
The ASA is already creating a new form of art that resonates with contemporary audiences while honouring ancient traditions. Sakari’s deep understanding of transmedia storytelling is crucial in realising the project’s ambitious goals, ensuring that it not only reaches a global audience but also inspires meaningful change.
ABOUT TUOMAS ROUNAKARI:
Diving deep into the archived recordings of Siberian shamans, Tuomas birthed the SHAMANVIOLIN performance. His art is deeply influenced by the historical wax-cylinder recordings made by Finnish ethnographer Kai Donner between 1912 and 1914, which highlighted extinct languages and forgotten songs. Tuomas’ field trip to Siberia in 2002 further immersed him in the indigenous Khanty and Forest-Nenets cultures, expanding his repertoire.
A child prodigy on the violin, he always had an affinity for music that sent him into a trance state. Moving to New York City in 1998, Tuomas explored World music and recognised the value of oral traditions. This epiphany led him back to his Finnish roots, where he discovered the intersection of Siberian shamanic music with Finnish laments.
By 2001, Tuomas was back in Finland, evolving his Shamanviolin performance and integrating his compositions with musical traditions from the Eurasian Arctic. This journey also led him to teach laments, revitalising this almost-extinct musical tradition.
Today, Tuomas continues to travel the globe, performing with Shamanviolin, while also conducting workshops on shamanic traditions and music.
Having completed his doctoral studies in music at the Sibelius Academy, he now holds the title of Doctor of Music.
Tuomas unites traditions, times, and cultures, inviting all into a transcendent musical experience exclusively through the soundscapes of Shamanviolin.
ABOUT JUHO MARTIKAINEN:
Juho Martikainen, a distinguished double bass player, began his musical journey in 1983. He studied at Kuopio Conservatory and Sibelius Academy, completing his Double Bass Diploma with honors in 2002. As an educator, he has taught at institutions like the Sibelius Academy, influencing many students who now perform in Finnish Symphony Orchestras.
A freelance double bass artist since 1994, Martikainen has played with major Finnish Symphony Orchestras and toured internationally across Japan, the USA, Europe, and South America. He co-founded the trio At The Hollow in 2008, releasing the acclaimed album “What I Hold Most Dear” in 2015, which showcased his innovative use of the double bass.
Notably, Martikainen has been among the pioneers in integrating the classical double bass into rock, ambient, and experimental genres, where it plays a central and melodic role.
In recent years, Martikainen has focused on composing and producing solo material under his own name. This has allowed him to fully express his artistic vision and continue his evolution as an artist. This personal work has produced the EP “Fragments from the Memory Line” and six singles, inspired by his wife’s, artist Mari Martikainen, paintings.
On January 26th, at the Sibeliustalo in Finland, the renowned Finnish violinist and composer TUOMAS ROUNAKARI and the illustrious YASUHARU TAKANASHI came together for a groundbreaking concert, ‘Epic East Meets Northern Beasts’. This sold-out event captivated audiences with its breathtaking performances, and the footage is now available for your viewing pleasure. Dive into this mesmerizing musical journey below, with video courtesy of Yasuharu Takanashi:
Rounakari, celebrated for his contributions to Finnish metal and ethnomusicology, shared: “Epic east meets Northern beasts show uplifted everyone, the band, crew, technicians, Sibelius-hall personel and of course the audience. Their was a once in a lifetime feel between everyone present. Now we are all eager to do more shows! But this will always stay as the magical first encounter, regardless if it happens again or not. We had so much Fun from the first notes on thursday rehearsals to the goodbyes after friday night.”
Photos from the concert by Minapamina – More photos at this location.
The concert featured the lineup of skilled artists:
Yasuharu Takanashi – Keyboards and others
Tuomas Rounakari (Korpiklaani) – Violin
Toni Porthén (ex-Värttinä) – Drums
Jesper Anastasiadis (Turisas) – Bass
Ossi Maristo (Battle Beast tour member) – Guitar
Iivo Kaipainen (Arion) – Guitar
Yasuharu Takanashi is a Tokyo-born composer and arranger, known for his versatile musical career and contributions to numerous anime series. This collaboration is a unique opportunity to witness a blend of Finnish and Japanese musical influences.
For more information, please visit the official pages at
TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.
Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.
Tuomas Rounakari solo performance has been selected to: World Cultures Festival in Hong Kong (2019), Arctic Arts Summit (2019), Nordiskt Ljus Festival in Sweden (2022), Festspillene Helgeland in Norway (2021), Nuuk Nordik Festival in Greenland, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland (2018, 2013, 2012), Helsingin Juhlaviikot and many others. He has also played the solo performance in several theaters such as Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, Merlin Szinhas Teater in Budapest, AlfredVeDvore in Prague, Ashurst Hall in Flagstaff USA among others.
Finnish violinist and composer TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is set to join forces with YASUHARU TAKANASHI, a respected Japanese composer known for his anime and video game soundtracks, in an upcoming concert. This special event is scheduled for January 26th at Sibeliustalo, in Lahti, Finland.
Rounakari, celebrated for his contributions to Finnish metal and ethnomusicology, looks forward to the collaboration: “It’s an honor to share the stage with Yasuharu Takanashi. His admiration for Finnish metal and his significant work in anime make for an interesting blend of styles. The concert, which sold out quickly, will be a unique experience for the audience.”
Yasuharu Takanashi, whose credits include famous anime like Naruto Shippuden and Fairy Tail, comments on his preparation: “I’m excited about performing in Finland and have begun my practice routine. It’s a great opportunity to play alongside talented Finnish musicians.”
The concert features a lineup of skilled artists:
Yasuharu Takanashi – Keyboards and others
Tuomas Rounakari (Korpiklaani) – Violin
Toni Porthén (ex-Värttinä) – Drums
Jesper Anastasiadis (Turisas) – Bass
Ossi Maristo (Battle Beast tour member) – Guitar
Iivo Kaipainen (Arion) – Guitar
Yasuharu Takanashi is a Tokyo-born composer and arranger, known for his versatile musical career and contributions to numerous anime series. This collaboration is a unique opportunity to witness a blend of Finnish and Japanese musical influences.
For more information, please visit the official pages at
TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.
Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.
Tuomas Rounakari solo performance has been selected to: World Cultures Festival in Hong Kong (2019), Arctic Arts Summit (2019), Nordiskt Ljus Festival in Sweden (2022), Festspillene Helgeland in Norway (2021), Nuuk Nordik Festival in Greenland, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland (2018, 2013, 2012), Helsingin Juhlaviikot and many others. He has also played the solo performance in several theaters such as Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, Merlin Szinhas Teater in Budapest, AlfredVeDvore in Prague, Ashurst Hall in Flagstaff USA among others.
Photo:Co-composers Tuomas Rounakari and Hans-Ole Amossen – Performance photo by Antero Hein
Famed Finnish violinist, composer, and ethnomusicologist TUOMAS ROUNAKARI teamed up with Greenland’s Hans-Ole Amossen to co-compose the captivating score for the multicultural dance showcase, ‘Dualism’. Footage from its successful opening nights on September 20th and 21st in Sandnes, Norway, can be viewed online.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Tuomas remarked, “Collaborating with electronic musician Hans-Ole Amossen from Greenland on ‘Dualism’ was a seamless melding of diverse worlds.”
Upcoming ‘Dualism’ performances:
Dansehallerne, CPH, November 9th & 10th Katuaq, Nuuk, Greenland, November 20th & 21st
‘Dualism’, conceived by Alexander Montgomery-Andersen and Madeleine Fairminer, offers an intimate glimpse into a multicultural individual’s daily existence. It delves deep, transitioning from conscious to subconscious realms.
Moreover, in a recent chat with Metal-Heads.de, Tuomas insightfully observed, “Religions are about believing that something is true. And not experiencing it to know that it is true. No one must convince me that the birch tree I see is alive. I don’t have to believe it, I can see it.That kind of understanding that I have a relationship with that birch tree doesn’t need faith.”
Awakening the Bear is a symbol of succumbing to the greater forces of existence. Awakening a new energy while being more connected to the ancient. And first and foremost – opening to a dialogue with mythical entities and re-creating harmonious and long lasting relationships with our surroundings, including human and non-human beings, seen and unseen worlds.
The songs in this album are formed by Khanty, Mansi, Carelian and Finnish ancestors. They carry a resonance of those before us who were better equipped to collaborate with nature in a sustainable and self-sufficient way. Such songs have always been Tuomas’ best teachers.
“This is music that gods are listening to” said Pekko Käppi after having listened through the freshly finished mastered tracks.
The album coverart was created by Karolina Pärnänen.
“Bear Awakener” was recorded, mixed and mastered at the Verde Studio with the gear-wizard Mika Rintala. None of his modular synthesizers were used. All of the equipment used in recording was built by Mika – microphones, pre-amps, EQ and even the mixing console and electrostatic monitors.
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TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.
Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.
Tuomas Rounakari solo performance has been selected to: World Cultures Festival in Hong Kong (2019), Arctic Arts Summit (2019), Nordiskt Ljus Festival in Sweden (2022), Festspillene Helgeland in Norway (2021), Nuuk Nordik Festival in Greenland, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland (2018, 2013, 2012), Helsingin Juhlaviikot and many others. He has also played the solo performance in several theaters such as Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, Merlin Szinhas Teater in Budapest, AlfredVeDvore in Prague, Ashurst Hall in Flagstaff USA among others.
Visionary filmmaker, guitarist, and composer Kimmo Kuusniemi unveils a haunting reflection of our times with his latest endeavour, the ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA). This formidable cross-arts project, conceptualised by Kuusniemi and enhanced by the musical prowess of his sole permanent collaborator, internationally acclaimed violinist and ethnomusicologist Tuomas Rounakari, paints a somber picture of our world teetering on the edge of environmental collapse.
Kuusniemi’s past environmental pursuits since the 80s, from impactful documentaries to the globally resonant ‘Dream On’ project for World Wide Fund for Nature, converge in ASA with a sharper edge. Together with Rounakari’s immersion in ancient traditions, they craft a chilling reminder of our environment’s fragile state, urging society to tap into ancestral wisdom as a lifeline.
The initial offering from ASA is the eerily captivating song “Perpetuae Memoriae”, set against a dystopian backdrop. This composition not only demonstrates the collective brilliance of Kuusniemi and Rounakari’s combined talents but also shines a spotlight on Steve Di Giorgio, the iconic fretless bassist from the revered metal juggernaut, Testament.
“This video encapsulates the bleak landscape we’re navigating. ASA is an urgent wake-up call, a clarion cry, urging humanity to resonate with the harmonies of ancestral wisdom before we drift past the point of no return,” shares Kuusniemi.
The “Perpetuae Memoriae” serves as a precursor to ASA’s forthcoming environmental music documentary, hinting at the depth and passion that the team is channeling into their larger project.
However, ASA’s commitment extends beyond mere awareness. To bridge the gap between realisation and action, ASA highlights emblems of notable environmental charities at the end of their video. This gesture is designed to steer viewers towards meaningful channels of change, transforming awareness into tangible action.
Ancient Streaming Assembly beckons artists, environmentalists, and the global audience to confront this stark reality, seeking solace and guidance in the echoes of our ancient predecessors.
Witness the unsettling narrative of “Perpetuae Memoriae” and delve deeper into ASA’s grim vision by visiting:
For collaborations, inquiries, and more, please contact: Tarja Virmakari Press Media Officer ASA Team tarja@ancientstreaming.com
About Kimmo Kuusniemi
Finnish-born visionary, Kimmo Kuusniemi stands at the intersection of art, music, film, and environmental advocacy. In the late 1970s, Kuusniemi established the legendary band Sarcofagus. Blending progressive and experimental elements with heavy rock, Sarcofagus crafted a version of heavy metal that was distinctly ahead of its time. Always at the vanguard of innovation, Kuusniemi has consistently harnessed the latest technology to expand his artistic expression. In 1981, showcasing his forward-thinking prowess, Kuusniemi produced and directed a full album length broadcast quality music video for his third album, Kimmo Kuusniemi Band “Moottorilinnut”. Coincidentally, this was the same year MTV made its debut in the USA, signalling the onset of a new era for music and visual media. Though MTV was launching on the other side of the Atlantic, Kuusniemi’s ambitious project underscored his position at the forefront of the evolving music-video landscape.
In the 1980s, Kuusniemi ventured deeply into environmental film-making. He produced a series of informational short films and documentaries highlighting various environmental topics, aimed at educating and raising public awareness.
This commitment to environmental consciousness culminated in the 1991 with the Double Vision’s “Dream On” project—a compelling film and extended single produced for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). More than three decades ago, “Dream On” music video projected a cautionary tale of an impending environmental crisis. Disturbingly, the future once envisioned by the “Dream On” project has now become our present reality, showcasing humanity’s prolonged inaction. Following “Dream On”, Kuusniemi continued to make his mark in the realm of film and television. He produced several TV documentaries that achieved international distribution. Among his most notable works is the groundbreaking 8-hour adventure/history TV series, “Baltic Sea Adventure/Hunt For U479,” which garnered widespread acclaim and captivated audiences globally. Whether through his compelling documentaries, informational films, or innovative projects like the Ancient Streaming Assembly, Kuusniemi’s work continues to intertwine ancestral wisdom with the pressing concerns of the modern world. His efforts resonate with the imperative need to harmonise with nature, drawing insights from the past and weaving them into the tapestry of today’s narrative.
About Tuomas Rounakari
Diving deep into the archived recordings of Siberian shamans, Tuomas birthed the SHAMANVIOLIN performance. His art is deeply influenced by the historical wax-cylinder recordings made by Finnish ethnographer Kai Donner between 1912 and 1914, which highlighted extinct languages and forgotten songs. Tuomas’ field trip to Siberia in 2002 further immersed him in the indigenous Khanty and Forest-Nenets cultures, expanding his repertoire. A child prodigy on the violin, he always had an affinity for music that sent him into a trance state. Moving to New York City in 1998, Tuomas explored World music and recognized the value of oral traditions. This epiphany led him back to his Finnish roots, where he discovered the intersection of Siberian shamanic music with Finnish laments. By 2001, Tuomas was back in Finland, evolving his Shamanviolin performance and integrating his compositions with musical traditions from the Eurasian Arctic. This journey also led him to teach laments, revitalising this almost-extinct musical tradition. Today, Tuomas continues to travel the globe, performing with Shamanviolin, while also conducting workshops on shamanic traditions and music. As a current doctoral student at the Sibelius-Academy, he’s uniting traditions, times, and cultures, inviting all into a transcendent musical experience exclusively through the soundscapes of Shamanviolin.
About Steve Di Giorgio
In the vast spectrum of metal music, Steve Di Giorgio is a luminary, distinguished by his unparalleled mastery of the fretless bass. While he is prominently recognised for his pivotal contributions to the renowned metal band Testament, Steve’s virtuosity extends beyond. He showcased his adaptability as a session musician for Megadeth’s 2022 release, “The Sick, the Dying … and the Dead!” Over time, his collaborations with diverse bands and artists have underscored his stature as one of the metal realm’s most coveted bassists. Di Giorgio’s relentless pursuit of innovation, coupled with his unwavering dedication, cements his legacy as a stalwart in the ever-evolving heavy metal landscape.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 