Metsatöll - Estonian folk metal

[Routasydän]

I've started listening to a very interesting Estonian band. Interesting not only because they play good music, but also because of their themes, their melodies and their feel. They are an Estonian band that use a lot of Estonian-Finnic mythology/folklore, ancient tunes and instruments, elements of runo-singing and many of their songs deal with the war(s) between the Estonian tribes and Teutonic crusaders.

Here's what wiki has to offer:

Metsatöll is an Estonian folk metal band. The name "Metsatöll" is an ancient Estonian euphemism for wolf, which is reflected in the harshness of their lyrics. Much of their material, featuring flutes and other traditional instruments, is based on the wars for independence of the 13th and 14th centuries.


Metsatöll started playing together in 1998 as a three-piece (Markus - vocals and guitar, Factor - drums, Andrus - bass), playing epic heavy metal with small influences from ancient Estonian folklore. The debut album called "Terast mis hangund me hinge" ("Steel frozen in our souls") was released at that time.


In 2000, a good friend Varulven joined the band. Thus far he had observed the activities of the band and had from time to time joined them on stage. Varulven had self-taught himself a number of ancient Estonian folk instruments and together it was realized that metal and old Estonian folk fit together perfectly. Since then, the music of Metsatöll has intertwined more and more with old Estonian runo-singing and traditional melodies.
2001 was a difficult year for the band, since their bass player Andrus left the band, deciding to attend more to his personal affairs, and considering the band too much of a burden. A new bass player, KuriRaivo, was found after a couple of months.


In 2002 Metsatöll released the single "Hundi Loomine" (Making a Wolf, Creating a Wolf), for which a video was also shot (directed by Liina Paakspuu). Hundi Loomine received numerous exceptionally positive reviews and commentaries in the local media, there was talk of the true mind of the Estonians, the destruction of the negative effects of the English language and the rebirth of folklore through contemporary means and people.
In the beginning of 2004 drummer Factor dedicated himself completely to science and he was replaced by Atso.


In late 2004, Metsatöll released their second album, called Hiiekoda (My Home, My Sacred Grove), which was critically acclaimed by both metal and non-metal fans from all over Estonia. It is a heavy metal album strongly combined with old Estonian traditional instruments.


In 2005, Metsatöll released a remake of their old album Terast mis hangund me hinge called Terast mis hangunud me hinge 10218. The number stands for the world's age according to Estonian chronology. It is much more influenced by folk music and done in a much more professional way in general. They have also released a live album called Lahinguväljal näeme, raisk! (See you on the battlefield, sod/bastard!).

Notes on translation

Metsatöll's titling and lyrics make heavy use of archaic Estonian language and imagery, which often do not have clear English translations. For example, the word Hiiekoda refers to a type of (usually wooden) sacral building constructed near or in a forest considered holy in the pre-Christianisation customs of Estonians. While the word Sutekskäija does mean Werewolf, the Estonian werewolf legends are considerably different from those known in Anglophone countries, and this particular word has an emphasis on the human aspect of the person involved, so a better (although not as catchy) translation might be One who regularly engages in werewolf business.


The name Raua needmine is an obvious reference to a work of the same name by Veljo Tormis. The latter's name is sometimes translated as Curse Upon Iron in English.

It is with great joy I've been witnessing the rise of similar bands all over Northern Europe. Metal bands that begin to incorporate folklore and folk tunes into their songs, with national romantic themes. It is much better than degenerate Afro-American hip-hop (not saying that there is not good/intellectual hip-hop) or anything else MTV has to offer, for sure.

Here are a couple of their songs, enjoy:

+ YouTube Video

+ YouTube Video