Ajattara

For the evil female spirit, see Ajatar.
Ajattara
Origin Helsinki, Finland
Genres Dark metal, black metal, dark folk
Years active 1996–2012, 2016-present
Labels Spikefarm, Osasto-A
Associated acts Amorphis, Mannhai, Shape of Despair, To Separate the Flesh from the Bones, Deathchain, Shade Empire, Waltari, Kylähullut, Mary-Ann, Am I Blood, Sotajumala
Website Official website
Members See below

Ajattara is a five-piece dark metal band from Helsinki, Finland led by Pasi Koskinen (ex Amorphis). They formed in 1996, split up 2012 and reformed in 2016. They were signed to Spinefarm Records and have released six albums, their most recent being Murhat, which was released in early 2011.

Overview

Brief history

Ajattara formed in 1996 as a side project of Amorphis singer Pasi Koskinen.[1] Their first release was a demo tape entitled Helvetissä on syntisen taivas which was released in 1998. The band then signed to Spikefarm Records and went on to release three albums - Itse in 2001, Kuolema in 2003 and Tyhjyys in 2004. These albums were met with largely good reviews. Ajattara then went on to release a Christmas Single in the Novembers of 2004 and 2005, which is a tradition they have done for the last three years. They were entitled Ilon juhla (2004) and Joulu (2005). The band then went on to release another album in 2006, entitled Äpäre, which was met with similar reviews as their last three albums.[2] The band continued with the Christmas single tradition of 2004 and 2005 by releasing a single entitled Sika in 2006.[3]

The band entered the studio on June 1, 2007 to begin recording on the album Kalmanto which was released on September 5, 2007. However, this album was not met with such good reviews as Ajattara's other albums, as some critics said the album sounded chaotic and forced.[4] In April 2009 Ajattara released their 6th album entitled Noitumaa, this time being an all-acoustic album, which received clearly better reviews than the previous release.[5][6]

The band made an announcement on its Facebook page on 15 April 2012 that it had split up, reasons are unknown.[7][8]

On 23 March 2016 the band made an announcement on their Facebook page that they will be playing at the Norwegian Blastfest in February 2017.[9] Shortly after, on 9 May 2016, Pasi Koskinen has announced the reunion of the band, announcing further live dates including Nummirock 2016 in Finland and Satans Convention 2017 in Germany.[10]

Musical style

Ajattara combine elements of black metal that play a style of black metal not dissimilar to Celtic Frost and to a lesser extent Samael. The combined use of synthesisers and heavy guitar sounds give Ajattara a distinct "grimey" sound. The lyrical themes of Ajattara usually deal with death, evil and paganism.

Line-up

Current members

Former members

Guitar

Bass

  • Atoni (Toni Laroma) - (1996-2007)

Keyboards

  • Ikkala (Jarmo Ikala) - ?
  • Akir Kalmo (Aki Räty) - ?
  • Irstas (Kalle Sundström) - (2004-2007)

Drums

  • Orpo (Pekka Kasari) - ?
  • Malakias I (Pekka Sauvolainen) - (1996-2003)
  • Malakias II (Jan Rechberger) - (2003-2004)
  • Malakias III (Atte Sarkima) - (2004-2007)
  • Malakias IV (Tonmi Lillman) - (2007–2011) † (died in 2012[11])

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums
Compilation albums
Demo albums
Singles

References

  1. ↑ Rivadavia, Eduardo "Ajattara Biography", Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
  2. ↑ John, Juliane (April 17, 2006). "AJATTARA". TARTAREAN DESIRE WEBZINE. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  3. ↑ Tolkki, Tero (March 2006). "Interview with Pasi Koskinen of Ajattara". Metal Finland. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  4. ↑ K., Enrico (12 February 2011). "CD Review: Ajattara - Murhat". Metal.tm. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  5. ↑ http://metalzine.synthasite.com/ajattara---noitumma-review.php
  6. ↑ "Lords of Metal ezine".
  7. ↑ "AJATTARA - THE END - Facebook".
  8. ↑ "AJATTARA - AJATTARA lopetti olemasta!!!Painukaa vittuun... - Facebook".
  9. ↑ "AJATTARA - There ya go...".
  10. ↑ "AJATTARA - ITSE RUOJA SURUNTUOJA is back.".
  11. ↑ "Former TO/DIE/FOR And SINERGY Drummer TONMI LILLMAN Dead At 38". Blabbermouth.net. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2012.

External links

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