Estonian Folk Metal Sensation - Metsatöll

I want to introduce you the most unique band in Estonia or maybe in whole Europe. I am talking about Estonian folk metal band named Metsatöll. They have been active since 1999 but after 2005 they are more famous in Europe. Metsatöll means in old Estonian folklore the wolf. All the theme, story and songs talks about it. Central theme in all songs talks about Estonian legends and the wars in 12th-14th centuries. How Estonians fought for their freedom and what was the connection between humans and magic. The main characters of the songs are very often warriors, witches and animals. Metsatöll is titling and lyrics make heavy use of very old Estonian language and imagery, which do not have clear English translations.

They use a lot the bagpipes what gives very unique sound to their music. Metsatöll has mixed very well the traditional metal to Estonian folk songs. For now belongs in the band four members. Raivo Piirsalu (KuriRaivo), Markus Teeäär (Rabapagan), Lauri Õunapuu (Varulven) and Marko Atso. Varulven plays the bagpipes, vocals, guitar, zithers, flutes and other old musical instruments. Marko Atso is behind the drums and also sings a little. KuriRaivo plays bass guitar and the main vocalist Rabapagan (Markus Teeäär) plays also a guitar.

Their first album was released in also in 1999 and its name was "Terast, mis hangund me hinge". In English it means "Steel what is frozen into our soul". In 2002 Metsatöll released a single "Hundi loomine" (Creating a wolf). This was their first well known song which brought them more fame. In 2004 Metsatöll released the second album called "Hiiekoda". Most people know them well since then. This album was very successful and it was loved by metal fans and other people to. In 2005 they released again their first album but the name was now "Terast mis hangunud me hinge 10218". Of course, it was corrected. The number 10218 means the world's age according to Estonian chronology. In 2008 signed Metsatöll contract with the Finland record label Spinefarm Records. In the same year they released already their fourth album "Iivakivi". Their fifth album "Äio" was released in 2010. This is the first album with their new record company Spinefarm Records. Also they have now contract with Universal Records to. The last album was recorded with the Estonian National Male choir (RAM). Metsatöll`s music are also used in Estonian TV series "Tuulepealne maa". This TV series talks about Estonian life before second world war.
Probably the best days for Metsatöll are still ahead. They have many gigs in all kinds of festivals all around in Europe. Despite the fact that Estonian language speaks only about 1,3 million people around the world they remain to sing in that language.