While Finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani very much have their roots in folk music, they enjoy a widespread following among metalheads.
They released their seventh studio album, Ukon Wacka, in 2011 and toured North America to promote the album, along with support from Russian pagan metal band Arkona. This was their first North American tour in nearly two years, and they generally drew large crowds across the continent.
This tour came to Hollywood's Key Club, and I caught up with bassist Jarkko Aaltonen to talk about the tour, plans for 2012, the Motorhead influence and lots more.
Listen to the nine-minute conversation below, and check out the band's Facebook page for more info.
Audio:
Korpiklaani: Interview With Jarkko Aaltonen by Metalassault on Mixcloud
Andrew Bansal is a Los Angeles-based writer who has been running his own website, Metal Assault, since early 2010, and has been prolific in covering the hard rock and heavy metal scene by posting interviews, reviews and pictures on his website -- with the help of a small group of people. Besides being hugely passionate about heavy metal, he is an avid follower of jazz music and recently started a blog called Jazz Explorer to pursue that interest.
“The six-string bass guitar was a dream – if Leo Fender could come back today I think he would approve”: 10 6-string bassists you need to know
“It’s great to tap like Les Claypool and thump like Marcus Miller, but the world of a studio bassist is different”: Having graced hits by OutKast, TLC, and Usher, LaMarquis Jefferson carved a niche in a scene long dominated by synthetic low-end
