Your cart is currently empty!
Wolfheart, the Finnish melodic death metal ensemble, was recently welcomed into the diverse Reigning Phoenix Music lineup, marking a significant expansion of the label’s artistic portfolio. Esteemed for their fusion of ferocious guitar riffs and intricate melodic lines, Wolfheart stands as a considerable addition, encapsulating the blend of brutality and melody emblematic of the Finnish metal scene. Since their formation by the skilled Tuomas Saukkonen in 2013, Wolfheart has been on an upward trajectory, evolving their musical narrative and garnering a substantial global following through their dynamic performances and the raw appeal of their artistry.
The band’s guitarist, vocalist, and progenitor, Saukkonen, expressed optimism regarding the partnership with Reigning Phoenix Music, envisaging it as a pivotal moment to enhance their global artistic footprint. He articulated his anticipation for future collaborations and ventures under Reigning Phoenix Music’s auspices, highlighting this new chapter’s mutual excitement. Jochen Richert, Reigning Phoenix Music’s managing director, echoed Saukkonen’s sentiments, acknowledging the unique position Wolfheart occupies in the death metal genre, adept at weaving aggressive rhythms with melodic intricacy.
Established in 2013 by Tuomas Saukkonen, Wolfheart marks a significant chapter in the annals of Finnish heavy metal music, notably within the subgenre often referred to as melodic death metal. Saukkonen, previously associated with several bands and musical projects, decided to dissolve all his current undertakings, channeling his entire focus and creative energy into Wolfheart. This strategic pivot was not merely a change in direction. However, it is a consolidation of his musical vision, aiming to forge a sound both expansive and deeply emotive, rooted in Finland’s harsh, often starkly beautiful landscapes.
Speaking about Wolfheart founder, Tuomas Saukkonen is a multifaceted Finnish musician who stands as a paradigmatic figure in melodic death metal and dark metal, illustrious for his proficiency in intertwining melancholic melodies with the ferocity of death metal. Born on December 26th, 1979 in Kitee, a small town in Eastern Finland, Saukkonen embarked on his musical journey at a tender age, demonstrating an innate propensity towards music and composition. His oeuvre spans various bands and projects, where he has donned multiple hats as a songwriter, guitarist, drummer, and vocalist, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the craft.
Saukkonen’s initial foray into the music scene was marked by the formation of Before the Dawn in 1999, a band that became synonymous with Finland’s melodic death metal genre. The band’s discography, replete with albums that skillfully blend melancholic atmospheres with aggressive metal elements, underscored Saukkonen’s adeptness at crafting songs that resonate with a broad audience. Notably, Before Dawn’s albums, such as ‘My Darkness’ (2003) and ‘Stormbringers’ (2023), received critical acclaim, cementing Saukkonen’s status as a luminary in the metal music scene.
Parallel to his endeavors with Before the Dawn, Saukkonen embarked on several side projects, each distinct in its musical direction yet imbued with his signature melancholic style. Among these, Black Sun Aeon, founded in 2008, stood out for its exploration of doom metal, with albums like ‘Darkness Walks Beside Me’ (2009) and ‘Routa’ (2010) exemplifying Saukkonen’s capacity to traverse different musical landscapes. This project further illustrated his multifaceted talent, not only in performance but also in the comprehensive production of albums.
In a surprising move that underscored his relentless pursuit of musical evolution, Saukkonen announced in 2013 the cessation of all his bands and projects to concentrate solely on a new endeavor, Wolfheart. This decision highlighted his commitment to innovation and the continuous refinement of his musical vision. Wolfheart, embodying a more refined synthesis of melodic death metal and elements of folk and black metal, serves as a testament to Saukkonen’s mastery in creating immersive musical narratives that captivate listeners worldwide. Albums such as ‘Winterborn’ (2013) and ‘Tyhjyys’ (2017) have been lauded for their intricate compositions and thematic depth, marking a new pinnacle in Saukkonen’s career.
The band’s evolution reflects a broader trend within Finnish metal, known for its melancholic tones and intricate compositions. Wolfheart distinguishes itself within this rich musical tradition by consistently emphasizing thematic coherence and musical complexity. While firmly rooted in the melodic death metal tradition, their work often transcends genre boundaries, incorporating elements of doom metal and black metal, thus broadening their sonic palette.
Engagement with Wolfheart’s music reveals a layered experience, where the ferocity of metal meets the introspection of folklore and the unforgiving Finnish winters. Saukkonen’s role as the architect of this sonic edifice cannot be overstated; his vision and musicality drive the band’s direction. The collaborative effort within the band further enriches this vision, with each member contributing to the collective sound and narrative thrust.
Wolfheart’s sonic landscape is a compelling fusion of aggression and melody, encapsulating themes of nature, winter, sorrow, and perseverance. This thematic convergence is not accidental but a deliberate effort to embody the Finnish ethos and aesthetic, drawing heavily from the country’s natural environs and cultural heritage. The band’s debut album, ‘Winterborn’ was released on October 11th, 2013, through Spinefarm Records and received critical acclaim, serving as a powerful testament to Saukkonen’s singular vision. The record was initially self-released, but its success led to significant label interest, underscoring its resonant appeal.
Following ‘Winterborn,’ Wolfheart’s discography has steadily grown, demonstrating their ongoing exploration of themes and musical styles. Their music typically blends fierce guitar riffs, atmospheric keyboards, and dynamic tempo shifts, all underpinned by lyrics that evoke epic narratives and the power of nature. Their albums have received critical praise, suggesting a high level of musical craftsmanship.
Following the success of their debut, Wolfheart released ‘Shadow World’ on August 21st, 2015, via Spinefarm Records. The album is built upon the foundations laid by ‘Winterborn,’ delving deeper into the band’s thematic explorations of darkness and despair. ‘Shadow World’ showcased a refinement in their sound, with more intricate guitar work and a broader dynamic range in the compositions. The record was praised for its cohesion and the way it captured the bleakness of its themes without sacrificing melodic integrity.
Continuing to evolve, Wolfheart’s third studio album, ‘Tyhjyys,’ was released on March 3rd, 2017, again through Spinefarm Records. The title, translating to “Emptiness” in English, hinted at the album’s exploration of emptiness and existential themes. ‘Tyhjyys’ departed from the band’s earlier focus on narrative-driven content, opting for a more abstract and atmospheric approach. This record was notable for blending sheer aggression with moments of haunting tranquility, further solidifying Wolfheart’s place in the genre.
On September 28th, 2018, Wolfheart unveiled ‘Constellation of the Black Light,’ their fourth album, under Napalm Records. This release saw the band venturing into even more ambitious musical territory, with a notable increase in orchestral and symphonic elements. The album’s lyrical themes revolved around natural phenomena and the cosmic scale, offering a grandiose backdrop to the band’s signature sound. Critics lauded the album for its epic scope and the seamless integration of new elements into the band’s established identity.
The momentum continued with ‘Wolves of Karelia,’ released on April 10th, 2020. This album represented a thematic focus on the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1939-1940, blending historical narratives with the band’s characteristic sound. ‘Wolves of Karelia’ was noted for its intense, battle-like atmosphere and was received as a powerful homage to Finnish resilience and the harshness of winter warfare.
The most recent album by Wolfheart, titled ‘King Of The North,’ was released on September 16th, 2022. This release enhances the band’s established standing in epic storytelling. The album delves into several themes, such as warfare, integrity, and the unadorned splendor of the Nordic realm, deriving inspiration from the historical events of the Vikings and the beliefs of Norse mythology. ‘King Of The North’ presents a thrilling exploration of the Northern world, characterized by a distinctive fusion of melodic death metal and ambient elements.
‘King of the North’ emphasizes storytelling through both music and lyrics. The album weaves a rich tapestry of themes inspired by Viking history and Norse mythology. Wolfheart’s signature sound remains dynamic and melodic, with the music potentially incorporating more intricate compositions and diverse instrumentation to evoke the epic quality of the narratives.
This release was met with positive critical reception and lauded for its conceptual ambition and the skillful execution of its musical and narrative elements. ‘King of the North’ contributes to the band’s ongoing exploration of the intersections between history, mythology, and the natural world, reinforcing their position in the metal genre as innovators and storytellers.
Including ‘King of the North’ in Wolfheart’s discography highlights the band’s consistent evolution and their commitment to blending intricate musical landscapes with rich, thematic content. Their work, from ‘Winterborn’ through to ‘King of the North,’ charts a path of artistic growth and thematic exploration, establishing Wolfheart as a distinctive voice within the melodic death metal scene.
Wolfheart’s current lineup, inclusive of Vageliss Karzis (guitars, vocals), Lauri Silvonen (bass, vocals; of Bloodred Hourglass fame), and drummer Joonas Kauppinen, finds itself in a zenith of creative output. The band is diligently crafting new material, buoyed by the enthusiasm of their fans and the critical acclaim garnered by their debut album, ‘Winterborn,’ which marked a significant milestone in their career trajectory. Their live performances, characterized by a palpable energy and proficiency, have solidified their reputation across international stages, culminating in their recent signing with Reigning Phoenix Music.
In anticipation of their forthcoming album under Reigning Phoenix Music’s guidance, Wolfheart is slated to undertake a tour across Australia with the symphonic death metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse. This tour is set to commence on March 25th, concluding on March 31st, marking the beginning of a series of performances that will also see them touring Eastern European countries in support of their latest release, ‘King Of The North.’ The summer months will witness their participation in select festivals ahead of a 24-date European tour alongside Dark Tranquillity and Moonspell, with Hiraes opening. This extensive touring schedule underscores Wolfheart’s commitment to their fans and their art as they continue to navigate the complexities of the global metal scene with adeptness and vigor.
Wolfheart’s live performances are another facet of their artistry, known for their energy and the ability to translate the atmospheric depth of their studio work to the stage. These performances serve not only as a showcase of their technical prowess but also as communal experiences, where band and audience partake in the collective catharsis music offers.
The union of Wolfheart and Reigning Phoenix Music heralds a promising era for both parties, signifying a shared vision for pioneering within the metal genre. This collaboration not only affirms Wolfheart’s esteemed position within the metal community but also reinforces Reigning Phoenix Music’s dedication to fostering unique musical talents, setting the stage for a future replete with innovative artistic endeavors and expanded global reach.
Leave a Reply