KORPIKLAANI's JONNE JÄRVELÄ To Release 'Harjumaa' Solo Album In December

Jonne Järvelä, one of Finland's most internationally successful metal musicians, will release "Harjumaa", the new solo album by his namesake project, on December 18. Best known as the frontman of KORPIKLAANI and one of the leading Finnish names in folk metal, Järvelä continues along the musical path explored on his two previous solo albums, "Jonne" (2014) and "Kallohonka" (2017).

The album's title track, "Harjumaa", is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Jonne Järvelä explains: "Melancholic yet hopeful, 'Harjumaa' explores the power of nature within us. A person can be like a tree, standing strong on deep roots despite all the hardships they may face. As the chorus says, the sun always emerges from behind the grey clouds — and people, too, can find their feet again."

Jonne's songs are often snapshots of a particular moment, and this one is no exception.

'The song started taking shape on an acoustic guitar," Jonne says. "When I was thinking about what to write lyrics about, I looked out of the window and saw a ridge covered with pine trees. So I thought I might as well write about that."

The JONNE band lineup also features familiar names from the Finnish music scene. On bass is Kärtsy Hatakka, best known for his work with WALTARI, while accordion duties are handled by Sami Perttula, who is also a member of KORPIKLAANI. On violin is John Ryan, who has featured on Jonne's previous solo releases and is particularly known as a long-time member of folk metal band CRUACHAN.

The album also features a number of guest musicians, including Kasper Mårtenson, known for his work with AMORPHIS, BARREN EARTH, MANNHAI and TURISAS, as well as the late Ben Woods, a guitarist renowned for his unique fusion of flamenco and metal.

Currently touring Canada with KORPIKLAANI, Järvelä will return home ahead of December and the release of his solo album. "Harjumaa" will be celebrated in advance on December 11 at The Riff in Helsinki, where the album will be played in its entirety at a preview event open to the public. Hosted by Jonne himself, the event starts at 6 p.m. Places for the preview are limited.

JONNE lineup:

Jonne Järvelä: vocals, guitar, mandolin, dobro, bass, percussion, programming, keyboards
Jaana Järvelä: vocals, shaman drum
Yoko Perttula: hurdy-gurdy, tin whistle
Sami Perttula: accordion
Kärtsy Hatakka: vocals, bass
John Ryan: violin

Guest musicians:

Jesper Anastadiasis: double bass, electric bass
Samuli Mikkonen: drums
Kasper Mårtenson: piano
Riikka Jaakkola: backing vocals
Yovan Nagwetch: Indigenous chants and flute
Ben Woods: guitar