Ajattara

Biography

Ajattara is a sextet black metal band from Helsinki, Finland, led by Pasi Koskinen (ex Amorphis). They formed in 1996, split up in 2012, and reformed in 2016. They were signed to Spinefarm Records and have released eight albums. Their most recent, Lupaus, was released in May 2017.

History

Ajattara formed in 1996 as a side project of Amorphis singer Pasi Koskinen. They released the demo tape Helvetissä on syntisen taivas in 1998. The band signed to Spikefarm Records and released three albums - Itse in 2001, Kuolema×Kuolema24 March 2003 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Antakaa elää3:262Surman henki2:533Haureus2:584Huoran alla2:445Ikiyössä3:246Musta leski3:137Sielun särkijä3:548Kituvan kiitos3:329Helvetissä on syntisen taivas4:0110Rauhassa3:46 in 2003 and Tyhjyys×Tyhjyys13 October 2004 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracks1Intro0:492Sortajan kaipuu3:403Katumuksen kyinen koura3:354Naaras3:435Armon arvet3:246Pahan tuoma3:277Harhojen renki3:248Langennut3:019Uhrit3:5910Tyhjyydestä3:4211Outro3:24 in 2004. These albums were well received. Ajattara released the Christmas singles "Ilon juhla×Ilon juhla24 November 2004 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1Ilon päivä4:562Hei tonttu-ukot2:34" in November 2004 and "Joulu" in November 2005. The band released another album in 2006, Äpäre×Äpäre22 March 2006 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Hurmasta3:512Raato2:423Säälin koira3:084Lautuma2:465Eksyneet3:096Hirsipuulintu3:377Tahtomattaan syntynyt2:388Itse3:099Koito3:5210Syntyni3:39, which met similar reviews as their last three. The band continued with the Christmas single tradition of 2004 and 2005 by releasing a single entitled Sika in 2006.
The band entered the studio on 1 June 2007 to begin recording the album Kalmanto×Kalmanto5 September 2007 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1Ilkitie4:052Turhuuden takila3:103Madot4:094...putoan3:555Harhojen virta4:066Suruntuoja4:137Naimalaulu3:198Alttarilla aamutähden5:019Kalmanto4:46, released on 5 September 2007. This album did not received good reviews. Some critics said the album sounded chaotic and forced. In April 2009, Ajattara released their sixth album, Noitumaa×Noitumaa22 April 2009 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1Keuhkosi3:122Massat3:513Mitä kuolema parantaa?3:544Saatana palvoo meitä2:365Saveen saarnattu4:156Ikuisen aamun sara3:167Kielletyn sanat3:578Säkeitä riippuneesta lihasta3:069Lammas3:24, an acoustic album that received better reviews than the previous release. In 2011, the band released their seventh studio album, Murhat×Murhat2 February 2011 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1Kunnes taivas meidät erottaa3:022Ihmisen luku3:363H.A.I.4:044Aura2:595Sokea liha3:196Routalempi3:227Murheiden kilta3:278Apilas3:169Veljet4:45.
The band announced on its Facebook page on 15 April 2012 that it had split up for reasons unknown.
On 23 March 2016, the band announced on their Facebook page that they would play at the Norwegian Blastfest in February 2017. Shortly after, on 9 May 2016, Pasi Koskinen announced the reunion of the band, announcing further live dates including Nummirock 2016 in Finland and Satan's Convention 2017 in Germany.
In May 2017, the band released Lupaus, their eighth studio album and first since reforming.

Musical style

Ajattara combine elements of black metal to produce 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 sound. The lyrical themes of Ajattara usually deal with death, evil and paganism.

Current members

Ruoja ― lead vocals (1996-2012, 2016-present) rhythm guitar (1996—2009); studio keyboards (1996—2004)
Kalmos (Vesa Wahlroos) ― lead guitar, backing vocals (2006—2012, 2016—present)
Tohtori Kuolio ― bass guitar, backing vocals (2007—2012, 2016—present)
Raajat (Janne Immonen) ― keyboards, backing vocals (2007—2012, 2016—present)
Tartunta (Mynni Luukkainen) ― rhythm guitar (2009—2012, 2016—present)
Malakias 6,8 (Rainer Tuomikanto) ― drums (2011—2012, 2016—present)