Turisas  

This highly entertaining Finnish combo seems to have come out of nowhere with their 2004 debut, the aptly-titled Battle Metal, though in reality they formed back in 1997, honing their craft via the usual route of demos and promos before Century Media wisely snapped them up. Battle Metal combines the bombast of Bal-Sagoth (check out "Among Ancestors" and BNR favorite "As Torches Rise"), the fun folk of Finntroll and the rousing Viking sensibilities of, say, Thyrfing, creating a sound that is both a sum of influences and yet unmistakeably their own style. This is energetic, anthemic, and simply a joy to listen to. The band has recently suffered a setback, losing guitarist Georg Laakso (he had to retire from the business after suffering serious injuries in an automotive accident), but the band has vowed to continue, and the future is certainly bright for these guys.

Current Members Mathias Nygård vocals (Cadacross) Jussi Wickström guitars Robert Engstrand keyboards Olli Vänskä violin Jaakko Jakku drums

Former Members/Guests Georg Laakso guitars (Cadacross) Antti Ventola keyboards (Cadacross) Hannes Horma bass Jukka-Pekka Miettinen bass (Arthemesia, Cadacross, Ensiferum) Janne Mäkinen accordion Antti Laurila accordion Netta Skog accordion Tuomas Lehtonen drums

Discography

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Battle Metal 
2004 Century Media

Victoriae & Triumphi Dominus As Torches Rise Battle Metal The Land Of Hope And Glory The Messenger One More Midnight Sunrise Among Ancestors Sahti-Waari Prologue for R.R.R. Rex Regi Rebellis Katuman Kaiku

Mathias Nygård Jussi Wickström Georg Laakso Antti Ventola Tuomas Lehtonen

Reviews:   Chronicles Of Chaos  Lords Of Metal  Metal Observer 

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The Varangian Way 
2007 Century Media

To Holmgard And Beyond A Portage To The Unknown Cursed Be Iron Fields Of Gold In The Court Of Jarisleif Five Hundred And One The Dnieper Rapids Miklagard Overture

Mathias Nygård Jussi Wickström Hannes Horma Janne Mäkinen Antti Laurila Tuomas Lehtonen

Reviews:   Chronicles Of Chaos  Sea Of Tranquility  Lords Of Metal  Metal Observer 

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A Finnish Summer With Turisas 
2008 Century Media

Reviews:   Lords Of Metal 

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Stand Up And Fight 
2011 Century Media

The March Of The Varangian Guard Take The Day! Hunting Pirates ß??et??! - p??s????! Stand Up And Fight The Great Escape Fear The Fear End Of An Empire The Bosphorus Freezes Over

Mathias Nygård Jussi Wickström Hannes Horma Olli Vänskä Netta Skog Tuomas Lehtonen

Reviews:   Sea Of Tranquility  Lords Of Metal  Metal Underground  Metal Observer  Angry Metal Guy  Metal Forces