If chroniclers were to write a saga about Moonsorrow, they would start from 1995, when the cousins Sorvali – Ville the son of Seppo and Henri the son of Urpo – got themselves as true-vikings are decided to play folk-music in epic-metal style. Their first demo of Moonsorrow was called "Thorns of Ice". It was the only release of theirs written in English, since that time the cousins Sorvali have written lyrics only in Finnish.
In spring of 1997 Moonsorrow recorded their second demo entitled "Metsa" ("Forest"). It was a great example of epic-metal, which has forced loads of talks about amazingly talented band of young guys, who love their native country and who play patriotic songs. But still there were no contracts, no publicity.
The third demo was recorded in the beginning of 1999. "Tama Ikuinen Talvi" ("This Eternal Winter") was a success and Moonsorrow has got a deal with Plasmatica Records. The Sorvalis and the drummer Marko Tarvonen created their debut long-play "Suden Uni" ("Wolf's Dream"). Releasing the album helped the guys from Moonsorrow to demonstrate to the whole country what means to be bloody Vikings and how people should play impressive and epic pagan folk-metal. Three guys weren't the only ones Vikings in Finland , soon Mitja Harvilahti and Lord Euren joined the band. Since that moment Moonsorrow got an opportunity to play live – that means they could begin their campaign to conquer the fests and the clubs in the forests and fields of native country.
The second album of Moonsorrow "Voimasta ja kunniasta" ("Of Strength and Honour") was released by Spikefarm Records in 2001. Despite the fact that the musicians were pretty young and the songs are in Finnish, the album got rhapsodical reviews all over the world. This fact proves the power of heroic and patriotic epic-metal odes of Moonsorrow. Why odes? 'Cos every track lengths almost 10-12 mins, and the main subjects of the lyrics are Vikings battles with the Christians and tragic defeats. Well, Russia couldn't ignore clank of swards, dance of north waves and wailing of the wind, "Voimasta ja kunniasta" was released by FONO.
The third long-play "Kivenkantaja" ("Stonebearer") was recorded in the legendary Tico-Tico studio, which is located over Arctic Circle . This time the album was not only patriotic, but also very high-qualitative. Moonsorrow made a huge step forward in their development.
In 2003 Spinefarm Records bought rights for "Suden Uni" and re-released the debut album of Moonsorrow. That was done responsibly. The cover was re-designed and new artwork was created by Niklas Sundin. One bonus song was added to audio-tracks, and the release also featured a bonus DVD. The DVD includes some live songs from Tuska 2003 and also promo-videos "Sankarihauta" ("Grave of Hero") и "Jumalten Kaupunki" ("The City of The Gods").
Everyone, who has once heard Moonsorrow would never forget the band of young guys, who position themselves as true-Vikings, who do love Finland and who create and perform heroic and epic songs dedicated to native country. Moonsorrow are known everywhere in Europe , but it seemed like low-budget band can never play abroad. But Viking-gods can do miracles. Moonsorrow already got invitation from Hungary and Croatia. The ball is with Russia.
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