Ilmarinen is an Epic Folk Metal band from the Netherlands. Through their music, and an eccentric stage show, they aspire to tell old folktales, legends and myths to their audience.

The music they produce is a blend of metal and folk music. Loud grunts and distorted guitars that are well known in the world of metal, combined with danceable folk instruments like the violin and whistles. The keyboards add an orchestral layer, to put the “Epic” in Folk Metal. 

During the stage show, the audience is assembled into an army and taken on an adventure where they have to learn the ways of war, and to take down the evil king who has been oppressing the lands for far too long. It’s an experience that you’ll just have to see for yourself one day.

An idea springs to life: A need to tell stories of old times through modern music. First drafts of songs are slowly being written, and a rough outline for a story to be told is made.

One musician finds another. Wesley and Armando meet, and the band is officially formed. Rehearsals start and the hunt for more musicians is on. Soon Mark, Joris and Kasper also join the group, but it will still take some time until the real battle begins.

Many months of songwriting and rehearsing pass, and the end of the year is drawing near. Finally, Ilmarinen makes their first on-stage appearance.

This year, Chris joined the band on bass. A lot of time is spent readying some songs to be recorded and finally on December 29th the demo EP “Tribute to a King” is released online. It is the band’s first record endeavour and contains 5 songs.

This year the band saw some lineup changes. Mark decided to leave the band, followed by Joris. Meanwhile Chris switched from bass to guitar, while Richard briefly picked up bass duties before leaving again soon. Halfway through the year Rutger was welcomed into the fold. The search for a new bassist is still on!

During the desperate years of Corona some sacrifices were made, and new heroes joined the fold. The band welcomed Roy on bass, and Paul became the new vocalist.

After what seemed like an aeon to prepare, the band finally returned to the stage, and is working hard to release new music to the world.

Mark – Guitar
Joris – Drums
Armando – Vocals