Metsatöll, an Estonian folk metal band, was formed in 1999 in Tallinn by Ma… Read Full Bio ↴Metsatöll, an Estonian folk metal band, was formed in 1999 in Tallinn by Markus Teeäär (vocals), Silver “Factor” Rattasepp (drums) and Andrus Tins (bass), playing epic heavy metal with a great influence from ancient Estonian folklore. The debut album called "Terast mis hangund me hinge" (Steel Frozen in Our Souls) was released at that time.

In 2000, a good friend Lauri "Varulven" Õunapuu joined the band. Until then, he had observed the activities of the band with a broad smile and had, from time to time, joined them on stage. Varulven had self-taught himself a number of ancient Estonian folk instruments and together they realised that metal and old Estonian folk fit together perfectly. Since then, the music of Metsatöll has interwined more and more with old Estonian runo-singing and traditional melodies.

In 2000, their bass virtuoso Andrus left the band due to personal reasons. However, he was replaced with a new bass player, Raivo "KuriRaivo" Piirsalu, in just a couple of months.

In 2002, Metsatöll contributed to the Estonian music scene with their newest effort, "Hundi Loomine", for which a video was also shot (directed by Liina Paakspuu). "Hundi Loomine" received numerous exceptionally positive reviews and commentaries in the local media, there was talk of the true mind of the Estonians, the destruction of the negative effects of the English language and the rebirth of folklore through contemporary means and people.

In the beginning of 2004, Factor dedicated himself completely to science and was replaced by Marko Atso.

In late 2004, Metsatöll released their sophomore album, called "Hiiekoda" (My Home, My Sacred Grove), which was critically acclaimed by both metal and non-metal fans from all over Estonia. It is a heavy metal album strongly combined with old Estonian traditional instruments.

In 2005, Metsatöll released a re-recording of their first album "Terast mis hangund me hinge" called "Terast mis hangund me hinge 10218". The number stands for the world's age according to Estonian chronology. It is much more influenced by folk music and done in a much more professional way in general. It is a must-have for any Metsatöll's listener.

In 2008, Metsatöll released a single "Veelind" from their then upcoming album, "Iivakivi". They also signed with Spinefarm Records.

Considered a highly popular band in their home country, they have also won many competitions.

"Metsatöll" pretty much means "wolf". It was believed among Estonians that the name of the wolf cannot be said out loud, and that whenever you say "wolf", it will appear. For that reason, wolves were called by various different names, such as võsavillem, vanatöll, hallivatt, metsaisand, metsakutsu, hallivatimees, etc. One of the names was metsatöll, which roughly translates into "forest creature" (mets - forest; töll - being, creature).

Their official website is www.metsatoll.ee

Kabelimatsid
Metsatöll Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kivi kivile kõmatas
Viha vaia ta virutas
Müüri murdu ta murendas
Raiu raiska ta ribadeks
Rebi maha müüri murdu
Kuradi kivine kirstu

Müürid seisavad vaikides tuimalt

Ega austust ei avalda seinad
Pühapaigale rajatud julmalt
Iga kivi on õhkamas leina

Veel kiiskamas tummalt kolm ava
Kuhu peadpidi müüri said maetud
Mehepojad, kes öösiti sala
Lõhkusid seinad, mis kurjast said laetud

Müürid maha, üks-kaks-kolm
Selja taha jääb vaid tolm

Siis kui kuu on kasvanud priskeks
Ja tal julgust on pimedust lüüa
Üks hing rahu otsides viskleb
Teine seinasid kraapida püüab

Kolmas ahelaid kolistab aplalt
Ja kui vahel ka aega jääb üle
Kive katuselt sikutab vapralt
Klaase seal kriipides katkestab küüned

Aina edasi kisklevad pinged
Aastast aastasse rahutus tüürib

Alles asu siis annavad hinged
Kui kord lõplikult langevad müürid

Overall Meaning

The song "Kabelimatsid" by Metsatöll depicts the struggles of breaking free from the constraints of society, represented metaphorically by walls, stones, and pillars. The first verse talks about how the anger and force of those trying to break free are causing the walls to crumble and the stones to scatter. It talks about tearing down the wall completely and leaving behind the dust and destruction.

The second verse describes the apathy of the walls and how they do not respect the sacredness of the space they are occupying. The three holes left in the wall are symbolic of the people who have tried to break free before, but were buried within the wall. The third verse talks about the perseverance of those trying to escape their confines, with one person trying to scratch away at the wall, another person breaking chains, and another person smashing glass.

Overall, the song portrays the theme of fighting against oppressive forces and breaking down the walls that are keeping individuals from their freedom.

Line by Line Meaning

Kivi kivile kõmatas
The stone resounded against the stone

Viha vaia ta virutas
Anger hit the pole

Müüri murdu ta murendas
It crumbled the wall

Raiu raiska ta ribadeks
Cut it to pieces

Rebi maha müüri murdu
Tear down the wall and break it apart

Kuradi kivine kirstu
Devil's stone coffin

Müürid seisavad vaikides tuimalt
Walls stand silently and numbly

Ega austust ei avalda seinad
Walls do not show respect

Pühapaigale rajatud julmalt
Cruelly built on a sacred place

Iga kivi on õhkamas leina
Each stone is sighing in mourning

Veel kiiskamas tummalt kolm ava
Still silently gleaming three openings