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
Oo
Metsatöll Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
kui rüpes käed
ja kiiora vainul
põrub maha käest.
Maa verest nõrub,
kui rüpes käed.
Ei vannu alla sute süda.
Ei lange veel Sakala,
turmtule lõõsk,
sööb raudhalle ridu
öö - terasest mõõk.
Meid üks on siin vaid
kes koitu näeb,
kui öörasked vaimud
viivad kokku väed.
Meid üks on siin vaid
kes koitu näeb.
Ei vannu alla sute veri.
Ei lange veel Sakala,
turmtule lõõsk,
sööb raudhalle ridu
öö - terasest mõõk.
Ei lange veel Sakala,
turmtule lõõsk,
sööb raudhalle ridu
öö - terasest mõõk.
The lyrics to "Öö," by Metsatöll, are reflections on the beauty and violence of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. The first stanza portrays the earth as bleeding, and the singer as feeling helpless as they watch a kiiora (a traditional Estonian tool used for chopping wood) slip from their hands. The second stanza reinforces the singer's determination not to give in to defeat, as they declare that their heart will not swear allegiance to those who would see them fall.
The third and fourth stanzas reference Sakala, an ancient Estonian fortress that has become a symbol of national pride and resistance. The singer sees themselves as part of a community of warriors, who remain standing against the onslaught of the enemy. Even in the darkest hours of the night, when evil spirits threaten to overwhelm them, they continue to fight. The final lines repeat the refrain, emphasizing the strength of the "night - sword of steel."
Overall, the lyrics to "Öö" are a tribute to the Estonian people's enduring spirit and courage in the face of adversity. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, they paint a picture of a people determined to stand strong, no matter what challenges they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
Maa verest nõrub,
kui rüpes käed
ja kiiora vainul
põrub maha käest.
The land is bleeding as our hands, resting in our laps, struggle to hold onto the kiiora from the meadow.
Ei vannu alla sute süda.
Our wolfish hearts do not give up and surrender.
Ei lange veel Sakala,
turmtule lõõsk,
sööb raudhalle ridu
öö - terasest mõõk.
The night, with its sword of steel, devours the ranks of the iron-clad, as Sakala still stands tall amidst the flames of war.
Meid üks on siin vaid
kes koitu näeb,
kui öörasked vaimud
viivad kokku väed.
Only one among us can see the dawn, as the spirits of the night gather the armies together.
Ei vannu alla sute veri.
Our wolfish blood does not give up and surrender.
Ei lange veel Sakala,
turmtule lõõsk,
sööb raudhalle ridu
öö - terasest mõõk.
The night, with its sword of steel, devours the ranks of the iron-clad, as Sakala still stands tall amidst the flames of war.
Ei lange veel Sakala,
turmtule lõõsk,
sööb raudhalle ridu
öö - terasest mõõk.
The night, with its sword of steel, devours the ranks of the iron-clad, as Sakala still stands tall amidst the flames of war.
Contributed by Caleb K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dingleberry Handpump
Saw these guys last year with Arkona, and both bands were awesome! Lauri has the deepest voice I've ever heard come out of a human. Makes Peter Steele sound like a soprano.
Xamarth1
You guys and Korpiklaani are my favourite folk metal masters! But just please make sure not to forget Switzerland when you tour again!
millermonsterair
theres a couple of pretty good ones these days. these guys, older Finntroll, Svartsot and even Grimner. theres lots to choose from these days and i absolutely love the fact that the genre is beginning to take hold.
Birki gts
Every metal band should play with pyrotechnics at least once!
Lindemann
+Torwulf games ja !
Natalia Michel Hernandez
Vine buscando cobre y encontré oro 😍
skyliner34gtr99x
just saw them live last night and they played this song. this band is fucking awesome.
Nate Edwards
Seeing them tonight with Eluveitie in Hollywood <3
They are badass live.
airjoe49
First metal concert I went to, you guys were there in 2013, I love you.
ThatMetalGuy
Good stuff. Can't wait for the album!