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

Tuletalgud
Metsatöll Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Õlgadel kosub, jõuetut rusub
turjale kasvanud koorem
Vaibuval sammul, raugeval rammul
astuda edasipoole

Enne kui hääbub, sapiseks määrdub
vaim, varem vahe kui piik
Leida see säde, mis sütitab väge

valmis saab tuleriit

Veri tardub
Surma valgus
Uue algus
Tuletalgud

Mõõt tulemäena täis saanud väega
lahvatab leekivaks müüriks
Lõõmava käega pöörab ja väänab
tahtmise tõeliseks tüürib

Praksudes pureb, mis hamba all mure
ja neelab, mis neelata sobib
Kirglikult suudleb, heidab siis tuulde
mõtte, mis sündinud sooviks

Taagarõhust lahti rebi
sülga välja surnud veri
Tuhaks pudenevad halud
Tuletalgud

Värinal vajub, sisiseb sajus
tuhatomp krampides tantsib
katkestab juure, püüdnud on tuule
suitsujälg pilvesse rammib

Meeled on virged, selgki on sirge
hing varmalt edasi astub

Tee peale kaasa vaevaks ta haarab
Koorem taas turjale laskub

Overall Meaning

The song "Tuletalgud" by Metsatöll is about the power of fire and the transformation it can bring. The first verse describes the feeling of being burdened by life, but also the desire to continue moving forward despite feeling exhausted. The lyrics suggest that before the spirit fades, it's important to find the spark that ignites strength and willpower. The chorus repeats the phrase "Tuletalgud" which can be translated as "Fire Festivals" or "Festivals of Flames" - a reference to traditional Estonian celebrations that honor fire as a symbol of purification and new beginnings.

The second verse describes fire as a force that can consume and destroy, but also generate passion and desire. The lyrics suggest that fire can help us let go of our worries and fears, and awaken our deepest desires. The bridge describes the process of letting go of negativity and embracing transformation. The final verse portrays a scene of destruction caused by fire, but also the resilience of the human spirit to continue moving forward.

Overall, the song "Tuletalgud" is a celebration of the power of fire both as a destructive force and a transformative one. The lyrics suggest that by embracing the power of fire and allowing it to burn away our fears and doubts, we can emerge stronger and ready to face whatever challenges life may bring.

Line by Line Meaning

Õlgadel kosub, jõuetut rusub turjale kasvanud koorem
With shoulders growing and weight pressing down, burden borne on one's back

Vaibuval sammul, raugeval rammul astuda edasipoole
Continue forward with fading steps and weakened strength

Enne kui hääbub, sapiseks määrdub vaim, varem vahe kui piik
Before it fades and turns bitter, soul piercing like a spear

Leida see säde, mis sütitab väge valmis saab tuleriit
Find that spark that ignites strength, ready for the bonfire

Veri tardub Surma valgus Uue algus Tuletalgud
Blood freezes, light of death, new beginning, fire ritual

Mõõt tulemäena täis saanud väega lahvatab leekivaks müüriks
Measure filled with the power of fire mountain, bursts into a flaming wall

Lõõmava käega pöörab ja väänab tahtmise tõeliseks tüürib
With blazing hand it twists and turns, driving true will

Praksudes pureb, mis hamba all mure ja neelab, mis neelata sobib
Crunches on troubles in its teeth, swallowing what it deems fit

Kirglikult suudleb, heidab siis tuulde mõtte, mis sündinud sooviks
Passionately kisses, then throws into the wind a thought born of desire

Taagarõhust lahti rebi sülga välja surnud veri Tuhaks pudenevad halud Tuletalgud
Tear out of the earth spit out dead blood logs crumbling to ash fire ritual

Värinal vajub, sisiseb sajus tuhatomp krampides tantsib
Trembling falls and sizzles in the rain, a thousand sprouts dance in agony

Katkestab juure, püüdnud on tuule suitsujälg pilvesse rammib
Breaking roots and striving for the wind, a trail of smoke fills the clouds

Meeled on virged, selgki on sirge hing varmalt edasi astub Tee peale kaasa vaevaks ta haarab Koorem taas turjale laskub
Mind sharp and back straight, soul steps forward eagerly Taking on struggle along the way, the burden falls again on the back

Contributed by Reagan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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