Most of the band's music is written by Hatakka. Waltari's lyrics often deal with personal feelings of anxiety, loneliness and the cruelty of the world, often with heavy irony and sarcasm.
The name Waltari is a reference to the popular Finnish author Mika Waltari, a favourite author of guitarist Jariot Lehtinen.
Waltari was formed in 1986 in Helsinki, Finland, by Kärtsy Hatakka (vocals and bass), Jariot Lehtinen (guitars) and Sale Suomalainen (drums). Sami Yli-Sirniö joined as second guitarist in 1989, a year after the release of their first EP, Mut Hei.
Their first album, Monk Punk was released in 1991. As the title suggests, this album was mostly punk. Their next album Torcha! (1992) and it was with this album that Waltari started blending various musical styles into the sound that would become their own.
After releasing a compilation of early work under the title Pala Leipää (1993), the band went on to release So Fine! (1994), an album similar to Torcha!. Their next album, Big Bang (1995) is to date their biggest success. The album concentrates on mixing techno with heavy metal.
In 1995 Roope Latvala (current second guitarist of Children of Bodom) joined the band, replacing Sami Yli-Sirniö. During this time, Hatakka was working with conductor Riku Niemi on a project combining heavy metal with classical music. This project eventually became known as Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! Death Metal Symphony in Deep C. The show was performed in 1995, and the album was released in 1996.
The year 1997 saw Space Avenue, a more progressive work containing more electronic drums, as well as a collaboration with Apocalyptica. In 1998, in honour of the band's ten-year anniversary, the band released a compilation titled Decade.
In 1999 Hatakka was working on yet another metal/classical collaboration, and this gave rise to the stage show Evangelicum. This production differed from Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! in that it contained more than just music: the stage show contained music, ballet and a light show. An album of Evangelicum was not released.
Waltari's next album Radium Round (1999), featured a strong pop influence. After Radium Round, the band passed out of the public eye, working on less main-stream releases such as the Metal / Yoik crossover Channel Nordica (2000) and the punk EP Back To Persepolis (2001). However, these releases were very hard to obtain, and for a while Waltari only survived through its live shows. In 2001, the band's old guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö returned, and Roope Latvala left the band.
In 2004 Waltari came back with an all-new studio album, Rare Species. The album was well received by critics, and an extensive tour put Waltari back on the map.
Waltari released their newest album called "Below Zero" in fall of 2009.
1986
Helsinki, Finland
Kärtsy Hatakka
Jariot Lehtinen
Sami Yli-Sirniö
Sami Yli-Sirniö
Roope Latvala
Janne Parviainen
Mika Järvelainen
Ville Veikko Vehviläinen
FAR AWAY
Waltari Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't want to live like this
I don't want to rest in peace
I better face myself
I wanna go go go go go
Wanna die, it s time to wave goodbye
I better face myself
You been reaching for
What you adore
But I need something that I really love
You shouldn't try
To shape my mind
But I've got something that I'd die for
I've been trying all the time
To reach a level that will keep me high
You better watch yourself
I know there's a place where I can go
When I can live in peace with my rock n roll
Maybe I'll have the strength to carry on
To become really strong
You been reaching for
What you adore
But I need something that I really love
You shouldn't try
To shape my mind
But I've got something that I'd die for
You contend that I am wasting all my time
You demand that I should wait and keep on following you
But I cannot turn myself into someone else
The burning flame inside demands me to go far away
You been reaching for
What you adore
But I need something that I really love
You shouldn't try
To shape my mind
But I've got something that I'd die for
The lyrics of Waltari's song Far Away express a desire for freedom and independence. The singer resents being told what to do and what to believe, and instead longs for the ability to pursue their own passion, their own "rock n roll," without judgement or restriction. They express a willingness to risk and sacrifice everything in order to pursue this goal, stating, "I wanna go go go go go / Wanna die, it's time to wave goodbye." The singer acknowledges that this is not an easy path, that it requires strength and perseverance to "become really strong," but is willing to face this challenge. Ultimately, the singer refuses to be molded into someone else's vision of success or happiness, stating, "But I cannot turn myself into someone else / The burning flame inside demands me to go far away."
Overall, the message of the song is one of empowerment and self-discovery. It is a call to pursue one's passions and to defy the expectations and limitations that others may try to place on us. It acknowledges the difficulties and risks involved in following such a path, but ultimately celebrates the idea of living authentically and on one's own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to live like this
I am unhappy with my current life situation and do not wish to keep living like this.
I don't want to rest in peace
I do not wish to pass away and find peace, as there is still something I need to accomplish.
I better face myself
I need to confront my true desires and motivations.
I wanna go go go go go
I am eager to begin a new journey and explore new opportunities.
Wanna die, it s time to wave goodbye
I am willing to leave behind my current life and embrace whatever comes next, even if it means passing away.
You been reaching for
What you adore
But I need something that I really love
You have been pursuing things that bring you joy, but I need to find something that truly speaks to my heart and soul.
You shouldn't try
To shape my mind
But I've got something that I'd die for
You should not try to influence or control my thoughts or decisions, as I have found something that I am willing to give my life for.
I've been trying all the time
To reach a level that will keep me high
I have been putting in continuous effort to find something that will provide me with lasting happiness and satisfaction.
You better watch yourself
You should be cautious and aware of the changes I am about to make in my life.
I know there's a place where I can go
When I can live in peace with my rock n roll
I believe that there is a place where I can live freely and happily, while enjoying the music that I love.
Maybe I'll have the strength to carry on
To become really strong
Perhaps by making these changes, I will become stronger and more resilient for whatever comes next.
You contend that I am wasting all my time
You demand that I should wait and keep on following you
You believe that I am making a mistake by leaving my current situation, and want me to continue following you instead of branching out on my own.
But I cannot turn myself into someone else
The burning flame inside demands me to go far away
I cannot change who I am or what I want, as the passion inside of me is driving me away in a new direction.
Contributed by Dylan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Pusk111
Классная песня, когда малый был только их и слушал! группа супер!
@bananpro2
this song and whole clip is ABSOLUTLY AMAZING !!!!! such a power and great idea !!! I JUST LOVE IT !!!!! <3
@abacab54321
The whole 'Space Avenue' album in its entierity is an absolute killer for me, especially live! I've got such a many fond memories (to the extent any recollection survives the appropriately intense intoxication) of some of Waltari's gigs with this late 90's lineup (Latvala etc.). 'I... have a [problem]...' If only someone some day uploaded a bit better syncronized version of this video... 'Houston, we have a [dream]...'
@MichalKrzycki
Oh my, oh my!
Just imagine an anniversary album with live DVD or at least 2nd CD with all album played live... But I guess it's too late/too early for an anniversary album.
@parpituraatti
Still Rocking \m/
@petrfilip4253
quality music I've ever heard
@cyklotymik
Je to pecka,ale ci je najlepsia,je asi vec nazoru.Samosebou,Wlatari maju velmi vela dobrych veci:)The best crossover band ever.Thanks!!
@vampiik
nice, very nice song :o)
@ZZombyWooff
"meidän ei tarvii olla tommosii trendikkäitä niinku joitteki, Saadaan myytyy levytä muuteki" - Timo Tolkki; Metalliliitto 1997-9 tms
@MrPetkora
super!!!'