Waltari has been one of the most influential groups in the Finnish music scene. It is often praised by musicians and shunned by major public. That is recognized to be "fault" of its diversity of different styles, seemingly effortlessly combining such music styles as punk, pop, heavy metal, rock, techno, funk, progressive rock and rap. This mixing of different styles has made several other music groups from Finland successful, including big names like The Rasmus and Nightwish. If it were not for Kärtsy Hatakka's (singer/bassist and one of the band's founders) extremely personal voice, one could have difficulties recognizing their songs. This diversity reached its peak on the album "So Fine!", on which every one of the above styles can be heard. Most of the band's music is written by singer/bassist Kärtsy Hatakka. Despite a diversity of styles, the lyrics often deal with personal feelings of anxiety, loneliness and the cruelty of the world, often with heavy irony and sarcasm.

History

Waltari was formed 1986 in Helsinki, capital city of Finland, by Kärtsy Hatakka (vocals and bass), Jariot Lehtinen (guitars) and Sale (drums). Sami Yli-Sirniö joined as second guitarist in 1989, a year after the release of their first EP, "Mut hei".

Two years later they had finished their first album "Monk Punk" (1991). This album was almost pure punk, but also possessed one rap song: "Rap your body beat". In 1990 Sale left the band and Janne Parviainen replaced him.

Their next album "Torcha!" (1992) saw completely new Waltari. Everything on this album was much better from sound to playing skills, also its diversity of styles increased. Most notably it had a strange cover song of Madonnas "Vogue" and short-term hits "Lights On" and "Fool's Gold", all from different categories.

It was their third album which made their cult status, "So Fine!" (1994). Having everything from techno mixed with joik to classic rock-ballad and back to fast-phased funky heavy metal, this album revealed the true nature of the band. In 1995 Roope Latvala (current second guitarist of Children of Bodom ) of legendary Stone joined the band, replacing Sami Yli-Sirniö.

"Big Bang" (1995) saw their biggest success. This album had less diversity than the previous one, concentrating mostly on mixing techno with heavy metal.

Newer Albums Of The Band Are :

"Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! Death Metal Symphony in Deep C" (1996)
"Space Avenue" (1997)
"Decade" (1998)
"Radium Round" (1999)
"Channel Nordica" (2000)
"Back To Persepolis" (2001)
"Rare Species" (2004)