Battlelore Bio

Jyri Vahvanen first began playing with the idea of BATTLELORE in 1996. However, not until 1999, when he and M. Kokkola officially founded the band and began to work with permanent members.

BATTLELORE describes its special brand of music as true fantasy metal. Through their songs, they tell the tales of an ancient world filled with magic, heroes and glorious battles. Basing their lyrics on the texts of Tolkien, the band is no novice when it comes to entering the recording studio. Among their credentials, one may count two promo CDs (Warrior's Tale and Dark Fantasy) released in 1999 and 2000 respectively.

BATTLELORE recorded their NAPALM RECORDS debut, ...Where the Shadows Lie, at Music Bros. Studios, Imatra, Finland in the fall of 2001. This album features the work of Jyri Vahvanen (electric and acoustic guitars), Miika Kokkola (bass guitar), Henri Vahvanen (drums), Tommi Havo (7-string guitar and raging vocals), Patrik Mennander (clean male vocals), Maria (keyboards), and Kaisa Jouhki (female vocals). Following the completion of ...Where the Shadows Lie, Tommi Havo amicably parted ways with BATTLELORE due to personal circumstances that prevented him from dedicating the necessary time and energy to the band.

In 2003, BATTLELORE returns to centerstage continuing their Tolkien-inspired saga with a remarkable double release, Sword's Song (CD) and The Journey (DVD), which comprises over 45 minutes of BATTLELORE bliss, including the wonders of the Finnish landscape featured in the "Journey to Undying Lands" clip.

Also recorded at Music Bros. Studios with the aid of producer Miitri Aaltonen. Sword's Song becomes the band's greatest achievement to date. Accompanied by majestic and bombastic soundscapes, BATTLELORE unveils the secrets of their imaginative realm, as they take you from the smoky tavern at Umbar, through the green fields of Rohan, to the deepest dungeons of Moria. Each track is enchantingly executed by elvish voices, heavy guitars, epic choirs, and the powerful organ of the Uruk Hai. So, gather your belongings, ready your weapons, and prepare for war!