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DECADE BOOKLET STORY
This is a story about a courageous and unpredictable band called Waltari.
Born 1986 in the cellars of Helsinki, these hobgoblins packed their bags in autumn of -91 and moved to Berlin. First album "Monk Punk" was released in continental Europe by that time and the band soon found themselves in a situation where three labels were offering them a new recording contract.
Released in -92 by Roadrunner. "Torcha!" was chosen Album Of The Month in Germany's Metal Hammer. In UK the same magazine wrote: "If you were faced with a band from Finland called Waltari would you expect it to be any good? Nope. Me neither. Let's face it, Finland isn't exactly famous for its ground-breaking, awe-inspiring bands. But Waltari have thrown all those preconceptions out into the middle of the M4, run 'em over and reversed, just to make sure! This is serious stuff. Spine-tingling stuff. Original stuff. in fact, Waltari are the best band to have hit Metal Hammer HQ in years! This previously unheard-of cauldron of mind-fucking, skin-ripping talent will be unstoppable if presented with the right opportunities."
Next album "So Fine!" was released in -94 and this time it was Rock Hard magazine's Album Of The Month. The title song was a radiohit in many European countries and represented Finland in MTV Europe's Video Grand Prix Final. Reviews were unanimous: this is The Ultimate Crossover.
Waltari's follow-up album "Big Bang" was released by EMI in -95 and was once again chosen Album Of The Month in Rock Hard. Metal Hammer praised: "The world will come to see the name of Waltari as synonymous with the joy-enhancing effect of modern music that will make it a brighter, more beautiful place."
Same year the band performed a mystical masterpiece called "Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! Death Metal Symphony in Deep C" live in Helsinki with "Avanti!" Symphony Orchestra. This composition represents leadvocalist Kärtsy's unique ability to combine metal and classical music. Recorded and released in -96, this critically acclaimed work of art also includes multimed material, that gives the listener a possibility for example to mix the band, the orchestra and the vocals. Waltari's sixth studioalbum "Space Avenue" hit the album charts in Germany, Austria and Finland in -97, and was described as, among other things, a "Postmodern Metal Cocktail" and as "Dance Metal Of The Future".
After seven successful European tours and numerous festivals the band decided to try something new and moved to New York in autumn -97. Response in the Manhattan clubs was enthusiastic and Waltari was invited to perform at SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas in spring -98. At the time of the release of this compilation the band is already recording material for two following albums. It seems there really are no limits to Waltari's imaginative explorations in the Universe of Music. Ride on!
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