Children of Bodom

From the Archives: Hanoi Rocks, Children Of Bodom, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Negative, Amorphis, The 69 Eyes, Twilightning, Dreamtale... Finnish heavy rock and heavy metal acts have for years enjoyed great success in the Japanese market. But why Finnish music in particular, and why Japan of all places? What sort of figures and what sort of market are we talking about here? This article is originally published in 2004.

"As a worldwide sub-culture, heavy metal is an excellent example of the specialised communities that emerge in modern society, governed by individual preferences rather than a shared physical environment – similar music tastes or, say, consumer choices."

For many an outside observer, metal music seems to be an integral part of Finnishness, representing and reflecting national identity. But how did metal become so prominent in the Finnish music scene? And will the prominence last?

Finland can do nothing about its geographical location and its short summers and long winters. But can it still be a fun and exciting country, full of dancing and singing?