Turisas

Finnish folk metal band

Turisas is a Finnish metal band known for their incorporation of symphonic elements and themes drawn from history and mythology, particularly focusing on the Viking age. Formed in 1997 by Mathias Nygård and Jussi Wickström, the band's name is derived from an ancient Finnish god of war. They are recognized for their unique genre, often referred to as 'battle metal', a term that was popularized by their debut album "Battle Metal" released in 2004. Following the success of their first album, Turisas continued to build their reputation with subsequent releases such as "The Varangian Way" in 2007, which is a concept album that follows the journey of Scandinavian Varangians trading down the rivers of Russia to Byzantium. Their third album, "Stand Up And Fight" released in 2011, further cemented their status in the metal community with its grandiose orchestration and epic storytelling. Turisas is known for their theatrical live performances and elaborate costumes that reflect the band's fascination with historical themes.