Regional anthems of Finland are songs which were composed or later selected to be anthems of Finland’s historical provinces and current regions. The best known regional anthems in Finland are Karjalaisten laulu (anthem of North Karelia and South Karelia) and Nälkämaan laulu (anthem of Kainuu).
The direct translation of the name of Kainuu regional anthem “Nälkämaan laulu” is “Song of the Hunger Land”. The lyrics, written by Ilmari Kianto , describe the natural beauty of Kainuu, the hard-working nature (sisu) of the Kainuu people, and their pride of their homeland. The poem by Ilmari Kianto was turned into a song by Oskar Merikanto, and this song is the regional anthem of the Kainuu region. The song was first performed in 1911.
Author Ilmari Kianto was one of the most significant Finnish authors in the beginning of the 20th century, who lived in the Kainuu region. He wrote more than 60 books in his lifetime. The most famous ones of his books are about the life of local people in Kainuu at the time. It will be 150 years since Iki Kianto’s birth on May 7, 2024. During the anniversary year, Kianto’s significant life work as a great writer and cultural influencer is honored.
As a part of the anniversary, ‘Nälkämaan laulu’ has been revamped into an electronic symphonic metal masterpiece, led by Casey Sabol, featuring Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast), Antti Hyyrynen (Stam1na), and kantele virtuoso Ida Elina. This ambitious project merges Finnish folklore with modern metal and electronic elements, promising a unique, genre-defying experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation. The new version was published on May 3rd 2024.
The idea for revamping the regional anthem came from and the production was done at Sotkamo International Music Camp, in cooperation with municipalities of Sotkamo and Suomussalmi and the Regional Council of Kainuu. All the eight municipalities of Kainuu helped making the music video.
You’ll find the song from streaming services and the video is available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/kainuunliitto/videos.
Credits: NÄLKÄMAAN LAULU
CASEY SABOL | NOORA LOUHIMO | ANTTI HYYRYNEN | IDA ELINA
POEM BY ILMARI KIANTO – COMPOSED BY OSKAR MERIKANTO
PRODUCED AND MIXED BY CASEY SABOL & JUKKA BACKLUND
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS – MARKO KARVONEN & TUOMAS “GARY” KESKINEN
MASTERED BY ERIC HILL
STRING ARRANGEMENT – VISA OSCAR
STRING SECTION – HELI-MAARIT LEPPIOJA, LAURA MATILAINEN, MINNA BLOM, PIETARI WILLEY
