Salamakannel (Lightning Kantele) is back!

On the new album "IV", the band's personal sound is still born from the ringing of various stringed instruments. Salamakannel's music combines traditional Finnish pelimanni (folk musician) music, especially kantele music from Perho River Valley, American string band music and various rock influences. An essential part of the band's repertoire is the band members' own personal compositions.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Salamakannel's best-known lineup made three albums, which are still considered to be the front-line releases of the emerging Finnish contemporary folk music. Salamakannel's new album "IV" continues from where the band left off 30 years ago. The album's music contains a variety of moods, from heartbreaking lyrical melodies to ancient imitations of the church bell tunes, Chicago waltz, polska or oompah, Finnish humppa.

Digital single "Salamahumppa" from the upcoming album out 27th of Septemper 2024!!!

    (A)-side - Salamakannel:
      Salamahumppa
      (The Lightning Humppa)
    (B)-side - Salamakannel, Ismo Alanko & JPP String Quartet:
      Tuomi on virran reunalla
      (The Bird Cherry Tree Beside the Stream)

    "IV" out 18th of October, 2024.

    Arto Järvelä, fiddle, mandolin, nyckelharpa
    Antti Kettunen, acustic guitar, electric guitar, zither
    Kimmo Känsälä, electric bass
    Hannu Saha, kanteles

    As guests:
    Ismo Alanko, vocal
    Jonna Tervomaa, vocal
    JPP String Quartet, strings