Höyry-kone, which means `Steam Engine' in English is a Finnish group featuring eight musicians who play progressive rock music with heavy doses of opera, chamber music, ska, samba, blues and techno. They could easily be categorized into the realm of avant-garde. The group was formed in 1991 by guitarist Jussi Kärkkäinen and Teemu Hänninen (drums).
In 1995 the lineup was Topi Lehtipuu (vocals), Jukka Hannukainen (vocals/keyboards), Jussi Kärkkäinen (guitar), Teemu Hänninen (drums), Jarno Sarkula (bass), Marko Manninen (cello), Tuomas Hänninen (guitar) and Nina Lehos on oboe.
The Swedish label APM signed Höyry-kone and `Hyönteisiä voi rakastaa,' the band's first official CD, was released in January of 1995- The album means in English- `It is Possible to Love Insects.' which was released by in January 1995. The recording contains a great variety of unpredictable arrangements that make the sound difficult to describe, as well as the above mentioned blend of musical styles. The album received rave reviews.
After touring Europe, Höyry-kone released their second album, "Huono parturi' (`The Bad Barber') which is a tad less daring that their debut album.
After some difficulties with their label- APM and line-up changes, the band participated on an Iron Maiden tribute album `Slave to the Power,' contributing to the CD an instrumental version of the classic heavy metal anthem "The Trooper".
The current line-up of Höyry-kone is Jussi Kärkkäinen on guitar, Teemu Hänninen on drums, Jarno Sarkula on bass and soprano saxophone, Marko Manninen on cello, Erno Haukkala on trombone and Matti Jalava on vocals and keyboards.
On October 2000, Höyry-kone was the final band to play at the Progday festival in North Carolina, playing their original frantic musical brilliance (and even an Iron Maiden cover).
Höyry-kone Discography
HYÖNTEISIÄ VOI RAKASTAA (1995)
Tracks:
Örn
Raskaana
Hämärän joutomaa
Pannuhuoneesta
Luottamus
Kaivoonkatsoja
Kosto
Hätä
Myrskynmusiikkia
Hyönteiset
HUONO PARTURI (1997)
Tracks:
Beata Viscera
Terva-Antti ku häihin lähti
Karhunkaato
Lumisaha
Baksteri
Huono parturi
Ullakon lelut
Tottele
Kala
Laahustaja
Laina-ajalla
