Poets of the Fall

Born and based in Helsinki, Finland, rock band Poets of the Fall formed in 2003 around core members Marko Saaresto (lead vocals, guitar), Olli Tukiainen (guitar), and Markus "Captain" Kaarlonen (keyboards and production). Having built its own studio, the band was able to release a single — “Late Goodbye” — shortly thereafter. By January 2005, the Poets had a number one album at home with their debut, Signs of Life. For its hard work, the band was rewarded with the Best Debut Album of the Year and Best Newcomer of the Year trophies at the following year’s Emma Awards (a Finnish version of the Grammys). In April of 2006, the Poets released their next album, Carnival of Rust, which also hit the top spot on their nation’s charts — it even managed to share real estate on said charts with the band’s debut (still selling great guns) — and went on to become a huge seller. In addition to their massive sales and critical acclaim for their recorded work, Poets of the Fall also managed to headline some hugely popular tours. In order to bring their sound to the people, however, the band needed some expansion, and recruited Jani Snellman (bass), Jaska Makinen (guitar), and Jari Salminen (drums). With the success of album number two to promote, the Poets managed — this time around — to tour in seven different countries, including a stop in Asia. The band wound down 2007 by ending its tour, and winning yet another cache full of industry awards. The rest period wouldn’t last too long, however. A new single — “The Ultimate Fling” — was released in January 2008, and was soon followed by the full-length Revolution Roulette in March. The album, unsurprisingly, rocketed straight to the top of the Finnish charts. April would find the band back on the road, playing shows in Europe and Asia, as well as a first jaunt to the United States, performing in Los Angeles. ~ Chris True