Browsing by Subject "kansanperinne"

This research is about the metal music subgenre, folk metal, which typically combines folk music influences with heavy metal music combined with lyrics based on folklore or native culture. The aim of this study is to find out what kind of folklore influences bands of this genre have in their cover art and promotional imagery. I pay special attention to the symbolism and dressing, which visually embodies folklore. The second aim is to find out how the images have been created. The visual side of metal and folk metal music provides an interesting area of research, which has so far remained limited. Craft science brings a new perspective and opportunities to study this subject matter. The research data includes the cover art and promotional images before the year 2020, as well as interviews with the Finnish folk metal bands: Ensiferum, Moonsorrow, Finntroll and Korpiklaani. The analysis was based on the product essence analysis by Marketta Luutonen (1997), giving methodological tools and structure for the study. Selected images were ana-lysed using a classification frame I developed, based on the image analysis of visual culture by Gillian Rose (2001). The interview data was analysed by qualitative content analysis. The results of the study indicate that the cover art and promotional images were unique, where the bands endeavoured to emphasise their roots and unique style. Nature-related themes were highlighted, such as the traditional Finnish landscape, forests, trees and animals. The images communicate the old times inspired by themes related to the Finnish heritage, mythology and historical themes. Heroic and warrior themes are also prevalent themes, with accessories including swords and shields, as well as traditional dress style of in promotional imagery. There are hints of the past in all the bands' dressing, but in recent years, the outfits have developed more modern nuances. The themes commonly used by the bands also serve as inspiration for the outfits. The role of handicrafts in the manufacture of clothing was relatively apparent. Bands wanted to bring out folklore themes in the images, but not all the bands felt it as important. Design, as well as an integrated ensemble of music, lyrics and visual materials, were important in how the bands conveyed their art.