Mannhai

about

Mannhai is a stoner and doom metal band from Helsinki, Finland, formed in late 1999 by guitarist Ilkka Laaksomaa and former Amorphis bassist Oppu Laine. They were soon joined by drummer Mikko "Junior" Pietinen. The band quickly began composing material and entered the studio within four months of forming, recording three instrumental tracks. These recordings attracted former Xysma vocalist Joanitor Muurinen to join the group. By the end of 2000, Mannhai signed a record deal with Finnish label Spinefarm Records. On January 24, 2001, the band began recording their debut album, "The Sons of Yesterday's Black Grouse", at Seawolf Studios in Helsinki. The album was later licensed to Nuclear Blast's sub-label Revolution for a European release in September 2001. In late 2002, Mannhai prepared to release their second album, "Evil Under the Sun", through Spinefarm Records. The album included a cover of "A New Day Yesterday" by Jethro Tull. Guitarist Mikko Raita and drummer Mikko Pietinen later formed a progressive rock project named Luokkasota, which included Finntroll and Moonsorrow keyboardist Henri Sorvali and Prode bassist Jussi Korhonen. Mannhai recorded their third album, "The Exploder", with producer Jürgen Hendlmeier at Soundtrack Studio in Helsinki. Originally scheduled for a February 2004 release, the album was later delayed until April. In November of that year, vocalist Joanitor Muurinen left the band and was replaced by Trond "The Wolf" Skog from the Norwegian band Honc