The story of swamplords started in 1992 when Pekka Kokko (vocals & bass), Anssi Seppänen(guitar) and Petri Sankala (drums) founded Ancestor.
After several demo tapes and line-up changes Pekkas brother Antti joined the band in 1997. The last nail to Ancestors coffin was demo-CD "Under the Burbot`s Nest" in 1998.
In 1999 there was Pekka, Antti and Petri left of Ancestor. They took keyboardist Antti-Matti Talala in the band and changed the name from Ancestor to Kalmah. Guys needed a fresh start in this it was.
The very first Kalmah cd "Svieri Obraza" was recorded at NEO-studios Oulu in Autumn 1999. Demos 3 powerful, melodic and fast songs were kind of a preview of what these guys could do. This tape was made only for promotion and the goal was getting the recording deal finally.
In spring 2000 the tape was sent to Spikefarm records. The crew of Spikefarm got excited and recording deal was made.
Then began the rehearsals for the debut album "Swamplord". Line-up changed a bit and Antti-Matti Talala(keys) was replaced by Pasi Hiltula. Altti Veteläinen(bass) filled the vacance of basist.
In October 2000 guys headed for the Tico-Tico studios. They recorded 8 songs for the "Swamplord". Ahti Kortelainen recorded and mixed the album. Line-up on swamplord was Pekka Kokko(g,v), Antti Kokko(g), Petri Sankala(d), Pasi Hiltula(k) and Altti Veteläinen(b). Swamplord was released 11.11 here in Finland and during the dollowing year in Russia, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, USA, Canada and Brazil.
Year 2001 was a time of change for the band when it comes to the line-up. In autumn Petri and Altti left the band because of their personal reasons. Replacements were Timo Lehtinen(b) and Janne Kusmin(d) from Catamenia. After the line-up change guys had 5 weeks to write the material for the next album. Luckily they managed to get the material up on time. The studio began in the beginning of November.
The recordings of album "They Will Return" progressed fluently. Mixing and recording were made by Ahti Kortelainen. Album was filled with 7 new songs, one re-arranged song from "Svieri Obraza" demo and one cover song from Megadeth, which have been Anttis and Pekkas main influencer on their music carrier. The album was released 4.2.2002 in Finland.
Source: http://www.kalmah.com/
