Country of origin:
Austria
Location:
Leobendorf, Lower Austria
Status:
Active
Formed in:
2011
Genre:
Post-Black Metal
Themes:
Urban life, Emotions, Dreams (early); Spirituality, Nature, Social criticism
Current label:
AOP Records
Years active:
2011-present
Viikate (Scythe) is a Finnish metal band from Kouvola, formed in 1996. The band is known for its melancholic lyrics, drawing inspiration from Finnish romance movies of the 1950s and Finnish singers of the era, including Reino Helismaa. Their style has been variously described as "Helismaa-metal," "wire metal," and "death schlagers." The band began with Kaarle and Simeoni Viikate who remained the only members of the band until 2001, when Arvo and Ervo joined. The band's most well-known hits are Pohjoista viljaa (Northern Crops), Ei enkeleitä (No Angels) and Viina, Terva & Hauta (Booze, Tar & The Grave).
Kaarle and Simeoni got the idea of starting the band when watching Lyijykomppania's last concert.
Members:
- Kaarle Viikate (Kalle Virtanen) / vocals, guitar - Simeoni Viikate (Simo Kairistola) / drums - Arvo Viikate (Ari Taiminen) / guitar, vocals - Ervo Viikate (Erkka Koskinen) / bass, vocals