Mokoma is a Finnish metal band from Lappeenranta. Formed in 1996 as a solo project by singer Marko Annala, the group later expanded into a full lineup featuring guitarists Tuomo Saikkonen and Kuisma Aalto, bassist Santtu Hämäläinen and drummer Janne Hyrkäs. Their early studio recordings, Valu (1999) and Mokoman 120 päivää (2001), featured a sound influenced by traditional rock. The band shifted to thrash metal with the release of the 2003 album Kurimus, which was the first recording issued through their own label, Sakara Records. Their next studio album, Tämän maailman ruhtinaan hovi (2004), reached number 2 on the Finnish charts and was named album of the year by Inferno magazine. The group's subsequent studio releases, Kuoleman laulukunnaat (2006), Luihin ja ytimiin (2007) and Sydänjuuret (2010), all reached Number 1 on the national album chart. In 2011, the band released the acoustic compilation Varjopuoli, which reached number 5. Their discography also includes the singles “Sydän paikallaan” (2011) and “Valkoista kohinaa” (2012). The ensemble has received several Finnish Metal Awards and earned gold certifications for multiple releases.
