Kimpatrik delivers authentic rock music straight from the heart of Finland, but with a global flair. This is a solo project helmed by seasoned musician Hakim Hietikko. A versatile artist with a rich history, Hakim is a fearless traveler on his musical journey. We sat down with him to explore his bands, diverse musical styles, his unique approach to creating music, and how he survived a life-threatening car accident—with some unexpected help from Finnish comedian Jope Ruonansuu.

The video has subtitles in English, German, and French.

At the turn of the millennium, Hakim was active in a band called Oxygenol, which won the Ääni ja Vimma band competition. After moving to Sweden, he joined a band named Dechas, which also went on to win a band competition, this time Sweden’s Emergenza.

However, a European tour that followed was abruptly cut short in Latvia by a serious car accident. Miraculously, everyone survived. One of these miracles came in the form of Jope Ruonansuu, who, upon hearing about it, rallied a large group of people and organizations to arrange for Hakim’s return to Finland for the necessary medical care.

Hakim’s musical journey continued back in Finland with a band called April, which garnered support from labels like Spinefarm Records. Their modern rock with a hint of metal resonated across Finland, with gigs in venues nationwide, including Tuska Festival in 2006.

Finnish alternative and crossover metal band, April. April was signed to Spinefarm Records and toured extensively across Finland. April's singer and frontman was Hakim Hietikko. Other founding members included Mikko Merilinna, Janne Aulavuori, Maarik Leppä, and J.Fatal. Later members in April included Tuomas Rauhala, Mikko Huovila, Jaakko Pulkki, and Kimmo Enroth.
Finnish crossover band April in Helsinki, 2007 (Photo: Jarmo Katila)

The next chapter took an unexpected twist toward uncharted territory. Hakim became part of a musical hybrid known as For The Imperium. The band boldly fused experimental metal with virtually anything imaginable. Their technical prowess and high-energy stage performances caught the attention of Warner Music Finland and a record contract was finalized. The band toured extensively, even across Europe, and notably the Wacken Festival in 2014.

For The Imperium was a Finnish progressive metal band. It's founding members included Hakim Hietikko, Ville Suorsa, Jyri Helko and Tuomas Rauhala. For The Imperium signed a record contract with Warner Music Finland and released two full-length albums internationally.
For The Imperium in 2010; Tuomas Rauhala, Hakim Hietikko, Ville Suorsa, Jyri Helko. (Photo: Marko Simonen)

During this hectic phase, Hakim found a creative outlet in Kannibalen Svensson, a playful Swedish-language Finnish rock band that prioritized fun and didn’t take itself too seriously.

Another sharp turn followed with Blodivostok, blending electronic music with live instrumentation. Brothers Tuomas and Panu Rauhala, former members of For The Imperium, joined this passion project, where they once again tossed out all traditional musical rules.

Blodivostok is a Finnish experimental electronic music band. Blodivostok's members are Hakim Hietikko, Tuomas Rauhala and Panu Rauhala. Blodivostok released their debut albun Human Furioso in 2021 as an independent release.
Blodivostok in 2020; Panu Rauhala, Tuomas Rauhala, Hakim Hietikko. (Photo: Marko Simonen)

Hakim’s aspirations extended beyond Finland, culminating in the gradual development of Kimpatrik, his bold solo project that has already captured the interest of American industry players. At the time of writing, Hakim appears to be on the verge of a major breakthrough. We eagerly await what the coming months have in store.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who is musician Kimpatrik?

Kimpatrik is the musical solo project by Finnish veteran musician Hakim Hietikko. Kimpatrik plays melodic rock music with an international flair.

Which bands is Hakim Hietikko known for?

Hakim Hietikko’s former bands include Oxygenol, Dechas (Sweden), April, For The Imperium, Blodivostok, Kannibalen Svensson, and most currently Kimpatrik.

What is the connection between Hakim Hietikko and Finnish comedian Jope Ruonansuu?

After hearing about Hakim’s involvement in a near-fatal car crash in Latvia, 2003, Jope Ruonansuu collected a large group of people, alongside with the Finnish Red Cross, to fly Hakim back to Finland to receive necessary medical care.