{"id":16751,"date":"2025-01-30T10:44:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T10:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/?p=16751"},"modified":"2025-10-28T17:46:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T17:46:56","slug":"kimpatrik-finnish-rock-music-with-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/blog\/kimpatrik-finnish-rock-music-with-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"Kimpatrik &#8211; Finnish rock music with heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span id=\"kimpatrik-solo-music-project-by-finnish-musician-hakim-hietikko\"><strong>Kimpatrik<\/strong><\/span> delivers authentic rock music straight from the heart of Finland, but with a global flair. This is a solo project helmed by seasoned musician <span id=\"hakim-hietikko-known-from-finnish-bands-for-the-imperium-and-april\"><strong>Hakim Hietikko<\/strong><\/span>. 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\u2014with some unexpected help from Finnish comedian Jope Ruonansuu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The video has subtitles in <strong>English<\/strong>, <strong>German<\/strong>, and <strong>French<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;\">\n<iframe \n  src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JvTqr4FZGSQ?\"\n  frameborder=\"0\"\n  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\"\n  allowfullscreen\n  referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"\n  title=\"YouTube video player\"\n  style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\">\n<\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>At the turn of the millennium, Hakim was active in a band called <strong>Oxygenol<\/strong>, which won the <strong>\u00c4\u00e4ni ja Vimma<\/strong> band competition. After moving to Sweden, he joined a band named <strong>Dechas<\/strong>, which also went on to win a band competition, this time Sweden\u2019s <strong>Emergenza<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s return to Finland for the necessary medical care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hakim\u2019s musical journey continued back in Finland with a band called <span id=\"band-april-from-finland-with-spinefarm-records-finnish-modern-heavy-metal-music\"><strong>April<\/strong><\/span>, which garnered support from labels like <strong>Spinefarm Records<\/strong>. Their modern rock with a hint of metal resonated across Finland, with gigs in venues nationwide, including <strong>Tuska Festival<\/strong> in 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/april-finnish-alternative-rock-band-hakim-hietikko.jpg\" alt=\"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 Lepp\u00e4, and J.Fatal. Later members in April included Tuomas Rauhala, Mikko Huovila, Jaakko Pulkki, and Kimmo Enroth.\" class=\"wp-image-16723\" title=\"Finnish band April reached serious national recognition\" srcset=\"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/april-finnish-alternative-rock-band-hakim-hietikko.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/april-finnish-alternative-rock-band-hakim-hietikko-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/april-finnish-alternative-rock-band-hakim-hietikko-768x476.jpg 768w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/april-finnish-alternative-rock-band-hakim-hietikko-600x372.jpg 600w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/april-finnish-alternative-rock-band-hakim-hietikko-800x496.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Finnish crossover band April in Helsinki, 2007 (Photo: Jarmo Katila)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The next chapter took an unexpected twist toward uncharted territory. Hakim became part of a musical hybrid known as <span id=\"for-the-imperium-was-finnish-progressive-metal-music\"><strong>For The Imperium<\/strong><\/span>. The band boldly fused experimental metal with virtually anything imaginable. Their technical prowess and high-energy stage performances caught the attention of <strong>Warner Music Finland<\/strong> and a record contract was finalized. The band toured extensively, even across Europe, and notably the <span id=\"for-the-imperium-performed-at-famous-german-wacken-festival-2014\"><strong>Wacken Festival<\/strong><\/span> in 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"643\" src=\"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-metal-band-for-the-imperium-hakim-hietikko-jyri-helko-tuomas-rauhala-ville-suorsa.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" class=\"wp-image-16727\" title=\"Metal band from Finland, For The Imperium, went on to play the famous Wacken Festival.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-metal-band-for-the-imperium-hakim-hietikko-jyri-helko-tuomas-rauhala-ville-suorsa.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-metal-band-for-the-imperium-hakim-hietikko-jyri-helko-tuomas-rauhala-ville-suorsa-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-metal-band-for-the-imperium-hakim-hietikko-jyri-helko-tuomas-rauhala-ville-suorsa-768x494.jpg 768w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-metal-band-for-the-imperium-hakim-hietikko-jyri-helko-tuomas-rauhala-ville-suorsa-600x386.jpg 600w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-metal-band-for-the-imperium-hakim-hietikko-jyri-helko-tuomas-rauhala-ville-suorsa-800x514.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>For The Imperium in 2010; Tuomas Rauhala, Hakim Hietikko, Ville Suorsa, Jyri Helko. (Photo: Marko Simonen)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During this hectic phase, Hakim found a creative outlet in <strong>Kannibalen Svensson<\/strong>, a playful Swedish-language Finnish rock band that prioritized fun and didn\u2019t take itself too seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another sharp turn followed with <strong>Blodivostok<\/strong>, blending electronic music with live instrumentation. Brothers <span id=\"finnish-drummer-tuomas-rauhala\"><strong>Tuomas<\/strong><\/span> and <span id=\"finnish-keyboardist-pianist-composer-producer-panu-rauhala\"><strong>Panu Rauhala<\/strong><\/span>, former members of For The Imperium, joined this passion project, where they once again tossed out all traditional musical rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-electronic-band-blodivostok-hakim-hietikko-panu-rauhala-tuomas-rauhala.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" class=\"wp-image-16725\" title=\"Hakim Hietikko and Blodivostok band from Finland.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-electronic-band-blodivostok-hakim-hietikko-panu-rauhala-tuomas-rauhala.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-electronic-band-blodivostok-hakim-hietikko-panu-rauhala-tuomas-rauhala-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-electronic-band-blodivostok-hakim-hietikko-panu-rauhala-tuomas-rauhala-768x475.jpg 768w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-electronic-band-blodivostok-hakim-hietikko-panu-rauhala-tuomas-rauhala-600x371.jpg 600w, https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/finnish-progressive-electronic-band-blodivostok-hakim-hietikko-panu-rauhala-tuomas-rauhala-800x494.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Blodivostok in 2020; Panu Rauhala, Tuomas Rauhala, Hakim Hietikko. (Photo: Marko Simonen)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hakim\u2019s aspirations extended beyond Finland, culminating in the gradual development of <strong>Kimpatrik<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<canvas id=\"accessibility-info-kimpatrik-hakim-hietikko-for-the-imperium-and-april\" width=\"50\" height=\"5\">Hakim Hietikko is known as Kimpatrik and also from previous bands For The Imperium and April.<\/canvas>\n<script>\nvar c = document.getElementById(\"accessibility-info-kimpatrik-hakim-hietikko-for-the-imperium-and-april\");\nvar ctx = c.getContext(\"2d\");\nctx.fillStyle = \"#ffffff\";\nctx.fillRect(0, 0, 8, 10);\n<\/script>\n<div class=\"alternate-description\">Kimpatrik aka Finnish musician Hakim Hietikko has gone through ups and downs in his musical career. Previously known from bands like For The Imperium and April, he now wants to reach the next stage by the name Kimpatrik.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is musician Kimpatrik?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kimpatrik is the musical solo project by Finnish veteran musician Hakim Hietikko. Kimpatrik plays melodic rock music with an international flair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which bands is Hakim Hietikko known for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hakim Hietikko&#8217;s former bands include Oxygenol, Dechas (Sweden), April, For The Imperium, Blodivostok, Kannibalen Svensson, and most currently Kimpatrik.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the connection between Hakim Hietikko and Finnish comedian Jope Ruonansuu?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After hearing about Hakim&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 1,\n      \"name\": \"Home\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 2,\n      \"name\": \"Blog\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/blog\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 3,\n      \"name\": \"Kimpatrik \u2013 Finnish rock music with heart\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/blog\/kimpatrik-finnish-rock-music-with-heart\/\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16750,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[177],"tags":[217],"class_list":["post-16751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-music-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16751"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30248,"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16751\/revisions\/30248"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saunazilla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}