The band Kivunkantajat consists of Finnish metal musicians. Back row from left: Ville Juvonen, Tony Kaikkonen, Valtteri Revonkorpi, Noora Louhimo, Timo Rautiainen, Teemu Liekkala, and Samuli Federley. Front row from left: Peter Engberg, Nils Ursin, Marko Hietala, and Jarkko Martikainen. Photo: Vilja Harala / Finnish Red Cross
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A group of well-known Finnish metal musicians has formed the charity band Kivunkantajat to release the song Tee tänne taivas on 7 March. The track aims to raise awareness of youth loneliness and provide hope for those struggling. All streaming and sales proceeds will be donated to the Finnish Red Cross Youth Shelters, which offer crisis support and temporary housing for young people aged 12–29.
The band features 11 musicians from various Finnish metal and rock bands. Vocalists include Marko Hietala, Tony Kaikkonen, Noora Louhimo, Jarkko Martikainen, and Timo Rautiainen. The lineup also includes Peter Engberg, Samuli Federley, Teemu Liekkala on guitar, Valtteri Revonkorpi on drums, and Nils Ursin on bass, who also composed the song. The lyrics were written by Jarkko Martikainen, with orchestration by Ville Juvonen. The song is released by Sakara Records alongside a music video directed by Anssi Korhonen.
Kivunkantajat was born from bassist Nils Ursin’s growing concern over youth loneliness and the work of the Finnish Red Cross Youth Shelters.
“Even after working with young people for over 30 years, I was shocked by the scale of loneliness among them. I knew I had to do something,” Ursin said.
The Finnish Red Cross Loneliness Barometer found that 66% of 16–24-year-olds experience loneliness at least a few times a month. The impact of loneliness, including mental health struggles, is also evident at the Youth Shelters.
“Our most common cases involve mental well-being, relationship challenges, and crisis situations, with loneliness often playing a role,” said Pentti Savolainen, director of the Youth Shelter programme.
By streaming or purchasing Tee tänne taivas, listeners can directly support Youth Shelters. Donations can also be made via MobilePay to number 19020.
“We are truly grateful that Kivunkantajat are bringing attention to youth struggles and supporting our work,” Savolainen said. “We hope this song helps spread the message that help is available and no one has to face their struggles alone.”
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
