STAKULA

The founder and leader of the band, Stakula plays sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor and bass saxes, clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet and the almighty Eb Tubax, a special contrabass saxophone built by Benedikt Eppelsheim. In addition to this huge setup, he also plays some ancient woodwinds such as duduk, shehnai and ney, occasional sanshin, erhu, guitars, basses and keyboards.
In his spare time he does a lot of composing and sound design for various video, film and game productions, including upcoming solo projects. Visit his site www.stakula.comfor more information.

JARKKO NIEMELÄ

Jarkko Niemelä plays trumpet and alto horn. He is the newest member and has fitted in to the brotherhood of Alamaailman Vasarat from the first day.

He studied music in Pop & Rock Conservatory of Jyväskylä and also graduated from University of Jyväskylä as Master of Science in physics. After working five years at the Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland, he quit his job in 2011 to concentrate solely on music.  He also plays in Finnish gypsy-balkan-band Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Rahaand other bands.

MIIKKA HUTTUNEN

Miikka Huttunen plays pump organ and grand piano. He is a music producer/recording engineer and has his own studio in Kruununhaka, Helsinki.

TUUKKA HELMINEN

Tuukka Helminen plays the cello. He joined the band when Marko had a major hand injury year 2002, replacing him for a period of recovery. After Marko got back, Tuukka was asked to join the band permanently simply because two cellos are better than one! Since then he has spiced up the the band’s sound with his own distinctive style, personality and talent.

After finishing his music studies at West Helsinki Institute of Music he has appeared on over 20 different CD’s and compilations with 10 different groups. In addition to AV, he also composes and produces music with his friends.

MARKO MANNINEN

Marko Manninen plays the cello. He has studied music at West Helsinki Institute of Music and played in many bands during the years. In addition to the commitment in blood to AV, he has recently appeared in the latest CD’s from Charon and Verenpisara. When he is not squeaking his old piece of wood, he is working as a Psychological Researcher in KTL.

SANTERI SAKSALA

Santeri Saksala plays drums and other percussive instruments. He joined the band in late 2010 and is the latest addition to the group. After graduating from Helsinki Pop/Jazz Conservatory he has worked as a freelance drummer, toured and recorded with many artists and bands such as Five Fifteen, Torpedo and Jonna’s Problem.