Vandaalit

Vandaalit (The Vandals) is a punk band from Hyvinkää. They have been active as musicians ever since the mid-70's, when they were known as Hard-Boiled and performed Hurriganes-type rock'n'roll in English. It all changed in 1977 when they heard Ramones' 2nd LP "Leave Home" being introduced on the radio. The boys changed into fast punk rockers, opted a new name Schlachthof Fünf (did they read Vonnegut?) and soon switched to singing in Finnish after seeing punk pioneers Eppu Normaali. As a four-man unit named Vandaalit, they sent a demo tape to super manager Kari Heimonen (Dead End 5). He promised them a second billing in Johnny Thunders' gig, but unfortunately the man never arrived to Finland after all and that was just about the last time anyone heard about Vandaalit for a long while. Vocalist Vesa Häkli, bassist Sepi Rautiainen, guitarist Pekka "Piitsi" Huhtakallio and drummer Ari Lindroos debuted on record as one of the 18 bands on the legendary punk compilation "Hilse" (1979). Their contribution was "Älä Pilaa Nuoruuttasi" (Don't Ruin Your Youth). Apparently their song became so popular that they were allowed four songs on the sequel "Hilse 2" (1980). One of these four songs were their first-ever composition "En Ole Nainen". Making his debut on a Vandaalit recording was new guitarist Jari "Klide" Pelkonen, whom the other guys had noticed playing in a punk band called Hermones. (Kimmo) Miettinen, who had a punk fanzine and a record label both named Hilse (=Dandruff), released both the Hilse comps and Vandaalit's first LP "Namuja Lapsille" (Sweets For the Children). 15 angry but fun punk rants comprised the debut album which is guaranteed to contain no musical variety. Just full-speed aural assaulting all the way. 'Namuja Lapsille' was finally given a CD release last year, with three bonus tracks: the "Betonikolossit/Hipinreuhake" 7'' + 'Kaikkein Komein' from Hilse 2. Sepi Rautiainen headed off to Canada after the debut LP was released and lived there until his death from cancer in the liver in 2004. Aki "Appa Nasaretilainen" Kuronen became the new bassist. Häkli only did backing vocals on the 2nd LP "Raaputtamalla Rokkia" (Rock'n'Roll By Scratching), instead the leads were sung by Klide. Häkli was also absent on the last release before a LONG break - the "Heikot Sortuu Elontiellä" 7''. I don't know where he had vanished, but at least he formed Van Hurskas with former Hurskas vocalist Johnny in 1984. One single appeared on Miettinen's Kumibeat label, "Viikonloppueläin". Another assignment for Häkli was Billy Boys with Terveet Kädet man Läjä Äijälä. Two singles and a mini-LP during 1983-1986, described as experimental electronic psychobilly. Ari and Klide formed hard glam band Sticky Fingers in 1984, and made the "Fight For Fun" LP in 1984. Vandaalit decided to re-unit after seeing each other on Klide's 30th birthday. This reunion lasted for three years and produced two more albums, "Apinoiden Platta" (1992), which the boys regard as their best, and "Psykoakatemia" (1993). Vandaalit took great care in their street boy/labourer image, with leather jackets, and guitar straps so long that the instruments almost sweeped the floor. On their records they were far from any preachers or intellectuals, just fun-loving guys who liked playing music much more than going to school or to work.