Finnish hardcore pioneers Terveet Kädet announce “Subterra” album and release “Nylkijä” video

Finnish hardcore punk pioneers Terveet Kädet have announced that their new album, “Subterra”, will arrive in February 2027 through Svart Records. The release will end a recording break of nearly four years. The band’s first taste of the record comes in the form of “Nylkijä”, accompanied by a self-produced music video.

Formed in 1979, Terveet Kädet have earned an international reputation that extends far beyond Finland, influencing musicians including members of Sepultura, Lee Dorrian and Mike Patton.

Guitarist Ilari Kinnunen explained that the writing process for “Subterra” was different from previous albums. He composed the music, while the lyrics were developed together with vocalist Läjä Äijälä and bassist Lene. The songs received less rehearsal time than usual before taking shape during recording.

“Nylkijä” was originally intended for another band

According to Kinnunen, the opening track was initially written for the second album by Lapin Helvetti. After the group reworked it into a more direct arrangement, the song unexpectedly became both the album opener and its first single.

“Originally, I thought we could have left the whole song off the album, but it turned out to be a damn fine track!”

Äijälä also explained the song’s dark lyrical theme: its central character seems to need another person’s pain or suffering in order to be happy, raising the possibility that the character is a sadist.

“Subterra” is scheduled for release in February 2027, with further album details expected later. Watch the video for “Nylkijä” below:

Terveet Kädet is a Finnish hardcore punk ensemble established in Tornio in January 1980. They have exerted significant influence on international bands, notably in Brazil, potentially due to a member’s connections with the prominent band Olho Seco and their enthusiasm for the scene.

Max Cavalera of Sepultura and Soulfly has cited Terveet Kädet as one of his all-time preferred bands. The group’s lineup underwent multiple changes, with vocalist Veli-Matti “Läjä” Äijälä serving as the sole consistent member.

In March 2016, the band announced its dissolution via Facebook. Svart Records issued a comprehensive compilation of their works from the 1980s, titled “TK Pop 1980-1989,” in 2019.

Läjä Äijälä’s current band, Lapin Helvetti, conducted a brief tour during summer and autumn 2019 to promote this release, performing exclusively songs from the compilation. The name Terveet Kädet translates to “Healthy Hands.”