Poets of the Fall

Poets of the Fall

Poets of the Fall is a Finnish rock band from Helsinki, active since 2002. The group’s core line-up is Marko Saaresto on vocals, Olli Tukiainen on guitar and Markus Kaarlonen on keyboards, and the full membership also includes Jaakko Mäkinen, Jari Salminen and Jani Snellman. The band works across alternative rock, pop rock and rock.

Formation and early releases

The band first gains attention through its title theme for Max Payne 2, Late Goodbye. That track later appears as a single. Another early single, Lift, follows and becomes a major hit. Their debut album, Signs of Life, reaches number one on the Finnish Top 40 and stays on the chart for more than a year.

Their second album, Carnival of Rust, is released in 2006. It is preceded by the title track as a single, and is followed by singles including Sorry Go ’Round and Locking Up the Sun. Both Signs of Life and Carnival of Rust reach platinum status in Finland.

Name and recognition

The name Poets of the Fall is explained as a pairing of opposites, with “Poets” representing the positive side and “the Fall” the negative. The band receives several awards and honours, including Best Finnish Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2006, two Emma Awards in 2005 for best debut album and best new act, Best Finnish band at the NRJ Radio Awards in 2006, and the Commercial Radio Stations’ Newcomer of the Year Award in 2005. Their video for Carnival of Rust also receives recognition, including Best Music Video of 2006 at The Voice, two bronze Muuvi Awards, and a Best Finnish Music Video of all time title from TV2’s Musiikki-TV.