AJATTARA, based in Helsinki, is the side endeavour of AMORPHIS frontman Pasi Koskinen going under the pseudonym of 'Ruoja'. This project, a much heavier proposition than his main concern, debuted in 1996 and issued the demo 'Helvetissä On Syntisen Taivas" ('Sinner's Heaven Is In Hell' ) in 1998. Bass player Atoni is Toni Larmasta of NORTHERN DISCIPLINE whilst drummer Malakias (Antti Salo) is also active with PESTICORE and ANTENNA.

Utilising Savonlinna's Sundi Coop Studios AJATTARA cut the albums 'Itse' in 2001, 'Kuolema' during 2003 and a late 2004 outing entitled 'Tyhjyys' all for Spinefarm Records, the latter entering the national Finnish album charts at a highly respectable no. 27. AJATTARA saw a line-up change in June of 2004, inducting new drummer Malakias III (a.k.a. Atte Sarkima), a veteran of VERENPISARA, CHRISTINE, HAVANA BLACK and FIVE FIFTEEN. The new percussionist would engage himself in extracurricular activities with Heavy Metal / Hard Rock covers band LORDS OF THUNDER alongside Esa Holopainen and Santeri Kallio of AMORPHIS, Janne Joutsenniemi from SUBURBAN TRIBE and the VELCRA and RUST credited Mikko Herranen. Performing songs by the likes of WHITESNAKE, IRON MAIDEN and W.A.S.P. the band embarked upon a Finnish tour in late September of 2004. AJATTARA's December 2004 single 'Ilon Päivä' debuted at number 2 in the Finnish charts.

On 5th January 2005 Atte Sarkima gathered with Finland's Metal community at Helsinki's Rock 'n' Roll Station to pay homage to the recently murdered PANTERA / DAMAGEPLAN guitarist Darrell 'Dimebag' Abbott by by forming up a one off PANTERA tribute band DIMEN NIMEEN ("In Dime's Name!"). Other musicians featured in this collective included Alexi Laiho and Roope Latvala of CHILDREN OF BODOM, Tony Jelencovich from TRANSPORT LEAGUE, Petteri Hirvanen and Nicke of MONSTERBALL, Toni, Pete, Kride and Jukkis of NORTHER and Nico, Euge and OJ from GODSPLAGUE amongst many others.

In mid April Pasi Koskinen acted as temporary frontman for fellow Finns MANNHAI for European touring. A new album, entitled 'Äpäre', would be readied for March 2006 issue. A Christmas 2005 single, 'Joulusingle' featuring new track 'Teuras', backed by a cover of the track 'Kansallispäivä', originally Finnish band SIELUN VELJET, entered the charts at number 15, rising to number 2 the following week. AJATTARA returned to the charts in November 2006 when the single 'Sika' hit number 2.