Quite surreally SHAMAN began life as an in house restaurant band in Lapland. First assembled in 1993 as SHAMAANI-DUO the pairing of Jonne Järvelä and Maaren Aikio performed seven days a week at the Hullu Poro ('Crazy Reindeer') eating establishment in Lapland. In 1997 Järvelä founded a new electrified version of the band for the 'Idja' album. This record defined the band's distinct sound with all songs sung in the native Sámi language. The band would then take a break whilst Järvelä performed on FINNTROLL's 2001 'Jaktens Tid' album.

SHAMAN re-emerged with the 'Shamániac' album in 2002. However, upon discovery of the high profile Brazilian act bearing the same name the band switched title from SHAMAN to KORPIKLAANI ("Clan of the woods") during July of 2003. With this name change the group also opted to change tack in musical too, adopting traditional Finnish folk melodies. This would be effected with the introduction of a fresh set of musicians in guitarist Toni Honkanen, bass player Arto Tissari, violinist Jaakko 'Hittavainen' Lemmetty, percussionist, Ali Määttä and drummer Matson. Signing to Napalm Records KORPIKLAANI debuted with the November 2003 release 'Spirit Of The Forest'.