TIMO RAUTIAINEN & TRIO NISKALAUKAUS is a Finnish language Metal band centred on erstwhile LYIJYKOMPPANIA man Timo Rautiainen. Both guitarist Jarkko Patosalmi and bassist Nils Ursin are ex-PARAXISM members. Patosalmi also holds SACRED CRUCIFIX connections. The combo has achieved quite enormous commercial success in their homeland.

The band's 2001 'In Frostigen Tälern' album comprised songs from their first brace of albums but newly recorded with German lyrics. Live work in Germany to back up the release had the band as opening act to HIM. In December Guitarist Karri Rämö bowed out to concentrate his efforts on his band PSYCHE DEL BUZZ. In his stead came PRIVATE LINE member Jari Huttunen.

The March 2002 chart topping album 'Rajaportti', produced by Jarkko Martikainen of YUP, launched three Finnish hit singles. 'Elegia', released in May included a cover version of SIELUN VELJET's 'Mustamaalaan'. September's 'Lumessakahlaajat' saw another cover, a take on 'Tie' originally by SAKARI KUOSMANEN. The album itself subsequently came issued as a lavish gatefold vinyl version courtesy of the Oskun Divari label.

The seasonal 'Tiernapojat' was made up of a traditional Christmas play with guesting vocalists Ismo Alanko, Toni Wirtanen of APULANTA and YUP's Jarkko Martikainen. 'Tiernapojat' peaked at number 1.

Touring in November and December 2002 saw the keyboard player Tuomas Holopainen of NIGHTWISH aiding onstage. A re-issued 'Tiernapojat' out for the 2003 seasonal period hit number 1 again. Guest appearances from NIGHTWISH members featured on the 2004 album 'Kylmä Tila' included Tuomas Holopainen aiding on keyboards for the songs 'Juoksevan Veden Aika' and 'Kylmä Tila', whilst Marco Hietala appeared on the track 'Älkää Selvittäkö'. APOCALYPTICA's Eicca Toppinen guests on the track 'Juoksevan Veden Aika'. 'Kylmä Tila' debuted at no. 1 on the Finnish charts. The band's December 2004 single 'Tiernapojat', on it's third issue, entered the national Finnish charts at number 8.

In 2006 SWALLOW THE SUN recorded a cover version of the TIMO RAUTIAINEN & TRIO NISKALAUKAUS' song 'Alavilla Mailla', with AMORPHIS singer Tomi Joutsen on vocals. Although TIMO RAUTIAINEN & TRIO NISKALAUKAUS had been on hiatus since 2004 in November 2006 they announced officially they were to cease operations. Drummer Seppo Pohjolainen busied himself as vocalist for SEPPO ALVARI & MAMBOO KINGS. Guitarists Jari Huttunen and Jarkko Petosalmi continued to play together in the band DARK DAYS AHEAD whilst Petosalmi was also operational as a member of WHERE VICTIMS LIE.