FOREST based heavy metal band Karhu are set to rock both Cinderford and Coleford next week, at the culmination of their first UK tour, to promote the release of their debut album "Survival Of The Richest".

The band, who have been writing their own material for four years now, made the news last year when they recruited a new guitarist, Osku Kinnunen, from a thousand miles away in eastern Finland. Fellow guitarist Joe Parry explained to the Review: "I had met Ollie (drums) at college in 2008 and we started work then on our own material. But finding another guitarist was tricky – so we posted up a request on Facebook about a year ago and within a couple of days we were talking to Osku. He slotted right into place." But the last two eventful months has seen the band finalise their line-up – by recruiting bassist Matthew Morris – complete the recording and production of their debut album, and develop their stage show ready for a hectic tour of Britain, starting with a clutch of dates in the North West before taking in Birmingham, London and South Wales – and which include shows in Coleford, Cinderford and Gloucester along the way. "These are our first ever dates, and we are really looking forward to getting out there and proving what we've recorded will stand up live," said Joe.

Karhu, Finnish for a bear, provided the perfect name for the band – not only through Osku's origins, but also because it was a nickname for Joe given him by his girlfriend.

A recent review of the album appeared on the Rockblog website. It read: " 'Survival of the Richest' is an astonishing album, which rates as world class and proves Karhu are destined for international acclaim. Combining the technical brilliance of the likes of Dream Theater with the sonic light and shade of Metallica or Lamb of God makes for a rock debut that will be very hard to equal."

So, no pressure then lads.

Karhu's UK tour reaches Coleford Magnums Nightclub on this Wednesday July 11, Cinderford Miners Welfare Hall the following night, and Gloucester Brunswick on Friday July 13.