Raskasta Joulua is a Finnish heavy metal and symphonic Christmas rock project from Finland, founded in 2004 by the guitarist Erkka Korhonen. The project records traditional Christmas carols and hits in a heavy metal style; its name translates to “heavy Yule”. The project includes the bassist Erkki Silvennoinen, the drummer Mirka Rantanen, the guitarist Tuomas Wäinölä, and the keyboardist Vili Ollila. The project issued its debut studio album, Raskasta Joulua, in 2004 through T2 Productions, featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. In 2006, the project released Raskaampaa Joulua via Warner Music Finland. The project has toured annually since 2005. Subsequent recordings include Raskasta Joulua (2013), which achieved platinum status in Finland, Raskasta Joulua Kaksi (2014), and its first English-language album, Ragnarok Juletide (2014). Vocalists associated with the project include Marko Hietala, Ari Koivunen, Tony Kakko, Tarja Turunen, and Floor Jansen. Other releases include the album Viides Adventti (2022).
