BIOMarkus Räipiö is a Finnish bassist and backing vocalist originally from Lemi, known for his melodic intuition, rhythmic precision, and groove-driven approach to heavy music. His career spans decades and continents — from Finland’s late-’80s metal underground to Singapore’s live stages and the modern Finnish progressive and atmospheric metal scene.Markus began his musical journey in the late 1980s with Wendigo, a progressive-leaning thrash metal band formed in Lemi. As bassist and backing vocalist, he helped shape Wendigo’s technically intricate yet emotionally charged sound. The band toured widely across Finland, sharing stages with acts such as YUP, and became an influential force in the underground metal scene. Some Wendigo members later joined Mokoma and Popeda, and the band’s legacy is acknowledged in Stam1na’s official biography as one of the early influences behind the Lemi metal wave. Wendigo eventually disbanded when its members went on to study in different parts of Finland — marking the end of a formative chapter in Markus’s early career.After Wendigo, Markus took a long break from performing to focus on studies, work, and family, stepping away from music as professional life and parenthood became his priorities. In 2007, he and his family relocated to Singapore, where a new chapter began.There, Markus joined Dead in 5, a Singapore-based heavy rock and groove metal band that reignited his passion for live performance. The group became part of Singapore’s active underground scene, performing in local venues and rebuilding Markus’s connection to stage work.In 2010, Markus co-founded the Second Season Project, a multinational band with members from Finland, Singapore, Ireland, and Australia. The band became a fixture in Singapore’s live circuit, performing in multiple venues every month until 2015. Their melodic and progressive metal sound reflected Markus’s expanding creative vision and his deep appreciation for rhythm and musical interplay.Upon returning to Finland, Markus briefly joined Lost in Haven, a studio-based metal project that released the single “Shroud of Sin”, marking a creative bridge between his international work and his upcoming Finnish collaborations.In 2020, Markus co-founded Kaira together with Jasse Jatala. As bassist, backing vocalist, and co-architect of the band’s sound, he helped shape Kaira’s distinctive fusion of doom, death, and black metal enriched with ambient and progressive textures. Kaira’s discography includes the debut single “Seitsemän” (May 2021, reissued Apr 2023), the EP Viimeinen valo (Aug 2023) featuring songs such as “Viitta,” “Vanki,” and “Hopean luola,” the 2023 singles “Vanki” and “Levottomat,” and the 2025 single “Sairas Paska,” which drew strong media attention in Finland for its raw energy and lyrical honesty.In 2023, Markus joined Verilehto, a Finnish black-metal band inspired by folklore and the darker side of nature. His addition brought low-end depth and melodic balance to the band’s evolving sound. Verilehto’s next album, Aarnihauta, will be released on November 28, 2025 via Inverse Records.From his thrash beginnings in Lemi to international collaborations and Finland’s modern metal resurgence, Markus’s career reflects both artistic evolution and authenticity. His musicianship merges technical precision with groove and emotion — proof that even in the heaviest music, feel and heart remain at the core.Notable bands & releases:Kaira — Seitsemän (2021 single / 2023 reissue), Viimeinen valo (2023 EP), Vanki (2023 single), Levottomat (2023 single), Sairas Paska (2025 single)Verilehto — Aarnihauta (2025 album, Inverse Records)Lost in Haven — Shroud of Sin (single)Second Season Project — live performances and independent recordings (2010–2015)Dead in 5 — live performances (2007–2010)Wendigo — early ’90s demos including Mindstorming (1991)