In 1993, Jonne Järvelä started the project that would later evolve into Shaman. Under the moniker Shamaani Duo, an ambient/folk project, a first CD was released in 1996 titled “Hunka Lunka”. The project had both male and female vocals and some of the melodies where later reused on Shaman songs. Some Shaman tracks appeared on the Shamaani Duo-album in an early form.

In 2003 Shaman changed their name. Now they are known as Korpiklaani