Throughout the ages people have used words and music to describe what has been happening in their local areas: the implacable face of nature, the uncompromising harshness of their lives filled with accidents, murder and passion. Local history makes for powerful stories, as full of joy and sorrow as life itself. Real Life Stories from the North is the result of a thorough search in the archives for songs about drowning accidents in Jämtland, knife-toting gangs in Hälsingland, mail robbery in Norrbotten and tragedy in Västerbotten. They tell of real events that have touched the emotions of many - in the Hollywood phrase 'based on a true story'. The CD comes with an extensive 48page booklet with original contemporary comments on the events (incl. English translations). Triakel consists of Emma Härdelin, voice and violin, Kjell-Erik Eriksson, violin and Janne Strömstedt, harmonium. All three have earned an excellent reputation in the Swedish folk scene. The groups founding arose from a lost New Year's Eve bet, as a result of which Kjell-Erik and Janne played together with harmonium and violin in December 1994. The performance was so convincing that they decided to continue the project. The duo strengthened with Emma as a singer. With her, the band was complete. Since then, the trio has performed throughout Sweden and 15 other European countries. They also toured Japan, the U.S.A and Canada. Triakel plays 'Weisen' typical for Scandinavia, in Swedish visor (singular: visa). The repertoire ranges from traditional folk songs to psalms and old revue songs. Often, the old folk songs have their origins in Jämtland and Hälsingland in central northern Sweden, the home regions of the musicians. The music is unpretentious but full of inner tension and authenticity. The arrangements, tailored to Emma's vocals, shape the sound of the trio. This reflects the aspiration of the three musicians for the acoustic, the intimate and the simple. Triakel are Emma Härdelin (vocals, fiddle - also known as singer of Garmarna), Janne Strömstedt (harmonium, organ) and Kjell-Erik Eriksson (fiddle - among others know from folk-rock band Hoven Droven).