Formed by Juha Salonen in 1969, the band started with Beaver Aitto-Oja on drums but later added Remu Aaltonen (Hurriganes) by 1970. By 1970 the band had picked up Albert Järvinen (also Hurriganes) and added a percussionist named Francis Looby but at the end of 1971, Järvinen left and Matti Kurkinen was brought in to replace him. Kurkinen previously played with Pekka Oohjola.
Aaltonen left the band and was replaced by Affe Forsman and additional members were found in vocalist Harri Saksala and woodwind player Sakari Kukko (founder of Piirpauke).
The year (1972) was not half over when Kukko and Foresman left the band and Markku Luukkanen took over on drums. This new formation made the album People No Names
Saksala left the band in 1974 and Kavala was reformed when Solenen moved to guitar so that Ari Vaahtera (ex-Orient Express, ex-Jig-Saw) could enter as bass player. Staying on was Kurkinie on guitar but original drummer Beaver Aitto-Oja returned from military service to the band.
Vocalist Leppänen was added leading to the 1975 recording Boogie Jungle a more straight forward album. As the band planned to tour, Kurkinen died in a car accident.
In 1976 the band brought in a keyboard player Raimo Karima. The release a single and in 1978 their 3rd album, Abraham's Blue Refrain" and the band name became Kalavala Orchestra for this release. With this album they caught the attention of the French band Ange and were invited to do a tour of 6 locations in France as warmup to them. This was the last high point for Kalevala as the band broke up shortly after their return to Finland.