Anima Hereticae is a Finnish Blackened Death Metal band, their debut album “Descended From The Mountains” was released in 2023.
At the end of August the band officially announced Jussi Matilainen (Where’s My Bible) as their new vocalist. Anima Hereticae is currently working on new material that promises to be very interesting.
Our reporter Cristina had the opportunity to sit down with Taneli Jämsä and Jussi Matilainen before their show at MonoMassive in Pori and talk about the changing in the line-up, the debut album, and much more.
Hey guys, how are you doing?
T: We are doing well. It’s a crazy September and it’s very warm here in Finland, not so typical but it is perfect.
Two days ago it was around 27.5 C and people were wearing jackets, What is wrong with them?! But let’s talk about your band, Anima Hereticae; First of all I am curious about the name, why did you choose this name?
T: It is a long story. When we formed the band, me and Ville the former singer were talking about what name would fit us and we came up with this one. The words Anima and Hereticae go well together, it sounds very good in my opinion. This is basically the story of the name.
I was curious because it is Latin, maybe it is unusual for Finnish band to choose Latin words, or I don’t know if there are many bands who are naming themself with Latin words.
Jussi is the new singer…
T: Yes, and today Jussi is for the first time officially the singer of Anima Hereticae on the stage. He did some gigs with us this summer but it was not official yet.
J: Especially in Lahti.
Was it easy to get Jussi in your band? I mean choose a new singer?
T: Yes, because Jussi did some gigs with us before and everyone knows Jussi well. We thought, why don’t we ask Jussi about this first. And Jussi said…
J: And I said okay.
T: And it was very nice. It was also a simple and easy way to move forward on planning the next EP.
So you released your debut album “Descended From The Mountains” last year, in the lyrics you used both English and Finnish…
T: Yes, there is one song in Finnish, but I can’t tell you about them because Ville wrote them.
But now you are working on new music. Are all the songs going to be in English? Half English half Finnish? Or in other languages?
J: I don’t know. I think there will be maybe one song in Finnish or we will combine some different languages. Perhaps. I have thought that maybe there could be some song in old Norse language. But we’ll have to see where it goes.
And musically-wise, is going to be similar to the debut album? Or will it change a little?
T: Maybe we’ll stay in line with the sounds we had in the last album. but nobody can tell, Jussi is the new guy and he can bring new ideas, something special vocal-wise but also with instruments. We will see.
So it is going to be a surprise!
T: But of course we want to maintain our sound, if you listen, you can tell it’s Anima Hereticae. That’s the most important thing.
What kind of music inspires you when you write music?
At the beginning with this band to inspire me was one of my favorites from my childhood/teenage era and it is Cradle of Filth, but also band like Moonsorrow. Our sound gets inspirations from there, songs keep coming and music keep coming.
To mention also Saku Moilanen, who produces great orchestrations and give atmospheres to the songs.
Today you play here in MonoMassive and then you still have few shows, am I right?
T: This one, MonoMassive, is the last show for this year.
Next year we have already booked four or five shows, but they haven’t been released yet. So after this show we will get a lot of time to work on the EP and write new material.
So a lot of work next year. Then some shows and..
T: We are of course trying to do some festivals in Europe and Finland. We also try to book more shows outside of Finland.
Let’s see what happen, I hope you will have a lot of shows in your calendar next year!
T: This year was quite good, we had about 10 shows.
You all play in other bands, how do you manage the time to get all together?
T: We don’t manage. It is like making schedule in the calendar all the time.
It is like a puzzle, let’s put this here and see if it works…
T: Google Calendar is very good in this case.
J: Yes.
It reminds you of what you need to do, where you need to go…
J: Damn, I have a show today. I’m not even close.
It is quite difficult because life is busy, then you add music and it gets even busier. I do not have a band but my calendar is busy, so I understand you.
T: Some days are hard.
How do you prepare before you go on stage?
J: I make myself ready, vocal warming, maybe I need some space of my own to focus on the show, and of course I paint my face and stay focus on what happens next.
T: Relaxing, laying down, having some coffee. I just try to relax, and maybe that’s my perspective.
What happens when the show is over and you get off the stage? What are you doing as first?
J: Take the stuff out from the stage, maybe relax for a couple of minutes, then it’s time to wash out the face, and just chill.
T: It’s like this. Relaxing and talking about the gig.
When you are on stage the heart rate is high and the energy is high. Then you need to calm down.
J: It’s like finishing a heavy workout. After that, you’re like, I don’t do anything anymore.
It’s a great endurance workout. I don’t know if everybody realizes how challenging it is for the body, and also soul, to perform on stage. But it is something that you do because you enjoy it.
J & T: Yes.
We have done with this interview, thank you very much. Would you like to say something to the people that are watching/reading this interview?
J: Stay safe. Horns up. Listen to music and share it!
Assemble the Chariots originally formed in 2008, but saw a rebirth in 2024 with the release of their debut album “Ephemeral Trilogy Episode 1: Unyielding Night”, a sci-fi tale in music whose sound incorporates epic orchestral melodies and chord progressions, alongside high-speed blast beats and monstrous vocals.
Our reporter Cristina had the opportunity to sit down with Onni Holmström, Kevin Apostol and Mikael Reinikka before the show at MonoMassive in Pori and talk about their debut album, the story behind the Trilogy, tours and much more.
Melodic death metal band Wolfheart released the latest album “Draconian Darkness” on September 6th, with this new work the band explores the darkness of humankind. Our reporter Cristina had the chance to meet the mastermind of the band Tuomas Saukkonen before the show at MonoMassive in Pori, and to delve deeper into the album, discuss the use of Finnish in the growl vocals, find out why the videos were shot in Iceland, life on tour and much more.
Dreamtale have been on the metal scene since 1999, their first three albums were released via Spinefarm between 2002 and 2005, winning listeners from Finland to Japan. Notable collaborators include names like Marko Hietala, Jarkko Ahola and Timo Tolkki. In 2019 the band refreshed their sound with the addition of a second singer, Nitte Valo (ex-Battle Beast). After the release of their latest album “Everlasting Flame” in 2022 they tried out for the UMK pre-selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Battleheart”, and are now preparing to release a new full length. Our reporter Cristina had the chance to meet the band before their tour in China and find out more about the line-up changes, their music and much more
Hi guys how are you doing?
All: We are fine, thank you for asking.
You were great tonight; how do you feel about this gig?
Rami: Thank you, we had a good time and feeling great right now! It went really fast even if we played almost 2 hours. Nitte: We gave it all. It was warm, it was full, it was a really great feeling being on the stage.
Dreamtale was founded in 1999, since then the lineup has undergone several changes, especially regarding the singers, because at the beginning there was only one singer and now there are two…
Rami: I actually had the idea for a long time that there would be a male and female singer in the band. I already tried to propose it to Seppänen, but it did not take off. Now it was time to do it. This was immediately clear after Erkki and Seppo left the band.
Did you already know you wanted Nitte as singer?
Rami: No, but the same night we got in touch I knew she was the right one. Nitte: Years ago, you placed an ad for a group in a musician’s webpage that I responded to but at the time it did not happen anything. Rami: Yes, I contacted you for another band where we needed a female singer. As for Dreamtale, we got in contact that same evening, it probably did not take more than ten minutes from the time the ad was posted that she sent a message.
And this was in 2019, right?
Rami: Yes, it probably was 2019.
And with Jarno?
Jarno: So, it started with the fact that we had the same drummer in our bands for many years. In a way, it was very easy to approach Rami and send a message that I was interested in joining the band, also because we had already shared a rehearsal space for many years. Rami: Of course, we first took the demos of the singers and all the others. When the demos were listened to and checked to see what sounds would work, it was clear that Jarno’s voice works great on our songs. And then Nitte and Jarno’s voices are incomprehensibly similar in certain frequencies, that when they sing at a certain high note, they are no longer separated from there. Jarno: And then, on top of that, probably the fact that Nitte and I had known each other for years. We had been at Maiden Fest for many years. Nitte: Yeah, singing Iron Maiden songs. So, at Maiden Fest, there were three Dreamtale singers singing at the same time. Jarno: True! Erkki, Nitte and me. Akseli: I also played at Maiden Fest, probably in 2020. Nitte: And indeed, there is still such a funny photo of us from many years ago, where Jarno, me and Erkki are in the same photo, not knowing what each other’s fate is. I think it is kind of funny.
“Everlasting Flame” was released in 2022. Are you working on a new album or what is going on at the moment?
Rami: Yes, it is almost ready. It was just put aside because of other activities and to be honest I have not really felt like working on the album. But now it is almost done, the recordings have been made… Jarno: The new songs are damn good. I like them even better than the ones from “Everlasting Flames” that I actually love. Nitte: There are some fucking difficult songs on this new album, vocal-wise this new record is very difficult. Jarno: I will probably never be able to pull them off live (EN. Laughs). Nitte: But the new songs are difficult vocally, although you can tell that neither of us are bad singers. Now, it is really such a record that you have to work hard on it, which is a really good thing. Rami, you have made songs with such high pitches thinking we could sing. Rami: Sorry guys! I always try to think of them in tune, so that they stay in tune with both of your voices.
Rami, do you write all the songs? Or how does it work in your band?
Rami: 90 percent maybe… Jarno: Yes, Rami is the main composer and sometimes he also listens to our opinions on the songs.
You tried to enter UMK (Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu). Why did you decide to apply for this contest?
Rami: Yes, we thought why not give it a try, there was nothing to lose and if we could get through it would be really nice and a great PR thing.
Are you planning to try to enter the UMK contest again or not?
Rami: I do not know. It is not the kind of thing we plan. If a suitable idea comes along, why not?!
What is your favorite Dreamtale’s song to play live?
Rami: I do not know. At least it is hard for me to say which are my favorite songs, there are so many.
All?
Rami: Not all of them, many are nice to play. We have over a hundred songs and in the set, there is always room for a little change, so we do not find ourselves playing the same songs over and over again. Akseli: For me it is “October is mine”, with this song the party starts. Jarno: Yeah, it is hard to choose. I would say “World’s Child”, I do not know what it is, but maybe the melody and everything. I just like singing it. Nitte: I cannot agree. But the difference here is that not all the old songs work for me. There is really a lot of work behind to make the various parts work between our voices on the old songs. Dreamtale has always had a male singer and this probably reflects in the fact that we have very different favorite songs, I am not saying that they are not good but the fact that I do not feel them as mine. Akseli: It is great for Dreamtale that Rami writes such different songs that there is something for everyone. We are not the typical power metal band that does that basic dragon slayer mood, that always starts hard, but in our music, you can find different moods. Rami: Maybe it is because my musical taste is so broad, that I listen to so many different genres, that I do not want to make music that is boring to me. Jarno: It is about melody… Rami: Yes, exactly! Since my childhood I always thought that the melody is the most important part. It does not matter what kind of music it is, whether it is Finnish rock or disco humppa from the 80s, if the melody works it works.
You said you listen to different music; can you give us some examples? For example, what did you listen to today or yesterday? Rami: What I am listening to lately is some Finnish pop and Euro-pop but as I said the genre does not really matter. Sometimes I listen to some good old power metal like Helloween. Jarno: I do not really listen to much music these days. I can drive a car for ten hours during a normal work day and listen to a little bit of radio. But then if we have a gig in the evening, I practice with the songs from the set for two or three hours, after which I need silence, sometimes I talk on the phone with a friend. So, there is background music in general, but I do not listen to music these days. Akseli: Same thing for me. The fact that I joined the band at the age of 16, at the time I had Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius and then Dreamtale. In 2006 there was an online ad looking for musicians and they were specifically for Dreamtale. I remember thinking “shall I give it a try?”, I asked a friend of mine who encouraged me to apply and I joined the band.
But now I have a story for you, I met Akseli in 2006 through MySpace and we were talking about music…
Akseli: Yes, I linked you a video of Dreamtale.
That is right, you told me that it is your favorite band.
Akseli: And here I am in the band.
What are you listening to, Nitte?
Nitte: I also listen to very little music in general, but if I have to mention one band then I would say Nightwish. And also, of course, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius and all these bands that I have listened to since I was a little girl. Nowadays Beast in Black is one of my favorite bands. Akseli: It is also the best band for me at the moment. Nitte: With Akseli we have the same taste in music. Akseli: Especially when it comes to Nightwish. Nitte: Speaking of Nightwish, since I have always been a fan of theirs, I had the honor to go on tour with them, which was a really incredible experience. But what I think is really incredible is the song “Farewell” that I first heard many years ago on Klaus Flaming’s Metalliliitto, I recorded it on a cassette, and listening to it I thought; what a badass band this is, a damn loud song, and this woman sings so well that I wish I could sing it someday. And here I am now singing it. The fact that I had these two fantastic opportunities is like winning the lottery for me.
This is amazing!
Jarno: I have a similar story about how I got to know Dreamtale, the song was “The Mirror” sung by Jarkko Ahola. It was my first contact with the band. This song has never been performed live, but maybe at some point. Nitte: Can I show you something?
Of course! Nitte: I have this amazing bag here. This is a Dreamtale bag. It was made by Jarnon Laukkupaja, and he wanted to make a Dreamtale bag like that. There is only one of these out there at the moment. I am not selling it, so it is nothing, but I also want to advertise. I think it is amazing. I will take it with me to China.
Rami: What is this picture? Nitte: Well, this is us. Akseli: This is a drawing made by a grateful fan. Nitte: Yeah, and I wanted that on purpose because I think this is an image that resembles me, it’s so fun and playful and then over here there is the Battleheart. I feel privileged to have such great friends.
You said you are going to China. Is this tour planned for next week? All: Yes.
And it is supposed to have six shows, but I heard there are problems with a couple of places…
Rami: Well, yes. Stories are to be lived and here now you do not really know what to expect. Akseli: It depends a lot on the Chinese government. And it is up to the bureaucracy how these shows are realized. I think all six shows will take place. With the licenses it takes a while. Rami: And then you have to have permission to go to all the cities to be able to perform. Jarno: And you need permission at the concert venues. Rami: True, for the concert venues you need permission even if it is in the same city.
Have you ever been to China before?
Rami: Yes, in 2017 and we did 6 shows then too.
What is it like to play there? If you compare it to Finland for example, what are the differences?
Akseli: A very passionate audience. They live for the music from start to finish. Rami: “The Dawn” is a big deal there, in 2017 when we were there a lot of people cried during that song. Jarno: I have not experienced it myself yet, but I will soon. I expect people to take all the songs with joy, because Dreamtale is first and foremost a band of joy, if I may say so. Akseli: Sympathetic power metal.
What about other concerts around Europe? Is that possible?
Akseli: We would like to tour in Europe, but we need to find contacts. So, if you want us to play, contact us. Rami: It is hard to find promoters who organize tours. Akseli: There is a lot of potential here. Sonata Arctica is touring, Stratotvarius is touring, why not getting also Dreamtale on tour? Take Dreamtale on tour!
We are at the end of this interview, thank for your time, would you like to tell something to your fans and people reading this interview?
Jarno: Listen on YouTube instead of Spotify. Nitte: Thank you, and thank you to the people who follow, listen and stick around. Despite all the twists and turns. Now it is time for karaoke. All: “Can you feel the love tonight? Can you feel the love tonight? Where we are? It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds Believe the very best”. Rami: Thank you!
Finnish band Sonata Arctica is an iconic name in the metal scene that has been working continuously for over 20 years, musically the band has experimented over the years starting with power metal and then moving on to more progressive and soft sounds, including two acoustic albums and then returning to their power metal roots with their latest full-length album “Clear Cold Beyond”, released last March. Fresh from Waken and ready to play at Porispere, frontman Tony Kakko granted us an interview where we had the opportunity to ask him more about the latest album, the tour, the writing process and much more.
Punk rock band Huora released their fourth album “Neljä Huolenaika” via Sakara Records last March and are currently touring across Finland. The band describes their latest album as basic Huora but different. Huora’s previous album, 2022’s “Älä luovuta”, topped the official Finnish album charts and was nominated for two Emma awards. We had the chance to talk with singer Anni Lötjönen and find out more about their latest album, the tours and more.
Lost Society have been bringing energy and quality music since the beginning of their career in 2010, musically the band has gone from thrash metal to more modern and nu metal sounds while maintaining their trademark. They are currently working on new music, in fact they have been recording in the studio for a few weeks now. In the meantime they continue to play at festivals and clubs always giving great energetic performances.
After 5 years since the last time, we finally had the chance to sit down and have a chat with the band’s frontman Samy Elbanna after their show at Porispere and talk about tours, music and much more.
Split Iris is a Finnish progressive metalcore band that combines elements of djent, deathcore, thall and many other styles of modern metal, resulting in a mix as unique and fresh as their signature sound. Formed in 2020, the band signed with Seek & Strike earlier this year and released their debut album “Bloodred Dusk” on June 28th to great reviews. Our reporter Cristina had the chance to sit down with the band before their album release show in Pori and talk about “Bloodred Dusk”, the music videos and much more.
Hailing from the Finnish capital area, Enemies Everywhere offer a unique and fresh take on Finnish deathcore. Enemies Everywhere have a mission to use the best elements of hard deathcore, while bringing their own mix of rhythmic breakdowns, huge choirs and symphonic arrangements.
The band formed in 2022 and quickly made a name for themselves in the Finnish metal scene, in January this year they signed with Ranka Kustannus and the following month they played their debut show in Jyväskylä. Their first EP release is scheduled for the fall, in the meantime they are writing new music and collecting concerts.
Our reporter Cristina had the opportunity to sit down with the band before their show in Pori and get to know the band, talk about their music and more.
Finnish alternative rock/metal band St. Aurora released their first EP “They All Remember” in 2021, followed by two more singles in 2022 and two more in 2023, and they continue to work on new music.
The band members are video-game’s lovers and managed to get their song “Going to Heaven” chosen as the soundtrack for the multi-million dollar game “Cyberpunk 2077” out of thousands of applicants. Their music is a mix of alternative rock, post-hardcore, raucous theatricality and the whims of childish imagination into a powerful and undoubtedly unique sound.
Our reporter Cristina had the chance to chat with Tuomas “Nile” Nilsson and Valtter “Vallu” Kousa after their show at Tuska and talk about music, video games and more.
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