Band: FINNTROLL
Country of origin: Finland
Style: humppa black metal
Questions by: Kai Mathias Stalhammar
Answers supplied by: Somnium (guitars)

What are the facts concerning the biography of the band, which, by your opinion, are worth mentioning here?

- Um, I really don't know. I think that it's rather boring to talk about this matter, because there isn't that much to tell, really. usually people are curious to know if FINNTROLL was really created after a hard boozing night, and I can tell you that it was. But apart from that, I think our history doesn't differ that much from any other band's past. There was all this usual stuff, like get an inspiration, record a demo, get a deal and stuff. If you want some actual info, you can check out our web-site at http://finntroll.darkgod.net. It's all in there.

Perhaps you would consider it strange, but once, when I was giving a billionth listen to “Jaktens Tid”, my father entered the room and wondered if “this band comes from Moscow or not”. Actually, that’s no surprise since at least few tunes off the second work of yours literally smell with Russian folklore (“Slaget Vid Blodsalv” is a perfect example)…

- Yeah, that's true. We don't use just Scandinavian folk influences, But Slavic also. I think that it goes naturally with us, because Finnish folklore and folkmusic has been influenced by both Scandinavian and Slavic cultures, and I think that this gives us a identity of our own among other folk bands. Also the fact that we're not restricted in to one area of folklore gives us more freedom to do and try out different things.

What about this “humppa” thing? An equivalent for Polka, as some say…
however Russia (as well as all the Slavonic States) and Finland don’t really have much in common when it comes to musical heritage. Is “humppa” an invention of your own or it’s an inalienable part of Finnish folklore?

- Well, humppa is a more modern form of polka, and here in Finland usually just the older people listen to it, heh! But the humppa rhythms go perfectly along with the blast beat, so it fits into the metal like a fist in one's face.

As you probably know, black metal was originally meant as a music solely based on negativism and obscenity consequently lacking anything pertinent to cheerfulness. However, in case with FINNTROLL, no less than a unity of opposites has been successfully crafted and spitted forth the light. As a matter of fact, formerly I considered combining these contrasts nearly an impossible talk – but you guys contrived to do it, hence I don’t see any single reason which could prohibit me to wonder if this mixture appeared as your most significant goal. A certain kind of craving for standing against the background of numerous black metal acts doing the same thing, y’know.

- One thing that's one of the most important parts of our music, is to include many different emotions into it. As I said, there are no musical borders for us, se we are pretty much free to do what ever we want. This might be the reason why some people get offended from our music, but then again, we don't give a shit. We started this thing doing the things our way, and we'll continue doing so in the future.

As far as I know, Finns speak simultaneously in two languages, but Swedish always remained a language for minority. And, taking into consideration the fact all of you seem to be of 100% Finnish origin, composing verses in Swedish strikes as rather weird venture…

- This is something that's asked in almost every interview, but here we go again; Katla belongs to this minority that you've mentioned, and when me and Katla started FINNTROLL we tried it out and liked it. The reason for using Swedish is simply because it sounds better in our music than English or Finnish would have.

While “Midnattens Widunder” appeared as mostly straightforward yet still sublime blend of black metal, the second one doubtlessly is twice as diversified, perhaps because of the folkish elements thrown in here and there. And that makes me assume that you’ve spent much more time and put more effort into “Jaktens Tid”; i.e. “Midnattens…” was only a trial of strength, whilst now FINNTROLL should be considered a band of the full value.

- I've always considered "Midnattens Widunder" more of demo than album for us. We had to enter the studio in a hurry and didn't have much time in there. And the songs were from a three year period. For "Jaktens Tid" we had more time to prepare the songs and stuff plus we had two times more studio time. So you assumed right, songs on "Jaktens..." are much more thought over than on the debut.

The rumours say that someone from MOONSORROW (Henri, to be exact) takes part in your band. Is this only a rumour… or not? What’s your personal attitude to the aforementioned act as well as their out-of-band activities, such as Meathooked mag and Meat Hook Production (seemingly non-existent by now)?

- Yes, Trollhorn alias Henri plays keyboards for us. I like MOONSORROW's music although it has probably a bit too much BATHORY influences here and there. But as long as he finds the time for FINNTROLL, I don't mind about his other projects.

I’ve given “Jaktens Tid” quite a careful listen, and still I can’t convince myself that you haven’t incorporated a drummachine. At least,it sounds like drum tracks weren't recorded via microphones – but morelikely, via triggers right into the sequencer…

- Actually, we didn't use triggers or anything at all, B.Dominator is just a damn good player.

What’s your opinion on relatively new-born tendencies (or should I use the word “trend”?), such as “retro-thrash” (represented with AURA NOIR, INFERNO, DESEKRATOR, DEATHWITCH, ASHES etc.) as well as most often incomprehensible and utterly insincere mixture of heavy and black metal (which your fellow-countrymen are well known for. I bet you’ve already made a guess whom I’m talking about: CHILDREN OF BODOM, KALMAH and many others)? Aren’t they just cleverly follow the path of commercialism, offering the crowd what it wants to hear at the moment?

- I don't think that CHILDREN OF BODOM play the music they play just because they want to make money, in my opinion they created the musical style they represent and other bands have followed their example. As for those new neo-trash bands, I don't like them too much. The old bands did the thing so much better.

As time passes by and more and more bands emerge from Suomi, it looks like I won’t be wrong inventing a notion of “Finnish trademark”. Either technical and disgustingly polished black metal (… AND OCEANS, THYRANE, THROES OF DAWN) or dark pop / metal (HIM, TO/DIE/FOR, THE BLACK LEAGUE, ENTWINE and SENTENCED). That seems to be all. I mean, I haven’t heard any Finland’s heavy, doom, death or thrash metal acts – the ones approaching the shores of success AND the ones worthy enough to let the world hear their efforts – for ages!

- Well, have one damn good doom band, SHAPE OF DESPAIR (definitely a damn good band! Check out the review elsewhere in this issue - ED). But as I said, many bands try to imitate the ones that got succesfull and record companies know that the clones will also sell well and sign them. There are some good and original new bands here, the best is in my opinion DIABLERIE, their debut just came out through Avantgarde records. You shoul definetly check them out, they're awesome.

Ok, let’s shatter (or not) some of the most widely spread prejudices regarding those who reside in Suomi. So here we ago:

a) "99% of Finns appear as heavy alcoholics";

- Umm... I guess that some of us tend to have a liking on drinking every now and then...

b) "If there’s a new Finnish band popping out, we should expect nothing but yet another dose of depression and hype on suicidal matters, when it comes to lyrical department";

- Bullshit, check out our lyrics: Lot's of wild frenzy, boozing and
fighting, mushroom eating and all kinds of amusing activities, heh!

c) "The suicide rates in Finland are the highest ones in Europe".

- That might be true, many of my friends have killed themselves during past few years.

You’ve been playing live in Russia this May. Are you pleased with the way this gig (which took place in St.Petersburg) turned out? Any comments on those whom you’ve been playing with (NOMANS LAND, SEVERNIE VRATA, STALWART, LLANFAIR P.G. and FACE-X)? Aren’t you planning to visit Moscow in the nearest time to come?

- I fucking loved St.Petersburg! The audience were totally fanatic. I never expected to get that kind of response. It was my first time in Russia and I really didn't know how people will react to our stuff, but things turned out far better than I ever hoped for. Everything went really smooth, staff at the club treated us very nicely and we didn't have any problems at all. We talked with Konstantin from Fono Records about coming there again in the Autumn and also playing one gig in Moscow also. No dates have booked yet, because we're going on a European tour in Autumn, so it will probably happen after that. Other bands that played there were good and we got to know some of the band members as a friends. Alexander from SEVERNIE VRATA visited me in Finland few days after that and we had a great time drinking with him. I'm probably coming to St.Petersburg on a vacation with my friends later this year, I really had a good time there.

Generally speaking, do you have any knowledge on Russia and it’s historical background? Since we’re neighbors, I guess you should know a lot on this subject…

- Yes, I know quite a lot about your history.

The time is running out… and honestly speaking, I don’t know whether it’s good or bad. Anyway, below are the few lines you’ll have fill with anything you wish.

- Thanks for this enjoyable interview and good luck with your work. Hope to see you all metalheads again in Autumn, until then, keep on Trollin'!!!

Some info on the one who has just been torturously interviewed:
 
Real Name: Teemu "El Toro" Raimoranta
 
DoB: 1977
 
Instrument: Guitar
 
Idols / influences: Tom Jones
 
Equipment: Jackson Kelly KE-3, which has EMG's 81 and 85 pickups. Peavey 5150 head and VHT:n 4X12 cabinet
 
How did you end up in FINNTROLL: By accident
 
Other projects: IMPALED NAZERENE, SHADOWWORLD
 
Motto: "I'm only in it for a blowjob" - anonymous Spanish fisherman 1527 A.D
 
Hobbies: I guess I'd need a one...
 
Taken / available: Available
 
Favorite song (FINNTROLL): "Haterop" (unreleased song)
 
- drink: Everything over 22%
 
- food: Meat
 
- sexual position: "Poromies"
 
Favorite series on TV: Emmerdale
 
Best gig (you remember): Kuopio 1999
 
Most interesting drink you have poured down your throat: Some super vitamin drink and Blavod vodka
 
What women's underwear would you use if you have to?
Girdle
 
When was the last time you drink milk?
I drink it every day ... The secret of my iron condition
 
Norwegians, true or fairy tale?
I think they exist.

FINNTROLL contact -
Email: finntroll@hotmail.com