You’ve started as a BLACK SHRINE. What forced you to change the
bandname?

- BLACK SHRINE-name was result of a lottery made because everyone had own proposal for a band name. And after changing our vocalist, guitarist and getting a new keyboardist we decided to change our bandname too.

Why exactly “incendium”? What does this word stand for?

- INCENDIUM means ”the flames that destroys” (and ”arson”). INCENDIUM means a lot to me. I have always found myself being attracted by the beauty of flames and fire. I can spend hours just watching them dance and think about everything... or nothing. Fire has also a purifying effect, it burns the old away and gives a place to new things to grow. ... And not to forget the worldwide incendium: we are burning the life away from the face of the earth. Pollutions->The Greenhouse-effect...->?

You have two demo CDs behind you… I guess, the time has time to consider releasing a full-length CD, don’t you think so? Haven’t you got any offers (serious ones) yet?

- Yes, we have two demo cds behind us (BLACK SHRINE: "The Beginning" (1998) and INCENDIUM: s/t (1999)) and the third one (the second INCENDIUM-demo or maybe it’s a mcd, don’t know yet...) is coming at Autumn. We have got couple of offers, but they were not what we expect record-offers to be. (Artist pays everything.) But Thanks to those labels anyway.

It is said you replaced the singer lately, before releasing a demo
with INCENDIUM? Aki definitely has a good voice; where did you pick him?

- We picked him up from the junkyard. ... Well, our former drummer (Hannu) found Aki. I don’t know how he found Aki, but that’s not important thing. We are very satisfied to Aki's work.

Does hate really guide your way…? As you see, I’m referring to one of your songs’ titles, consequently making up the question regarding the lyrics you compose…

- Well... hate is not my source of energy (anymore). Don’t know why but I have become quite a peaceful man in couple of last years. And I think it’s more like ”libido quides my way” nowadays. (It’s spring again, ...I love it).

As there’re seven people in the band, I wonder if it’s sometimes difficult to come to a compromise, a solution which could satisfy everyone? Do quarrels take place in your band because of that?

- Yes, it’s sometimes very hard to find solution that makes everyone (or someone) satisfied. ...As you can see, our line-up have had very much changes in our short history of being a band. I hope these problems are over, because everyone in our band are very gifted,  fucking cool and creative persons.

It is said Finland has one of most strong metal scenes in Europe at the moment. Would you name us the most potential young acts among those you’ve heard so far?

- Yes, Finland has very great metal scene at the moment, actually it has been quite a long time already. I would like to name you a band which I’ve heard lately and it is NOUMENA: very beautiful melodies, some aggressive riffs and killer growls. And here’s some other potential acts: MOONSORROW, TENHI, INSOMNIUM and so on... haven’t listen very much music lately.

Name few books that you have read recently, and were there any good ones?

- I have recently read The Death Gate Cycle, volumes I-V,  it was quite a good fantasy story, gotta read last two volumes soon. ... Some light entertainment novels, weird tales and couple of Winterwar novels. Mostly I read magasines, fanzines and newspapers (and only what I find interesting).

Let’s take “fantasy” as a notion. What does it represent to you?

- Well... Sometimes I almost Live in a fantasyworld. It’s very relaxing to do nothing but dream and dream about the most beautiful women and being a hero or normal person (hehe) and so on... Yes, fantasy represents everything to me.

What do you know (and think) regarding Russia? Any metal bands coming from our lands that you’ve heard lately?

- I know quite a much about Russian history. It’s taught very well in our schools. And I was earlier interested about russian history before 20th century. And about future...I think the golden age of Russia is coming again, maybe not very soon but getting better all the time, I guess. About russian Metal... I have to confess that I know (almost) nothing about Russian metal scene and I don’t remember if I’ve heard any of your metal bands lately.

Well my friend, the end is here. Any last hails etc... Please do so now. Thanks for the interview.

- Thank you very much,Kai, for interviewing us, hope our answers give a little satisfaction to someone. And if someone is interested to hear our demo (it’s cheap, 5$), please, contact to: incendium@iobox.com. Distributors, zines and radio stations (and record companies), feel free to contact and ask for free promopackages. Have a great summer!