1. Valontuoja is starting up in 2024 and has just released its first full-length album, what prompted you to create Valontuoja? Why did you choose the name Valontuoja and what does it refer to?
Valontuoja means ''Bringer Of Light'' and well it has multiple meanings example ''Lucifer'' or just bringer of light but the question is what kind of light this brings and i chose this name because it fits so well for this project.
2. You also have another project in the works called “Malasorte”, how do you combine both projects and how do you choose what fits in one or the other?
Valontuoja is in Finnish and Malasorte is in English, but musically they have different emotions behind them & different riffing & melody styles and i know always when the song is done which project it goes.
3. How was the composition and recording process of “Luonnon armoilla”? What brands of instruments have you used in the process?
The composing is always easiest but the mixing/mastering/vocals are the hardest. I used my trustworthy Ibanez guitar and Jaco fretless bass and basic/cheapest Roland drum kit and the microphone was Logitech Usb microphone.
4. The album's sound captures the aggressiveness, rawness and coldness of the most classic black, but all of it surrounded by certain elements of melodic overtones, focused on the tradition of Finnish black. How would you describe the album's sound for those who haven't heard it yet? What bands and styles are an influence on you when composing music for Valontuoja?
Of course Emperor and Horna & Sargeist & Vargrav. The simple anwer is Melodic Black Metal.
5. The lyrics are written in Finnish. Is there a common thread between the lyrics and the figures wandering through the frozen landscape? What are the lyrics about? Why did you choose Finnish to write your lyrics?
Themes are heavily nature inspired but there are also esoteric/occult themes and darkness also destruction etc. I chose Finnish because it sounds primal & because i live in Finland.
6. There is not much information about the entire process related to the recording, mixing and mastering of the album. Did you take care of this entire process yourself or did you have the help of outside personnel? What was the most difficult part of this entire process?
I did everything and as i said before mixing/mastering/vocals was the hardest.
7. Who designed the album cover? What does it represent and how does it relate to the content of the album?
I did the album cover as a Pseudonym JTR and well the CD is titled Luonnon Armoilla which means At The Mercy Of Nature so it should invoke the feeling of coldness etc.
8. The album has been released by Inverse Records, how did the possibility of releasing the album through this record label come about? Is there a possibility of other future releases in other formats?
I sent the material to my friend in Inverse Records and he liked it so it was easy process. We discussed about vinyl release but first there should be a good amount of demand we do that.
9. The album moves between that cold and heartbreaking sound of Finnish black and certain more melodic influences, with a certain tone of darkness also very similar to Finnish black, what can you tell us about the Finnish black metal scene? Am I right in saying that it is a great influence for you? What is the extreme metal scene like in a city like Helsinki today? What bands from your environment would you recommend?
There are lots of good Finnish black metal bands and always great riffs and melodies inspire me so yes you can say that. Extreme music scene in Finland generally is doing well at least that is my opinion, i recommend of course my projects Valontuoja & Malasorte and of course Horna, Sargeist, Satanic Warmaster, Vargrav, Behexen, Beherit, Archgoat.
10. How did you start in music: first concerts you attend, first albums you buy? What event in your life pushed you to want to be a musician?
I think the first concert was Children Of Bodoms gig but i don't remember when it was because of finnish vodka. I think when i listened first time Emperor's Anthems album i was about 14 or 15 years old then i wanted to be musician.
11. What album represents the essence of black metal for you? What last albums have you bought?
Horna: Nyx was the last album i bought, but the Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk is my all time favorite that captures the essence very well.
12. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions for Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for the fans of Valontuoja this is the place. I hope you like the questions
No problem, thanks for the interview and i hope in 2025 will be released the next album.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aethyrick – Pilgrimage 36,99 €
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario