Link 1 - Link 2
Answered by Ville Sorvali
MOONSORROW were started in autumn 1995 by the Sorvali cousins Henri and Ville. After the release of two demos and an album back in 2000 entitled “Suden Uni”, they released their latest heathen-hearted opus “Voimasta Ja Kunniasta” on Spikefarm Records. This album was reason enough to contact Ville Seponpoika Sorvali, the vocalist and bass-player of Moonsorrow to get a more detailed picture of what MOONSORROW stands for. And I have not been disappointed…
Heilsa Ville! How are you today?
"Heathen hails to you, Nhashi! It's a sunny day outside and I'm listening to "Hell Awaits" by SLAYER so I'm definitely fine, thank you."
Your second album is out for half a year now. All reviews I got to know on "Voimasta Ja Kunniasta" were very positive. What kind of reactions did you expect when you had finished the album? Are you still satisfied with the album or is there something you would have changed?
"We could never have expected such a positive response for "Voimasta Ja Kunniasta", that's for sure. "Suden Uni" was much more straight-forward in all aspects, and we were afraid if our audience would have a hard time accepting such an epic and progressive album as "Voimasta Ja Kunniasta" is. However people seem to appreciate what we've done, and that is good because we appreciate it ourselves. Of course there are bits and pieces on "Voimasta Ja Kunniasta" for all of us that are not entirely satisfying, but then again, what would there be left to be done after a perfect album?"
Whose ideas were the photos in the CD?
"The idea was collectively processed within the band - we wanted to bring the concept of the whole album to the uttermost perfection."
I am simply asking because in my opinion these pictures look rather dull and are the only negative point on your release. Have not too many people used an overdose of artificial blood? I personally think your pictures would fit better to a Hollywood movie than to a pagan album, but I think you will not agree?
"This is your opinion and I respect that, but one thing is for sure - we have never used artificial blood. If Braveheart fits your conception of an ordinary Hollywood movie, then yes, those pictures would fit better to a Hollywood-movie. Those pictures are at the culmination point of Metal clichés and so be it."
Your first album was released on Plasmatica Records, a rather small label. How do you look upon your first album "Suden Uni", the contract with aforementioned label and the work it has done for you?
"Suden Uni" was recorded in an 'inexperienced' phase, so to speak. We had just taken a step towards the live sound of MOONSORROW with Baron Tarwonen and it seemed so fluent to write and rehearse for the album. It is far from perfect, but I like it as it is.The contract with Plasmatica was good on paper, but it did not work out - let me say that their resources did not quite meet our demands. It was an educative experience, and I'm not of the kind who would not be thankful for that."
Before you had released two demos - "Metsä" and "Tämä Ikuinen Talvi" - the latter one to be re-released by Tommi Launonen (Sagittarius Prod.) last year. As they led to your first contract they seem to have fulfilled what they were supposed to. What were your main influences when you started? Besides, you recorded two promos (one of them entitled "Thorns Of Ice") that were never officially released - why? What is your opinion on the demos today? Whose idea was it to re-release "Tämä Ikuinen Talvi" on CD - yours or Tommi´s? Why did you re-record it partly? Are you satisfied with the way the re-release turned out? Will there be a chance to get hands on the other recordings that have not been released yet? (Hey Nhashi - take a deep breath before you go on, hahaha - Frank)
"When we started with MOONSORROW, our main influences were supposedly ENSLAVED, EMPEROR and BATHORY. We just wanted to create music to support our pagan views and we did what we were able of. I am proud of the demos because they were the first milestones on the path of MOONSORROW. To be honest, I even like them.The re-release of "Tämä Ikuinen Talvi" was an idea of Sagittarius Productions. They actually wanted to release the demo ever since it was recorded, but they did not approach us with an offer until 2001. By then we had already decided that we should make some improvements to the original recording, because our level of dissatisfaction on the vocals and on the mix was just too high. The re-recording lead to better results, which is quite natural because time had elapsed. The two missing demos were not released mainly because of major technologic fuck-ups. The mastering process erased the other half of "Thorns Of Ice" and the mix ruined the sound on the promo. There is simply no chance of getting hold of the erased material on "Thorns Of Ice", and we have not planned to release the preserved material either. It would be a hoax."
When can we expect the next release? Will it be another album on Spikefarm? Do you think it has been a good choice to change the label between the first and second album?
"And once again we will head to the almighty Tico Tico Studio, this time in November, so expect the third MOONSORROW album in early 2003 or so. We just extended our contract with Spikefarm, so they will also be found behind that release. Switching to them in the first place was nothing but a good choice."
I know that you have played a few gigs in Finland? Is there a chance to see you live one day in Germany and the rest of Europe? Do you actually enjoy to play live or is it rather a "necessary evil" in your opinion?
"So far we have played only 10 gigs, and all of them inside the borders of Finland. I'd like to say there will be a chance to see us live abroad, but at the moment I can't make a promise. Touring depends solely on our booking agency and local promoters and so far no one out there has been interested to invest in our performance. To answer the second part of the question, yes, we do enjoy playing live. We wouldn't do it for so little money if we didn't."
So is there anything special one can expect when attending at one of your shows? Your live-pics on the homepage looked quite bloody, so to say. Anything special?
"There's nothing really 'special' on our live shows, because anything 'special' would require a much bigger budget than what we possess. We just play louder than hell and bang our heads covered with blood. I dare say we are an intense live band, and I hope no one leaves our gig disappointed."
You are responsible for all the lyrics. When did you first get interested in pagan stuff and northern mythology? Does this interest have an influence on your everyday-life? Are all members of MOONSORROW pagan or is it merely a personal thing for you and a good-selling point as an image for the rest of the band?
"I have been interested in myths and legends since a child, and my interest was fully sparked in the age of 16 or so. I guess I can also say that I have always been a heathen, because I have never felt like turning into one, but incidentally I did not dig deeper into the ideology until around the time we started with MOONSORROW. Naturally my beliefs and interests are present in my everyday life - I live according to what I am. I won't talk on behalf of the other members of MOONSORROW, because I would likely say something that is to be corrected. Let me just say that there are NO selling points within MOONSORROW."
So if this question is not too private, I'd like to know what direct influence it has in your everyday-life.
"No, the question is not too private, but it's hard to answer it nonetheless. Perhaps it has to do with the way I am perceived by the outside world, but more than that it has to do with the way I perceive the outside world. My beliefs are personal - I will share my views with people who are interested, but I will not try to turn anyone's head. Moreover I don't consider it too important to wear symbols or to perform sacrifices, if not of sheer reverence, for the gods are well aware of those who follow their path."
Is there a special concept on "Voimasta Ju Kunniasta"? If so, please explain it to us.
"The lyrics on "Voimasta Ja Kunniasta" form a story. There are various viewpoints to observe it from, but the overall starting point is the concept of a brave warrior. In the beginning he returns home after a long journey, and in the end we attend his funeral. The songs themselves deal with the turning points in his life and in the life of his treacherous brother, portraying simple values and emotions in human life. The intention is to take the listener on this journey with us and send his / her imagination a thousand years back in time."
So the main intention is to tell a story that can be followed by the listener and give him a good hour to leave behind his allday-problems but not to teach anything?
"I wouldn't say quite so. The main goal is to entertain, but besides entertainment there is also content in the story. I only guide people to think about it and leave the rest up to them."
Please define the words "strength" and "honour".
"Strength: Quality of being strong before difficult decisions and conflicts. Ability of protecting oneself and other people. The foundation of leadership. Honour: Good personal character or reputation. Quality of acting according to certain values (a code of honour) and not selling those values at any cost. Ability not to falter in defeat. Being true to oneself and other people."
I don't know why but for me MOONSORROW sound real - unlike bands like ENSIFERUM for example who are too much into party-stuff in my opinion. Why do you think this is so? Am I wrong if I attest MOONSORROW a kind of national-romantic approach? How important is your origin for you?
"Thank you for saying those words. If MOONSORROW sounds real, that is because MOONSORROW is real - we have never tried to be anything we are not. We know what we represent and we are honest with it, that's all. Our approach is certainly national romantic. I am proud of my Finnish roots to the extent of fennomania, so yes, my origin plays an important role in my whole being."
Could you imagine to live somewhere else than in Finland then?
"I could imagine that, but that doesn't mean I would wish it to happen. From all the places I have visited, Finland remains the dearest for me."
Have you ever faced problems with your reference to the pagan past? In Germany you are allegedly accused of being "nazi" rather fast if you tend to have interests in those subjects. The use of the "S"-rune (like you did for MOONSORROW ) in a logo would even fasten that process.
"Of course there are always people accusing us to be nazis, but what can you say? People are stupid. (Doubtless!!!!! – Nhashi) We are national romantic heathen souls, and there is no room for national socialism in our hearts. People always seem to forget (or not to know) that it was nazis who draw those parallels and that real paganism has never had anything to do with such bullshit. It is a shame upon all heathen brothers and sisters that nazis once adopted and shaped pagan ideology for their own purposes."
In the sixth song 'Sankaritarina' you quote Havamal 75/76. How important is the Edda actually for the Finish mythology? Correct me if I am wrong - but as far as I know the importance of the Edda sinks dramatically the further east one comes in Scandinavia? Finish actually does neither belong to the Indo-German language nor to the cultural group.
"The importance of Edda in the Finnish mythology can be discussed after forever, if you insist, because there are fewer documents of the belief systems in prehistoric Finland than of Scandinavian ones. The general understanding of the whole matter is that there were (at least) four different mythological foundations in Finland during the iron age: the Karelian religion in the east, Asatrú (the "viking religion") along the coast, the Tavastian religion in inner Finland and the Samic religion up north. The three first together form the basis of my own belief system. And to set one thing straight - I had no obligations to quote anything, it just happened that those verses fit the concept of "Sankaritarina" perfectly."
Is there a kind of reviving the heathenish way of life in Finland? In many areas people tend to discover their roots to get a way of life beyond that superficial and American way that most people lead nowadays. Are you involved in anything like this? What is your opinion on this movement anyway? Can heathenism / paganism offer anything to the civilised human in the 21st century?
"There are some more or less organized pagan movements in Finland, but because of my individual ideological foundation, I am not a part of any of them. I appreciate the aims of these movements as long as they concentrate on the essential, and I am happy for each person who discovers his / her roots and forsakes the plastic culture of our time. I believe that paganism would deliver freedom for the "civilised human", but the "civilised human" is not ready to accept that."
Is there actually a need for organized pagan movements? I mean one of the main critics of the Easter religions is of course the fact that they do not support any form of individualism. Your boundaries to earth and nature are on the other hand something very individual.
"I wouldn't say there's a need for any organizations by means of practising pagan religions, but they are of course valuable when we want their message to reach more people. I do not support any kind of converting, but people must be told about alternatives for their religion before they can make a decent choice. Paganism is individual for everyone who understands what it is about."
Finland has since the birth of the extreme Metal-scene always had some outstanding bands - just to mention BEHERIT as the gods of all time or bands like DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED etc. - and there have always been bands that were different to many other bands. Among my last discoveries were WYRD, AJATTARA or CLANDESTINE BLAZE. Please let me know your opinion about those bands. What do you think is the reason that, although all bands did not invent a new genre of course, it seems that Finish bands are more innovative than bands from other (European) countries? Was it maybe the influence of Finland itself in this case? Is one of the reasons that Finland lies at the periphery of Europa and therefore trends etc. do not reach Finland as fast as the European mainland? Are there any bands you would advise us to have an eye on or two? (Nhashi!!!! It seems you couldn't stop yourself once more, huh?! - Frank)
"I have been asked to speculate the influential environment of Finland a thousand times, and I still haven't found the ultimate truth about it. Perhaps it is that Finnish bands are particularly innovative, and if it is, the reason must be in the surroundings - be it history, location or whatever. Of the bands that you listed BEHERIT stands for innovation and AJATTARA for rediscovery. They both rock. DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED and CLANDESTINE BLAZE have their moments, and I reckon never actually hearing WYRD. I would advise you to have an eye on MOTHER DEPTH, THE SINKAGE and KHARADRAI."
WYRD are a Finnish band from Hyvinkää and have yet released two demos and a CD entitled “Heathen”. As far as I know this is the band of one guy from AZAGHAL and HIN ONDE. Most Finish people seem to be involved in more than one band. Is this true for the MOONSORROW-members as well?
"The AZAGHAL-fellows are the extreme example of the inbred Finnish Metal scene. Many people around are involved in more than one band, but none in so many as them, I believe. It is true that the musical involvement of any of us does not limit to MOONSORROW, but only on rare occasion that has made us even discuss of priorities."
Something completely different. When I gathered information for the interview I read that DARKTHRONE and IRON MAIDEN are among your favourite bands. As IRON MAIDEN and MOONBLOOD are my fave bands of all time, I wonder which is your favourite MAIDEN-album? Have you had the chance to see them on stage?
"My favourite MAIDEN-album must be "Somewhere In Time", but "Brave New World" and "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" finish threateningly close. Unfortunately I have never seen IRON MAIDEN on stage; I had the opportunity twice, but managed to miss it. I promise I will correct the situation the next time they come over to Finland! Although you didn't ask about DARKTHRONE, I haven't been interested in their comings and goings since "Total Death"." (Which might be a mistake in the case of “Ravishing Grimness” but beside the albums from “A Blaze …” until “Panzerfaust” mark Darkthrone's golden era for sure. – NHASHI)
Thanks again for your time and your patience. Any wise heathen-hearted words for our readers?
"Thank you for this interview, it was truly a pleasure to travel through these questions. Hereby I pledge to "Voices From The Darkside" and proudly I say: Follow to wherever your hearts lead you and together we will raise our swords for a new pagan age to come!"
www.moonsorrow.cjb.net
Nhashi
Monday, June 6, 2011
Urkraft.tk / January 2002
Link
Answered by Ville Sorvali
Having released one of the best albums of last year, claiming the number 1 position on my Best Albums of the Year list, Moonsorrow has begun their quest towards metal immortality. My good friend and metal brother Ville Sepponpoika Sorvali (bass & vocals) took some time out of his scheduele to answer a few questions for Urkraft...
1. Hail thee heathen warrior! How has the winter-forst treated you so far in good ol' Suomi? All the mead drinking has kept you warm I hope!?
- Hail thyself Stefan! It is January 16th now. In December the weather was pretty Immortalish, during which I kept myself warm with wearing a pair of underpants of the Swedish army! They’re quite stylish, designed in the 17th century, I suppose. But oh, all the winter frost is long gone and I don’t need those anymore; welcome the good ol’ coast weather with nothing but annoying rains and shitty mix of snow and water in the streets. Indeed, I have to drink mead to survive this! Skål!
(Kippis! – S.)
2. The response to 'Voimasta Ja Kunniasta' has been extraordinary so far. I've read dozens of reviews (including my own) and all of them hail the album as an absolute masterpiece of metal. You must be more than happy with the response, or?
- Well yes, of course I’m happy with the response. I am also a bit of surprised. You know, when we were making “Voimasta ja Kunniasta”, none of us seriously could think of it to be a widely-praised epic. We didn’t know who it would please but ourselves, but yes, I’m happy it turned out this way.
3. The reputation of Moonsorrow is increasing all over the world with great speed. How do you avoid getting big-headed? And do you even intend to avoid it? :)
Heh, I don’t know if we actually have to avoid getting big-headed. There’s just no chance we could let whatever “success” gnaw our heathen hearts. Besides, we have not sold more than some 4000 articles, if counting all our demos and albums together. No fear, brother. :)
4. Many compare 'Voimasta...' to such acts as Bathory and Thyring. Would you said that is a fair description? Would you like to provide another one perhaps?
Well, direct comparisons are never fair, but you have a point there. There are similarities between our music and that of Bathory and Thyrfing, that we won’t deny. Many bands have influenced us, however the music of Moonsorrow is certainly not a plain result of influences. Sure, if Bathory never existed, Moonsorrow would not sound like this, but still the one and only description over us is epic heathen metal. It should cover everything of relevance.
5. There are quite a few progressive elements embedded into the crushing epic heaviness of 'Voimasta...' as far as I can hear. I know that you all are fans of bands like King Crimson and Pink Floyd and so on. Do you feel, as I do, that there is a need of progression within the metal scene of today? I mean, there is only so much to do with basic power-chords and straight-forward arrangements...
Be the metal scene stagnating or not – and it isn’t –, I can’t tell if we have the recipe for it. Always the better if our example encourages fellow musicians to explore beyond their power-chords and straight-forward arrangements, but bear in mind that all we consider ourselves doing is “our own thing”.
6. You have really managed to capture that mighty HERO feel in your music. Where do you draw inspiration to those majestic hymn-like arrangements? BRAVEHEART I presume? Hehehehe...
And he’s got the correct answer there! :) We indeed enjoy heroic movies and their soundtracks, so they certainly are a source of inspiration for us. Apart from them, many things. I myself don’t have much to do with the musical majesty, so I think I’m not the right person to dig any deeper than that.
7. Moonsorrow is to me about chivalry and heroism and the lyrics (as well as the music) often display those themes. Where do you mainly gain lyrical inspiration from? From your own inner vaults or from reading books etc?
All of the lyrics are sparked in my heart, but yes, certain sources of external inspiration could be books and movies. Subjects that interest me in this context are history, mythology, legends and tales. Also nature and life itself inspire my self-expression. It’s actually hard to explain because I tend not to think about it. :)
8. What do you feel are the main differences between your latest effort and your debut? Musically, lyrically etc...
Musically “Voimasta ja Kunniasta” is more varied than “Suden Uni”. The songs are more epic with complex structures and the progressive elements are new to our sound. The whole is not guaranteed to open entirely with the first listens, but that should make it grow in consumption. The overall sound is heavier and more sinister; it is more epic, more heathen and more metal. Lyrically the biggest differences are that the basis is entirely fictious and that they are altogether somewhat conceptual. Of course the lyrics are also a lot better than previously. All the differences simply return to the fact that we have improved as song-writers and musicians, as much a cliché it might be to say things like that.
9. Moonsorrow has (as some would call it – not me though!) a nationalistic imagery thing going on. Have you ever had problems with people labeling you as nazis etc, because you speak of Vikings and use those ancient symbols (the Hammer of Thor etc)? That seems to be a problem for many bands these days (sadly). Do people judge the book by it's cover so to speak?
Whosoever calls Moonsorrow a nationalistic band doesn’t know a shit of what he’s talking about. The concept of Moonsorrow is national romantic and using symbols dear to us does not make us nazis – case closed. There is no cultural or ideological connection whatsoever between heathen religions and nationalism; yes, the common tend to link these subjects together in their little minds, but that is because nazis have themselves employed ancient northern imagery for their purposes! There are some people around who think of us as something we’re not and I just wish they’ll regain their consideration someday. (Couldn’t agree more – S.)
10. In my opinion 'Voimasta...' is the damn close to being the ultimate album! How do you plan on exceeding this album - let's say for a moment that it can be done :) ? In what direction will we see Moonsorrow going in the future?
No, no... check out my contribution to “fans will be fans” to learn about ultimate albums. But yes, “Voimasta ja Kunniasta” is a good album, if that’s what you meant, and we plan on exceeding it by making another one. :) Serious work concerning new material is yet to be done, so I can’t tell a thing about directions, though.
11. What does the near future hold for the band and the various members? Any live shows coming up etc?
Drinking ale, listening to music, drinking mead, working, drinking ale, studying and drinking mead. Live shows would be nice but none are booked at the moment. We’re also planning to enter the studio in November/December, so we ought to have some material composed before that. :)
12. A final question: How is it possible to have such a great official website as you have right now? There must be a bunch of geniouses behind it, no doubt about that! =)
You got it, we’re damn proud to have a website like that. It must be designed and realized by the gods themselves! ;) (For those unaware I must inform that it’s me and the Moonsorrowers who have designed the site :))
13. Thanks for answering the intie! Final words to all the heathen warriors out there?
Thanks for putting up with the questions! And to all the heathen warriors our there: drink lots of mead and raise your swords in the name of metal!
Answered by Ville Sorvali
Having released one of the best albums of last year, claiming the number 1 position on my Best Albums of the Year list, Moonsorrow has begun their quest towards metal immortality. My good friend and metal brother Ville Sepponpoika Sorvali (bass & vocals) took some time out of his scheduele to answer a few questions for Urkraft...
1. Hail thee heathen warrior! How has the winter-forst treated you so far in good ol' Suomi? All the mead drinking has kept you warm I hope!?
- Hail thyself Stefan! It is January 16th now. In December the weather was pretty Immortalish, during which I kept myself warm with wearing a pair of underpants of the Swedish army! They’re quite stylish, designed in the 17th century, I suppose. But oh, all the winter frost is long gone and I don’t need those anymore; welcome the good ol’ coast weather with nothing but annoying rains and shitty mix of snow and water in the streets. Indeed, I have to drink mead to survive this! Skål!
(Kippis! – S.)
2. The response to 'Voimasta Ja Kunniasta' has been extraordinary so far. I've read dozens of reviews (including my own) and all of them hail the album as an absolute masterpiece of metal. You must be more than happy with the response, or?
- Well yes, of course I’m happy with the response. I am also a bit of surprised. You know, when we were making “Voimasta ja Kunniasta”, none of us seriously could think of it to be a widely-praised epic. We didn’t know who it would please but ourselves, but yes, I’m happy it turned out this way.
3. The reputation of Moonsorrow is increasing all over the world with great speed. How do you avoid getting big-headed? And do you even intend to avoid it? :)
Heh, I don’t know if we actually have to avoid getting big-headed. There’s just no chance we could let whatever “success” gnaw our heathen hearts. Besides, we have not sold more than some 4000 articles, if counting all our demos and albums together. No fear, brother. :)
4. Many compare 'Voimasta...' to such acts as Bathory and Thyring. Would you said that is a fair description? Would you like to provide another one perhaps?
Well, direct comparisons are never fair, but you have a point there. There are similarities between our music and that of Bathory and Thyrfing, that we won’t deny. Many bands have influenced us, however the music of Moonsorrow is certainly not a plain result of influences. Sure, if Bathory never existed, Moonsorrow would not sound like this, but still the one and only description over us is epic heathen metal. It should cover everything of relevance.
5. There are quite a few progressive elements embedded into the crushing epic heaviness of 'Voimasta...' as far as I can hear. I know that you all are fans of bands like King Crimson and Pink Floyd and so on. Do you feel, as I do, that there is a need of progression within the metal scene of today? I mean, there is only so much to do with basic power-chords and straight-forward arrangements...
Be the metal scene stagnating or not – and it isn’t –, I can’t tell if we have the recipe for it. Always the better if our example encourages fellow musicians to explore beyond their power-chords and straight-forward arrangements, but bear in mind that all we consider ourselves doing is “our own thing”.
6. You have really managed to capture that mighty HERO feel in your music. Where do you draw inspiration to those majestic hymn-like arrangements? BRAVEHEART I presume? Hehehehe...
And he’s got the correct answer there! :) We indeed enjoy heroic movies and their soundtracks, so they certainly are a source of inspiration for us. Apart from them, many things. I myself don’t have much to do with the musical majesty, so I think I’m not the right person to dig any deeper than that.
7. Moonsorrow is to me about chivalry and heroism and the lyrics (as well as the music) often display those themes. Where do you mainly gain lyrical inspiration from? From your own inner vaults or from reading books etc?
All of the lyrics are sparked in my heart, but yes, certain sources of external inspiration could be books and movies. Subjects that interest me in this context are history, mythology, legends and tales. Also nature and life itself inspire my self-expression. It’s actually hard to explain because I tend not to think about it. :)
8. What do you feel are the main differences between your latest effort and your debut? Musically, lyrically etc...
Musically “Voimasta ja Kunniasta” is more varied than “Suden Uni”. The songs are more epic with complex structures and the progressive elements are new to our sound. The whole is not guaranteed to open entirely with the first listens, but that should make it grow in consumption. The overall sound is heavier and more sinister; it is more epic, more heathen and more metal. Lyrically the biggest differences are that the basis is entirely fictious and that they are altogether somewhat conceptual. Of course the lyrics are also a lot better than previously. All the differences simply return to the fact that we have improved as song-writers and musicians, as much a cliché it might be to say things like that.
9. Moonsorrow has (as some would call it – not me though!) a nationalistic imagery thing going on. Have you ever had problems with people labeling you as nazis etc, because you speak of Vikings and use those ancient symbols (the Hammer of Thor etc)? That seems to be a problem for many bands these days (sadly). Do people judge the book by it's cover so to speak?
Whosoever calls Moonsorrow a nationalistic band doesn’t know a shit of what he’s talking about. The concept of Moonsorrow is national romantic and using symbols dear to us does not make us nazis – case closed. There is no cultural or ideological connection whatsoever between heathen religions and nationalism; yes, the common tend to link these subjects together in their little minds, but that is because nazis have themselves employed ancient northern imagery for their purposes! There are some people around who think of us as something we’re not and I just wish they’ll regain their consideration someday. (Couldn’t agree more – S.)
10. In my opinion 'Voimasta...' is the damn close to being the ultimate album! How do you plan on exceeding this album - let's say for a moment that it can be done :) ? In what direction will we see Moonsorrow going in the future?
No, no... check out my contribution to “fans will be fans” to learn about ultimate albums. But yes, “Voimasta ja Kunniasta” is a good album, if that’s what you meant, and we plan on exceeding it by making another one. :) Serious work concerning new material is yet to be done, so I can’t tell a thing about directions, though.
11. What does the near future hold for the band and the various members? Any live shows coming up etc?
Drinking ale, listening to music, drinking mead, working, drinking ale, studying and drinking mead. Live shows would be nice but none are booked at the moment. We’re also planning to enter the studio in November/December, so we ought to have some material composed before that. :)
12. A final question: How is it possible to have such a great official website as you have right now? There must be a bunch of geniouses behind it, no doubt about that! =)
You got it, we’re damn proud to have a website like that. It must be designed and realized by the gods themselves! ;) (For those unaware I must inform that it’s me and the Moonsorrowers who have designed the site :))
13. Thanks for answering the intie! Final words to all the heathen warriors out there?
Thanks for putting up with the questions! And to all the heathen warriors our there: drink lots of mead and raise your swords in the name of metal!
Digital Metal / January 2002
Link 1 - Link 2
Answered by Marko Tarvonen and Ville Sorvali
Moonsorrow - Runes, Ships & Weapons By Erik Thomas
Ever since Mithotyn were sent out on a burning ship into the Gulf of Bothnia, many bands have clamoured to claim the crown as Viking metal's undisputed king. Some like Hin Onde and Twin Obscenity have failed, others like Enslaved have simply given up the battle and progressed. Only Thyrfing have truly flirted with Viking metal brillaince consistenly, unchallenged for the vacant throne. Until now. With the realese of Voimasta ja Kunniasta (or Of Strength and Honour in English), Finland's Moonsorrow have catapaulted to the top of the Viking metal heap with a brilliant second album. It is an album deeply rooted in Viking culture and Norse mythology with songs that envisage heroism, bravery, family, life and death. I had the pleasure of visiting with Baron Tarwonen (bass) & Ville Seponpoika Sorvali (vocals), two of Moonsorrow's warriors, who are obviously beaming with pride from the superb opus.
Firstly, great album. I just wanted to touch on the fact you have English translations of the song titles and lyrics. What prompted this decision? Do you envision an album in English in the future?
Tarwonen: Thank you. The reason of the translations is simple. We just wanted more people to understand what we're singing about. I think it's very important for us because we sort of export the Finnish culture to the world. When the band started the songs were in English but we soon changed to Finnish as it felt so natural and at least for our ears it sounds better. So all you foreign bastards, get in touch with Finnish language! It's very easy to learn. [laughs] As for the future releases, we do continue with our native tongue but fear not, there'll be translations again!
How do you feel you compare to other Viking metal acts? (Either now defunct bands like Bathory of Mithotyn, and current bands like Thyrfing and Amon Amarth).
Tarwonen: Of course, we listen to many bands of this Viking scene, so I find it quite natural that in our music there's a "little" Bathory and 'Fing and so on. But then again we're not here to copy anyone. We love to do this music and we love the power of mead! Similarities do happen (and has happened since the first Beatles record) and I think it's great to have this viking/pagan-kind of genre too. I don't think there are any bands doing exactly the same thing.
This is only your second album, and it is (in my opinion) a perfect release how do you improve upon this album after such a complete record?
Tarwonen: When our debut Suden Uni (or A Wolf´s Dream in English) was recorded we thought, "How can we make a better album next?" But we did it. Me and Henri just sat at home composing new material every day, bringing new aspects to Moonsorrow´s music. We had some 100 minutes of new material. So it was easy to pick the best songs from that pre-production. Actually, we had some of Voimasta ja Kunniasta material ready when Suden Uni came out because its release was delayed.
How has the album been received in your homeland where no doubt many similar bands are competing for attention?
Tarwonen: All the responses have been excellent and that surprised us. I didn't have any expectations and actually I was a bit of afraid that people don't get it because of its long song structures and all that. But when I read the reviews of it I dropped my jaw! But fear not, we're not going big-headed. I don't see competition between bands here because we play [a] very fair game here as we're good friends with the members of other bands we like.
Are there any other bands in the genre from Finland that we should be aware off?
Tarwonen: Yes. All you pagans should support a band called Turisas. They only have made a self-released MCD, but I wonder if none of the record companies become interested in them. They have very pompous sound ala Bal-Sagoth and they're performing very theatrical live shows. Command your browsers immediately after this interview to Turisas.
The difference in song writing quality from the first album to this album is huge-why and how did the band manage to make such a large improvement in the material?
Tarwonen: Maybe this is cliche but still I'd call that a natural development. And you have to remember that the material on Suden Uni is composed in '98-'99 and the new material in 2001, so there was some time for us to prepare Voimasta ja Kunniasta. Also this time it wasn't only Henri who's responsible of songwriting. I penned two tracks ("Hiidenpelto" and "Sankaritarina") and I think they differ a lot from Henri's songs, but still fit in the Moonsorrow "mode." And Ville surpassed himself with awesome lyrics for this conceptual album. Everything is professional this time: playing, sounds, cover art. Everything!
The songs on the new album are vast epic pieces that convey the atmosphere of the dark ages-how did you manage to translate this more "peaceful" Viking aura into music?
Tarwonen: Umm. I don´t know. As for the lyric-wise I think there's at least one blood-fire-death-violent lyrics [in the] song "Sankarihauta"/"Warrior's Grave" on the album which is not so "peaceful." The whole concept is about heroism this time. It's the story of strength and honour written in [a] national romantic way. Suden Uni was more directly in the face of Christianity. Music-wise we discussed a lot about that there must be long and slow songs, folkish songs as well as fucking fast blasts, but in the end it turned out that the fast songs didn't fit the concept so it's middle tempo material - but very heavy and bombastic. Actually it's very hard to write short songs for Moonsorrow because we play this "Epic Heathen Metal" and this "Epic Heathen Metal" is not about two verses and a hit chorus for the masses. It's about historical events, it's about fighting, it's about bravery, it's about drinking for the gods, it's about coming back home, it's about traitors at home and it's about fucking blood, fire, death! Not the album. [laughs] We do need many minutes to reflect those matters in our music for Odin's sake!
What originally sparked your interest in Norse mythology and Viking history? Is it something you grew up with?
Sorvali: I really can't tell. I guess mythology and history in general have always appealed to me, and around the age of 16, should I remember correctly, I seriously begun to develop a deeper interest towards such topics. It was my heart that sparked that interest to say the least.
Since Finland is separated by language from Scandinavia but still very much rooted in Scandinavian, particularly Swedish, traditions from the Viking Era on, do you find most of your lyrical material coming from Swedish tales of conquest?
Sorvali: Why, our lyrics are firmly rooted in the Finnish ground. Simply for historical reasons, references to Viking culture whatsoever create no contradictions.
It seems the pre-history of Finland is more interesting, from a lyrical standpoint, than Viking Era Finland; although it'd be interesting to hear an interpretation of of the crusades into southwestern Finland.
Sorvali: I'm vastly interested in Finnish history, so I would not like to take a stand like that. It is remarkable, though, that Finland was practically isolated from the outside world until the latter Iron Age, or the "Viking Age" as many prefer to call it. Anyway, I would say "Köyliönjärven Jäällä" (from our debut album) is quite an interpretation of the crusades, or what do you think?
How does Norse mythology differ from Finnish mythology?
Sorvali: Well, we have different national epics, but altogether our belief systems are quite similar. Of course, the names of the deities differ, and the various mythological traditions the Finnish have practiced may be a bit "more obscure" than Asatru; exotic for the uninitiated. [laughs]
What is Epic Pagan Metal? Does the music have to be epic to be pagan and vice versa?
Sorvali: Epic pagan metal is just what the name indicates; epic, pagan and metal. In the case of Moonsorrow, those three words are firmly linked, but in general sense they should not depend of each other.
How is the difference between labels-Plasmatica for the debut and Spinefarm for the new album?
Tarwonen: The biggest difference is that Spinefarm is a professional label and Plasmatica isn't. There were so many things that got fucked up with Plasmatica, which I don't see reason to talk about anymore. With Spikefarm everything is so much easier because the company is in the same city as we're living in. Although I don't regret anything we did with Plasmatica. It was fair enough for making our debut album come true. We are now fully pleased with Spikefarm and I think we'll sign [to] them for another album.
Which bands do think have the most influence on Moonsorrow's music-ones inside the genre or other musical genres?
Tarwonen: I'd say Bathory is the only big influence from the metal scene. We do listen to many types of music from '70s prog to Scandinavian folk rock and so on to the hardest of metal of today. But if I must mention some other names in the shadow of big "B" who might have some influence on us I'd say Einherjer, Thyrfing, Nordman, King Crimson & Bal Sagoth. And Autopsy! What? Nah, not really!
With the lack of a true "Viking" heritage in the United States-do you think the American audience will not appreciate the music as much as their European counterparts? Do you think this hinders success abroad?
Tarwonen: Nah, I don't think so. We have got some amazing reviews from U.S. and based by them I think Americans are very interested in this kind of metal. I think people are taking this "Viking" stuff sometimes too seriously. We just want to make some good metal music which has some folk music influences for old time's sake! We work on the basis that Bathory and say, Amorphis, once created because we love this kind of music. We don't care so much of success.
Are any members of Moonsorrow involved in any other projects?
Tarwonen: For sure we all have other projects too. Henri plays keyboards in Finntroll and in a prog band called Luokkasota ("Class War"). I'm in a weird Finnish band called Kuha ("Pike-perch") which plays very odd music you can compare to Mr. Bungle. Ville has his rock (star?) band May Withers and Mitja is involved with a death metal band called The Sinkage. Lord Eurén plays with himself! [laughs]
Any plans for a tour? Describe to us a Moonsorrow live show? Is it furs and swords or do you let the music do the imagery itself?
Tarwonen: Not at the moment. We like to do as many gigs as we're able to play. We have only played few gigs here in Finland and mostly in Helsinki. Moonsorrow doesn't have anyt special live show. It's just us playing loud and clear, covered with sweat and blood! Furs suck big time! They're too hot!
With such a brilliant album so early in your career, the future for Moonsorrow looks good-what are the immediate plans for Moonsorrow?
Tarwonen: To do as many gigs as we can this year and write some new material for the next album. We're going to studio in November so unfortunately you have to wait for the next Moonsorrow album until the beginning of 2003. But, we have also some other projects coming, namely Ahti (the name of Finnish ancient God of the Water), which plays Viking-rock mixed with folk music and Oi!-punk elements so it's really something!
In my opinion your closest rivals in the genre are Thyrfing - Do you like them? Will you check out their new album?
Tarwonen: Yes I admit we have something in common with them - those Braveheart samples. [laughs] And we do like them very much. Of course, I'll check their forth coming album and I wish them all the best! Hell Norden!
Anything else for our axe wielding hordes?
Tarwonen: Thanx for this interview and for your support! All you heathen metallers, feel free to visit our website www.moonsorrow.cjb.net. It's time to go to bed, so it's over and out!
Answered by Marko Tarvonen and Ville Sorvali
Moonsorrow - Runes, Ships & Weapons By Erik Thomas
Ever since Mithotyn were sent out on a burning ship into the Gulf of Bothnia, many bands have clamoured to claim the crown as Viking metal's undisputed king. Some like Hin Onde and Twin Obscenity have failed, others like Enslaved have simply given up the battle and progressed. Only Thyrfing have truly flirted with Viking metal brillaince consistenly, unchallenged for the vacant throne. Until now. With the realese of Voimasta ja Kunniasta (or Of Strength and Honour in English), Finland's Moonsorrow have catapaulted to the top of the Viking metal heap with a brilliant second album. It is an album deeply rooted in Viking culture and Norse mythology with songs that envisage heroism, bravery, family, life and death. I had the pleasure of visiting with Baron Tarwonen (bass) & Ville Seponpoika Sorvali (vocals), two of Moonsorrow's warriors, who are obviously beaming with pride from the superb opus.
Firstly, great album. I just wanted to touch on the fact you have English translations of the song titles and lyrics. What prompted this decision? Do you envision an album in English in the future?
Tarwonen: Thank you. The reason of the translations is simple. We just wanted more people to understand what we're singing about. I think it's very important for us because we sort of export the Finnish culture to the world. When the band started the songs were in English but we soon changed to Finnish as it felt so natural and at least for our ears it sounds better. So all you foreign bastards, get in touch with Finnish language! It's very easy to learn. [laughs] As for the future releases, we do continue with our native tongue but fear not, there'll be translations again!
How do you feel you compare to other Viking metal acts? (Either now defunct bands like Bathory of Mithotyn, and current bands like Thyrfing and Amon Amarth).
Tarwonen: Of course, we listen to many bands of this Viking scene, so I find it quite natural that in our music there's a "little" Bathory and 'Fing and so on. But then again we're not here to copy anyone. We love to do this music and we love the power of mead! Similarities do happen (and has happened since the first Beatles record) and I think it's great to have this viking/pagan-kind of genre too. I don't think there are any bands doing exactly the same thing.
This is only your second album, and it is (in my opinion) a perfect release how do you improve upon this album after such a complete record?
Tarwonen: When our debut Suden Uni (or A Wolf´s Dream in English) was recorded we thought, "How can we make a better album next?" But we did it. Me and Henri just sat at home composing new material every day, bringing new aspects to Moonsorrow´s music. We had some 100 minutes of new material. So it was easy to pick the best songs from that pre-production. Actually, we had some of Voimasta ja Kunniasta material ready when Suden Uni came out because its release was delayed.
How has the album been received in your homeland where no doubt many similar bands are competing for attention?
Tarwonen: All the responses have been excellent and that surprised us. I didn't have any expectations and actually I was a bit of afraid that people don't get it because of its long song structures and all that. But when I read the reviews of it I dropped my jaw! But fear not, we're not going big-headed. I don't see competition between bands here because we play [a] very fair game here as we're good friends with the members of other bands we like.
Are there any other bands in the genre from Finland that we should be aware off?
Tarwonen: Yes. All you pagans should support a band called Turisas. They only have made a self-released MCD, but I wonder if none of the record companies become interested in them. They have very pompous sound ala Bal-Sagoth and they're performing very theatrical live shows. Command your browsers immediately after this interview to Turisas.
The difference in song writing quality from the first album to this album is huge-why and how did the band manage to make such a large improvement in the material?
Tarwonen: Maybe this is cliche but still I'd call that a natural development. And you have to remember that the material on Suden Uni is composed in '98-'99 and the new material in 2001, so there was some time for us to prepare Voimasta ja Kunniasta. Also this time it wasn't only Henri who's responsible of songwriting. I penned two tracks ("Hiidenpelto" and "Sankaritarina") and I think they differ a lot from Henri's songs, but still fit in the Moonsorrow "mode." And Ville surpassed himself with awesome lyrics for this conceptual album. Everything is professional this time: playing, sounds, cover art. Everything!
The songs on the new album are vast epic pieces that convey the atmosphere of the dark ages-how did you manage to translate this more "peaceful" Viking aura into music?
Tarwonen: Umm. I don´t know. As for the lyric-wise I think there's at least one blood-fire-death-violent lyrics [in the] song "Sankarihauta"/"Warrior's Grave" on the album which is not so "peaceful." The whole concept is about heroism this time. It's the story of strength and honour written in [a] national romantic way. Suden Uni was more directly in the face of Christianity. Music-wise we discussed a lot about that there must be long and slow songs, folkish songs as well as fucking fast blasts, but in the end it turned out that the fast songs didn't fit the concept so it's middle tempo material - but very heavy and bombastic. Actually it's very hard to write short songs for Moonsorrow because we play this "Epic Heathen Metal" and this "Epic Heathen Metal" is not about two verses and a hit chorus for the masses. It's about historical events, it's about fighting, it's about bravery, it's about drinking for the gods, it's about coming back home, it's about traitors at home and it's about fucking blood, fire, death! Not the album. [laughs] We do need many minutes to reflect those matters in our music for Odin's sake!
What originally sparked your interest in Norse mythology and Viking history? Is it something you grew up with?
Sorvali: I really can't tell. I guess mythology and history in general have always appealed to me, and around the age of 16, should I remember correctly, I seriously begun to develop a deeper interest towards such topics. It was my heart that sparked that interest to say the least.
Since Finland is separated by language from Scandinavia but still very much rooted in Scandinavian, particularly Swedish, traditions from the Viking Era on, do you find most of your lyrical material coming from Swedish tales of conquest?
Sorvali: Why, our lyrics are firmly rooted in the Finnish ground. Simply for historical reasons, references to Viking culture whatsoever create no contradictions.
It seems the pre-history of Finland is more interesting, from a lyrical standpoint, than Viking Era Finland; although it'd be interesting to hear an interpretation of of the crusades into southwestern Finland.
Sorvali: I'm vastly interested in Finnish history, so I would not like to take a stand like that. It is remarkable, though, that Finland was practically isolated from the outside world until the latter Iron Age, or the "Viking Age" as many prefer to call it. Anyway, I would say "Köyliönjärven Jäällä" (from our debut album) is quite an interpretation of the crusades, or what do you think?
How does Norse mythology differ from Finnish mythology?
Sorvali: Well, we have different national epics, but altogether our belief systems are quite similar. Of course, the names of the deities differ, and the various mythological traditions the Finnish have practiced may be a bit "more obscure" than Asatru; exotic for the uninitiated. [laughs]
What is Epic Pagan Metal? Does the music have to be epic to be pagan and vice versa?
Sorvali: Epic pagan metal is just what the name indicates; epic, pagan and metal. In the case of Moonsorrow, those three words are firmly linked, but in general sense they should not depend of each other.
How is the difference between labels-Plasmatica for the debut and Spinefarm for the new album?
Tarwonen: The biggest difference is that Spinefarm is a professional label and Plasmatica isn't. There were so many things that got fucked up with Plasmatica, which I don't see reason to talk about anymore. With Spikefarm everything is so much easier because the company is in the same city as we're living in. Although I don't regret anything we did with Plasmatica. It was fair enough for making our debut album come true. We are now fully pleased with Spikefarm and I think we'll sign [to] them for another album.
Which bands do think have the most influence on Moonsorrow's music-ones inside the genre or other musical genres?
Tarwonen: I'd say Bathory is the only big influence from the metal scene. We do listen to many types of music from '70s prog to Scandinavian folk rock and so on to the hardest of metal of today. But if I must mention some other names in the shadow of big "B" who might have some influence on us I'd say Einherjer, Thyrfing, Nordman, King Crimson & Bal Sagoth. And Autopsy! What? Nah, not really!
With the lack of a true "Viking" heritage in the United States-do you think the American audience will not appreciate the music as much as their European counterparts? Do you think this hinders success abroad?
Tarwonen: Nah, I don't think so. We have got some amazing reviews from U.S. and based by them I think Americans are very interested in this kind of metal. I think people are taking this "Viking" stuff sometimes too seriously. We just want to make some good metal music which has some folk music influences for old time's sake! We work on the basis that Bathory and say, Amorphis, once created because we love this kind of music. We don't care so much of success.
Are any members of Moonsorrow involved in any other projects?
Tarwonen: For sure we all have other projects too. Henri plays keyboards in Finntroll and in a prog band called Luokkasota ("Class War"). I'm in a weird Finnish band called Kuha ("Pike-perch") which plays very odd music you can compare to Mr. Bungle. Ville has his rock (star?) band May Withers and Mitja is involved with a death metal band called The Sinkage. Lord Eurén plays with himself! [laughs]
Any plans for a tour? Describe to us a Moonsorrow live show? Is it furs and swords or do you let the music do the imagery itself?
Tarwonen: Not at the moment. We like to do as many gigs as we're able to play. We have only played few gigs here in Finland and mostly in Helsinki. Moonsorrow doesn't have anyt special live show. It's just us playing loud and clear, covered with sweat and blood! Furs suck big time! They're too hot!
With such a brilliant album so early in your career, the future for Moonsorrow looks good-what are the immediate plans for Moonsorrow?
Tarwonen: To do as many gigs as we can this year and write some new material for the next album. We're going to studio in November so unfortunately you have to wait for the next Moonsorrow album until the beginning of 2003. But, we have also some other projects coming, namely Ahti (the name of Finnish ancient God of the Water), which plays Viking-rock mixed with folk music and Oi!-punk elements so it's really something!
In my opinion your closest rivals in the genre are Thyrfing - Do you like them? Will you check out their new album?
Tarwonen: Yes I admit we have something in common with them - those Braveheart samples. [laughs] And we do like them very much. Of course, I'll check their forth coming album and I wish them all the best! Hell Norden!
Anything else for our axe wielding hordes?
Tarwonen: Thanx for this interview and for your support! All you heathen metallers, feel free to visit our website www.moonsorrow.cjb.net. It's time to go to bed, so it's over and out!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Meteli.net / November 2001
Link 1 - Link 2
Answered by Ville Sorvali
On hanget korkeat nietokset vaan pakanajuhla on meillä
Moonsorrow on vuoden 1995 aikoihin alkurääkäisynsä esittänyt suomenkielinen pakanametallibändi, jonka suosio on voimakkaasti nousemassa alan harrastajien keskuudessa. Bändin musiikki on kansanmusiikkivaikutteista, synkkää, mutta samalla omalla tavallaan hyvin iloluontoista. Nyt joulukuun alussa bändin toinen kokopitkä levy Voimasta ja kunniasta näki päivänvalon Spikefarmin julkaisemana. Moonsorrown perustivat serkukset Henri ja Ville Sorvali, joista ensimmäinen operoi kitaralla ja levyllä myös koskettimilla, jälkimmäisen toimiessa vokaalitaiteilijana ja basson varressa. Virallisen ensidemonsa Metsän jälkeen orkesteri on siirtynyt kokonaan suomenkieleen ja saanut lisää jäseniä, julkaisujakin on kertynyt kiitettävästi. Edellisellä Suden uni pitkäsoitollaan bändi lauloi mm. siitä, kuinka Piispa Henrik kohtasi suomalaista käsityötä olevan kirveen kappaleessa Köyliöjärven jäällä. Jo ennen uutukaisen julkaisupäivää meteli.net hankki langan päähän Ville Sorvalin ja juttua riitti.
On varmaan syytä selventää hieman bändin alkutaipaletta. Mistä teillä lähti Henrin kanssa aikoinaan idea perustaa juuri tällaista musiikkia veivaava orkesteri?
-Siinä joskus vuoden -95 paikkeilla alkoi Henrin ja mun mielessä kiteytyä konsepti pakanallisesta metalliyhtyeestä. Se oli Moonsorrow mikä siitä syntyi, vaikka eihän se ihan tällaista ollut aluksi. Moonsorrow säilyi, kun monet muut projektit, mitä siihen aikaan oli vireillä, kuolivat ympäriltä ja Moonsorrowsta muotoutui ihan oikea bändi.
Oliko suomen kieli jo alusta alkaen mukana?
-Ei, aluksi oli luonnollisempaa kirjoittaa englanniksi. Sit jotain -97 Tämän ikuisen talven aikoihin Henri sanoi, et jos Ville tekisit tästlähin sanoitukset ja minä siihen, että kirjotetaampa suomeksi.
Onko joskus tullut mieleen tehdä Moonsorrown nimiin materiaalia myös englanniksi?
-Onhan sitä joskus ajateltu, ans kattoo ny. Itse olen tykästynyt koko ajan enemmän suomenkieleen. Ei siitä ole kertaakaan tullut huonoa palautetta, että lauletaan suomeksi. Suomalaista pakanamusiikkiahan tämä on ja mä pystyn ilmaisemaan itseäni monipuolisemmin suomeksi.
Parhaillaan on ollut menossa voimakas noususuhdanne nimenomaan suomeksi lauletulla metallilla. Näetkö, että Niskalaukaus, Kotiteollisuus ynnä muut olisivat kasvattaneet myös kiinnostusta teitä kohtaan, vaikka ovatkin kovin erilaisia bändejä?
-Onhan sellainen aalto nyt menossa ja saattaahan se meidätkin ottaa mukaansa. Hienoa tämä on kun bändit taas alkoivat laulaa suomeksi. Ajatellaan vaikka aikaa kun Suomi itsenäistyi. Silloin tuli tärkeäksi oma kieli ja kulttuuri. Voidaan ajatella, että nyt on meneillään samanlainen vastarinta Euroopan yhdentymisen ja yhteisen rahan vuoksi ja sen, että eurooppalaisia kulttuureja yritetään sulattaa yhteen. Sellainen alitajuinen vastareaktio.
-Olin tuossa juuri kuuntelemassa Viikatetta livenä ja sehän on aivan helvetin hyvää musiikkia. Niin syvää masennusta, angstia ja ahdistusta ei yksinkertaisesti voi ilmaista muulla kielellä kuin suomeksi.
Mitä mieltä muuten olet Pasi Koskisen Ajattara -bändistä (Ajattara soittaa kuolonmetallia suomenkielellä ammentaen teksteihinsä Kalevalasta ja muinaissuomalaisuudesta)?
-Kovasti olen kuunnellut ja tykännyt, samalla lafkallahan tässä ollaan. Ei voi sanoa, että se olisi uutta musiikkia, kun se ammentaa tosi vanhasta musiikista, mutta tosi piristävä poikkeus suomalaisessa musakentässä.
Te olette käsittääkseni irtisanoutuneet voimakkaasti blackmetallista ja määritelleet bändinne sen sijaan pakanametalliksi, annapa siis kuulua tarkempaa määritelmää pakanametallille.
-Eeppistä eli kertovaa, siihen lisätään pakanalliset ajatusmaailmat ja metalli. Raskasta, mahtipontista, eeppistä, kansanmusiikkivaikutteista hevimetallia, joka ei soi radioissa, eihän noin pitkät biisit soi radioissa.
VOIMASTA JA KUNNIASTA
Moonsorrown edellinen albumi Suden uni ilmestyi vasta viime keväänä, mistä tuli tarve tehdä näin pian uusi levy? Johtuiko se edellisen albumin julkaisun venymisestä vai mikäs on tarina?
-Uutta matskua oli tehtynä jo ennen Suden unen ilmestymistä. Meillä oli vahva fiilis siitä, että pitää tehdä uutta. Matsku oli valmiina jo kesän lopulla, mutta vielä kahta viikkoa ennen nauhoitusten alkua meillä ei ollut levy-yhtiötä. Me työskennellään varmaankin parhaiten hermopaineen alaisuudessa, studioaikaahan ei ollut mitenkään runsaasti, vain pari viikkoa.
Onkos levyn ilmestymisajankohdalla (3. joulukuuta) mitään tekemistä perikristillisen valon juhlan lähestymisen kanssa?
-Ei (heh). Hyvähän se on, että ilmestyy juuri nyt, mutta kyllä se aika pitkälti oli levy-yhtiön toivomus, että saataisiin se ulos jo tämän vuoden puolella.
Nyt uuden levyn myötä vaihtui siis myös bändin levy-yhtiö. Kuinkas te päädyitte Spikefarm Recordsille?
-Kesällä metsästettiin levy-yhtiötä ulkomailta, läheteltiin demoja sinne tänne ulkomaisiin yhtiöihin. Jostain syystä sitten tajuttiin, että lähintä vaihtoehtoa ei oltu ees tsekattu. Että onhan täällä Helsingissäkin levy-yhtiö. Sopimuksenteossa ei kauan nokka tuhissut. Itse olen oikein tyytyväinen nykyiseen tilanteeseen.
Mistä kertoo uuden albumin otsikko Voimasta ja kunniasta?
-Voimasta ja kunniasta (heh).Teksteiltään se on fiktiivisempi kuin Suden uni, tarkoitus on välittää pakanallista maailmankuvaa. Tämä on sellainen majesteettinen paketti.
Onko jokin levyn biiseistä muodostunut erityisen läheiseksi jo tässä vaiheessa?
-Erityisesti nyt kuunnellessa on noussu esiin tuo viimeinen biisi, Sankaritarina, se aiheuttaa mukavia kylmiä väreitä selkäpiihin. Se on sellanen vajaa 14 minuuttinen, eeppinen veto.
Onko olo nyt täysin tyhjentynyt ja tyytyväinen uuden levyn osalta?
-Ei koskaan täysin tyytyväinen, eihän jatkamisessa muuten olisi mitään mieltä, mutta totta helvetissä tuosta tuli hyvä levy ja olen todella tyytyväinen siihen. Miksauksessa vedettiin hirveellä rytinällä biisit läpi eikä siitä oikeen kerenny muodostumaan mitään kuvaa. Nyt kun sitä on uskaltanu kuunnella niin kyllä se on helvetin hyvä lopputulos mikä saatiin aikaan.
Onko Voimasta ja kunniasta -levyllä jotain erityistä teemaa esimerkiksi sanoituksellisesti?
-Tavallaan se on sellainen fiktiivinen konsepti. Rakensin siihen tarinan voimasta ja kunniasta, hirveen sankarillista meininkiä.
Suden unella soitinvalikoimaan kuului myös studiolta löydetty haitari. Onko se mukana tällä kertaa?
-Totta helvetissä! Haitari on ja pysyy niin kauan kuin se Tico-Ticolta löytyy.
Suden unen jälkeen bändi on saanut kaksi uutta jäsentä, kitaraan Mitja Harvilahden ja livekokoonpanoon kosketinten taakse Lord Eurénin. Mitä uutta nämä kaksi herraa ovat tuoneet mukanaan?
-Kyllä uudet jäsenet ovat Moonsorrown soundiin vaikuttaneet, varsinkin Mitja on mielettömän lahjakas kitaristi ja on tuonut uutta särmää sovituksiin. Meillä on nyt ekaa kertaa mukana myös kitarasooloja varsinaisella kokopitkällä levyllä. Eurén vaikuttaa siihen, että me kuulostetaan livenä joltakin. Eurén mielletään kyllä vakituiseksi jäseneksi. Studiossa Henri on koskettimien takana, koska se toimii niin suvereenisti.
KUUNTELEEKO KUKAAN ENÄÄ BATHORYA?
Kotisivujenne mukaan teillä on hyvin erilaisia bändejä suosikkilistoillanne, löytyy Pink Floydia, Iron Maidenia, Entombedia, Bal-Sagothia, Slayeria, Nordmania, King Crimsonia ja Hedningarnaa. Kuinkas on, vieläkö se Bathory on kaikkein kovin suosikki, onhan Moonsorrow jopa soittanut tribuuttikeikan Bathorylle.
-Eiköhän se oo kollektiivinen suosikki. Ei Moonsorrow kuitenkaan ole mikään Bathory-kopio vaan meidän musassa on enemmänkin sellainen tribuutti-elementti Bathoryn viikinki-levyille. Niitä on tullut paljon kuunneltua eikä vaikutteita tietysti voi täysin välttää.
Moonsorrown jäsenillä on monta rautaa tulessa sekä musiikillisesti että muussa elämässä. Varsinkin jos ajattelee Henriä, bändin pääasiallista säveltäjää (Henri soittaa Finntrollissa, Larharyhmässä ja Luokkasodassa ja on myös vieraillut Ensiferumin levyllä). Kuinkas teillä aika riittää erilaisille projekteille?
-Henri ei tee nykyisin juuri muuta kuin musiikkia, koska se on myös sen työ. Baron Tarwonen (rummut, toim.huom.), jolla on toiseksi eniten projekteja tekee muutakin kuin musaa. Itselläni ei ole toistaiseksi ollut ongelmia aikataulun kanssa (Ville soittaa Moonsorrown lisäksi rock-kokoonpanossa nimeltä May Withers, toim.huom.). Jos muu elämä alkaa kusta niin sitten pitää kyllä miettiä uudestaan, mutta täytyy pyrkiä siihen, että voisi aina vaikuttaa Moonsorrowssa täysipainoisesti.
Finntrollista tulee mieleen kaikkien rakastamat bändivertailut. Moonsorrowta ollaan jostain syystä verrattu juuri Finntrolliin, vieläkös sitä kuulee?
-Mun mielestä tää vertailu on aika käsittämätöntä. Henrin takia sitä kai tehdään, mutta minusta me ei kuulosteta Finntrollilta. Musta on yllättävää, ettei kovinkaan moni toimittaja vertaa meitä Bathoryyn. Onko se niin, ettei kukaan enää kuuntele Bathorya?
MAJESTEETTISET LEGENDAT
Seuraavaksi Moonsorrown biisinteosta. Mistä te ammennatte inspiraatiota tällaisen musan tekemiseen? Ilmeisesti olette kiinnostuneita kansanmusiikista ja historiasta, kuinka näiden aiheiden ääreen on nuori mies ajautunut?
-Omasta puolestani voin sanoa, että myytit, legendat ja kaikenlaiset tarinat on kiinnostanu lapsesta saakka, ja pakanallinen ajatusmaailma, vaikkei sitä tietenkään vielä lapsena tajunnu. Koulun pakkopullan jälkeen alkoi kiinnostua historiastakin. Nää aiheet istuu tosi luontevasti meille ja niistä sitten inspiroidutaan. Majesteettiset legendat ovat pääosassa.
Millaiset tarinat tai teemat nousevat biiseissä ylitse muiden?
-Suden unelle saakka aika pitkälti valtauskonnon yleinen kritisointi ja pakanoiden historiassa käymät taistelut tätä vastaan. Uudella levyllä olemme siirtyneet enemmän tarinapuolelle. Aiheina ovat myytit, uskomukset, kotiinpaluu...sellaiset kansallisromanttiset aiheet.
Moonsorrow on myös hyvin visuaalinen bändi. Skrymer Finntrollista on suunnitellut kansikuvan uuteen levyyn. Kuinka paljon bändi itse oli suunnittelemassa levynkansia?
-Annettiin löyhä konsepti siitä, mitä siinä voisi olla ja levy. Skrymer on helvetin lahjakas maalari ja kannesta tuli vähän sitä mitä ajateltiin, mutta tietysti Skrymerin oma visio ja parempi näin. Myös edellisen levyn kansikuvan alkuperäistaulun maalannutta herraa mietittiin. Suden unen kannessa olevan kuvan alkuperäisteoksen on maalannut mies nimeltä Hannu Suuronen. Hän oli luonut kuvan vain ajankulukseen töissä ollessaan. Me löydettiin kuva sattumalta ja pyydettiin saako sitä käyttää.
Kukas on Moonsorrown bändilogon takana, sehän on harvinaisen sovelias ja tyylikäs.
-Logo on Henrin käsialaa, vuosien saatossa sitä on paranneltu, aiemmin se on ollut...hmm, käyrä, vielä viime levylläkin, mutta nyt se on saatu korjailtua.
Bändin uudet promokuvat jatkavat taistelu- ja soturiteemaa. Pyrittekö te luomaan bändille vahvaa imagoa ja kuinka tärkeää on visuaalisuus Moonsorrowlle?
-Jos jotain alottaa niin paras tehdä loppuun asti kunnolla. Kuvat ovat kyllä vakuuttavia. Visuaalisuudella on aina oma merkityksensä, ensin tulee tottakai musa, mutta imago ja visuaalisuus tukee musaa. Ei tuo ole teeskentelyä. Ei me tosin yleensä kuljeta ympäriinsä verta naamallamme eikä meillä ole siviilissä sellaisia rautapaitojakaan sattuneesta syystä.
Visuaalisuus näkyy myös bändin teemaa jatkavista kotisivuista (moonsorrow.cjb.net). Kuinka paljon bändi on vaikuttanut sivuihinsa?
-Kotisivun tyyli lähti Henrin laatimasta framesta. Mä rakentelin sivut mielessäni ja meinasin jo ruveta koodiakin vääntämään, mutta sitten yksi ruotsalainen fani otti meihin yhteyttä ja pyysi saako tehdä meille epäviralliset kotisivut. Mä mietin noin kaksi sekuntia ja sanoin, että teepä viralliset.
Entäpä Moonsorrown fanit. Osaatko kuvitella millainen on ihminen, joka kuuntelee teidän musiikkianne? Bändin nettisivujen Pagan Forumissa ainakin käydään kiivasta keskustelua.
-Periaatteessa kuka tahansa metallin kuuntelija. Jos henkilön oma ajatusmaailma viittaa lähelle meidän musaa, jos henkilöllä on pakanallinen aatemaailma ja pitää mahtipontisesta nostatuksesta.
Sitten vielä loppuun Moonsorrown livesetistä. Onko tarkoitus kiertää Suomea enemmänkin nyt uuden levyn saavuttua?
-Ideanahan oli tehdä laajempaa kiertuetta. Nyt päästään niinkin pohjoiseen kuin Hämeenlinnaan asti. Meidän pitäs saada oma keikkamyyjä. Ei tule oikein mitään siitä, että itse soittelee keikkojen perään.
Onko bändinne enemmän live vai levybändi?
-Levystä saa irti kaiken ja liven on oltava parempi kuin levy. Ei ole mitään mieltä siinä, jos kuulostaa levyllä paremmalta kuin livenä tai sitten samalle.
Millainen on Moonsorrow livenä? Onko teillä erityinen viikinkishow vai kuinka?
-Ei meillä sen kummempaa showta ole. Tukat vaan heiluu ja soitetaan kovaa ja nopeasti.
Sehän riittääkin aivan mainiosti. Kiitokset Villelle haastatteluun vaivautumisesta. Toivottavasti itsekin saan todistaa pakanametallin voimaa viimeistään tulevan kesän festareilla.
Hanna Valjakka
Answered by Ville Sorvali
On hanget korkeat nietokset vaan pakanajuhla on meillä
Moonsorrow on vuoden 1995 aikoihin alkurääkäisynsä esittänyt suomenkielinen pakanametallibändi, jonka suosio on voimakkaasti nousemassa alan harrastajien keskuudessa. Bändin musiikki on kansanmusiikkivaikutteista, synkkää, mutta samalla omalla tavallaan hyvin iloluontoista. Nyt joulukuun alussa bändin toinen kokopitkä levy Voimasta ja kunniasta näki päivänvalon Spikefarmin julkaisemana. Moonsorrown perustivat serkukset Henri ja Ville Sorvali, joista ensimmäinen operoi kitaralla ja levyllä myös koskettimilla, jälkimmäisen toimiessa vokaalitaiteilijana ja basson varressa. Virallisen ensidemonsa Metsän jälkeen orkesteri on siirtynyt kokonaan suomenkieleen ja saanut lisää jäseniä, julkaisujakin on kertynyt kiitettävästi. Edellisellä Suden uni pitkäsoitollaan bändi lauloi mm. siitä, kuinka Piispa Henrik kohtasi suomalaista käsityötä olevan kirveen kappaleessa Köyliöjärven jäällä. Jo ennen uutukaisen julkaisupäivää meteli.net hankki langan päähän Ville Sorvalin ja juttua riitti.
On varmaan syytä selventää hieman bändin alkutaipaletta. Mistä teillä lähti Henrin kanssa aikoinaan idea perustaa juuri tällaista musiikkia veivaava orkesteri?
-Siinä joskus vuoden -95 paikkeilla alkoi Henrin ja mun mielessä kiteytyä konsepti pakanallisesta metalliyhtyeestä. Se oli Moonsorrow mikä siitä syntyi, vaikka eihän se ihan tällaista ollut aluksi. Moonsorrow säilyi, kun monet muut projektit, mitä siihen aikaan oli vireillä, kuolivat ympäriltä ja Moonsorrowsta muotoutui ihan oikea bändi.
Oliko suomen kieli jo alusta alkaen mukana?
-Ei, aluksi oli luonnollisempaa kirjoittaa englanniksi. Sit jotain -97 Tämän ikuisen talven aikoihin Henri sanoi, et jos Ville tekisit tästlähin sanoitukset ja minä siihen, että kirjotetaampa suomeksi.
Onko joskus tullut mieleen tehdä Moonsorrown nimiin materiaalia myös englanniksi?
-Onhan sitä joskus ajateltu, ans kattoo ny. Itse olen tykästynyt koko ajan enemmän suomenkieleen. Ei siitä ole kertaakaan tullut huonoa palautetta, että lauletaan suomeksi. Suomalaista pakanamusiikkiahan tämä on ja mä pystyn ilmaisemaan itseäni monipuolisemmin suomeksi.
Parhaillaan on ollut menossa voimakas noususuhdanne nimenomaan suomeksi lauletulla metallilla. Näetkö, että Niskalaukaus, Kotiteollisuus ynnä muut olisivat kasvattaneet myös kiinnostusta teitä kohtaan, vaikka ovatkin kovin erilaisia bändejä?
-Onhan sellainen aalto nyt menossa ja saattaahan se meidätkin ottaa mukaansa. Hienoa tämä on kun bändit taas alkoivat laulaa suomeksi. Ajatellaan vaikka aikaa kun Suomi itsenäistyi. Silloin tuli tärkeäksi oma kieli ja kulttuuri. Voidaan ajatella, että nyt on meneillään samanlainen vastarinta Euroopan yhdentymisen ja yhteisen rahan vuoksi ja sen, että eurooppalaisia kulttuureja yritetään sulattaa yhteen. Sellainen alitajuinen vastareaktio.
-Olin tuossa juuri kuuntelemassa Viikatetta livenä ja sehän on aivan helvetin hyvää musiikkia. Niin syvää masennusta, angstia ja ahdistusta ei yksinkertaisesti voi ilmaista muulla kielellä kuin suomeksi.
Mitä mieltä muuten olet Pasi Koskisen Ajattara -bändistä (Ajattara soittaa kuolonmetallia suomenkielellä ammentaen teksteihinsä Kalevalasta ja muinaissuomalaisuudesta)?
-Kovasti olen kuunnellut ja tykännyt, samalla lafkallahan tässä ollaan. Ei voi sanoa, että se olisi uutta musiikkia, kun se ammentaa tosi vanhasta musiikista, mutta tosi piristävä poikkeus suomalaisessa musakentässä.
Te olette käsittääkseni irtisanoutuneet voimakkaasti blackmetallista ja määritelleet bändinne sen sijaan pakanametalliksi, annapa siis kuulua tarkempaa määritelmää pakanametallille.
-Eeppistä eli kertovaa, siihen lisätään pakanalliset ajatusmaailmat ja metalli. Raskasta, mahtipontista, eeppistä, kansanmusiikkivaikutteista hevimetallia, joka ei soi radioissa, eihän noin pitkät biisit soi radioissa.
VOIMASTA JA KUNNIASTA
Moonsorrown edellinen albumi Suden uni ilmestyi vasta viime keväänä, mistä tuli tarve tehdä näin pian uusi levy? Johtuiko se edellisen albumin julkaisun venymisestä vai mikäs on tarina?
-Uutta matskua oli tehtynä jo ennen Suden unen ilmestymistä. Meillä oli vahva fiilis siitä, että pitää tehdä uutta. Matsku oli valmiina jo kesän lopulla, mutta vielä kahta viikkoa ennen nauhoitusten alkua meillä ei ollut levy-yhtiötä. Me työskennellään varmaankin parhaiten hermopaineen alaisuudessa, studioaikaahan ei ollut mitenkään runsaasti, vain pari viikkoa.
Onkos levyn ilmestymisajankohdalla (3. joulukuuta) mitään tekemistä perikristillisen valon juhlan lähestymisen kanssa?
-Ei (heh). Hyvähän se on, että ilmestyy juuri nyt, mutta kyllä se aika pitkälti oli levy-yhtiön toivomus, että saataisiin se ulos jo tämän vuoden puolella.
Nyt uuden levyn myötä vaihtui siis myös bändin levy-yhtiö. Kuinkas te päädyitte Spikefarm Recordsille?
-Kesällä metsästettiin levy-yhtiötä ulkomailta, läheteltiin demoja sinne tänne ulkomaisiin yhtiöihin. Jostain syystä sitten tajuttiin, että lähintä vaihtoehtoa ei oltu ees tsekattu. Että onhan täällä Helsingissäkin levy-yhtiö. Sopimuksenteossa ei kauan nokka tuhissut. Itse olen oikein tyytyväinen nykyiseen tilanteeseen.
Mistä kertoo uuden albumin otsikko Voimasta ja kunniasta?
-Voimasta ja kunniasta (heh).Teksteiltään se on fiktiivisempi kuin Suden uni, tarkoitus on välittää pakanallista maailmankuvaa. Tämä on sellainen majesteettinen paketti.
Onko jokin levyn biiseistä muodostunut erityisen läheiseksi jo tässä vaiheessa?
-Erityisesti nyt kuunnellessa on noussu esiin tuo viimeinen biisi, Sankaritarina, se aiheuttaa mukavia kylmiä väreitä selkäpiihin. Se on sellanen vajaa 14 minuuttinen, eeppinen veto.
Onko olo nyt täysin tyhjentynyt ja tyytyväinen uuden levyn osalta?
-Ei koskaan täysin tyytyväinen, eihän jatkamisessa muuten olisi mitään mieltä, mutta totta helvetissä tuosta tuli hyvä levy ja olen todella tyytyväinen siihen. Miksauksessa vedettiin hirveellä rytinällä biisit läpi eikä siitä oikeen kerenny muodostumaan mitään kuvaa. Nyt kun sitä on uskaltanu kuunnella niin kyllä se on helvetin hyvä lopputulos mikä saatiin aikaan.
Onko Voimasta ja kunniasta -levyllä jotain erityistä teemaa esimerkiksi sanoituksellisesti?
-Tavallaan se on sellainen fiktiivinen konsepti. Rakensin siihen tarinan voimasta ja kunniasta, hirveen sankarillista meininkiä.
Suden unella soitinvalikoimaan kuului myös studiolta löydetty haitari. Onko se mukana tällä kertaa?
-Totta helvetissä! Haitari on ja pysyy niin kauan kuin se Tico-Ticolta löytyy.
Suden unen jälkeen bändi on saanut kaksi uutta jäsentä, kitaraan Mitja Harvilahden ja livekokoonpanoon kosketinten taakse Lord Eurénin. Mitä uutta nämä kaksi herraa ovat tuoneet mukanaan?
-Kyllä uudet jäsenet ovat Moonsorrown soundiin vaikuttaneet, varsinkin Mitja on mielettömän lahjakas kitaristi ja on tuonut uutta särmää sovituksiin. Meillä on nyt ekaa kertaa mukana myös kitarasooloja varsinaisella kokopitkällä levyllä. Eurén vaikuttaa siihen, että me kuulostetaan livenä joltakin. Eurén mielletään kyllä vakituiseksi jäseneksi. Studiossa Henri on koskettimien takana, koska se toimii niin suvereenisti.
KUUNTELEEKO KUKAAN ENÄÄ BATHORYA?
Kotisivujenne mukaan teillä on hyvin erilaisia bändejä suosikkilistoillanne, löytyy Pink Floydia, Iron Maidenia, Entombedia, Bal-Sagothia, Slayeria, Nordmania, King Crimsonia ja Hedningarnaa. Kuinkas on, vieläkö se Bathory on kaikkein kovin suosikki, onhan Moonsorrow jopa soittanut tribuuttikeikan Bathorylle.
-Eiköhän se oo kollektiivinen suosikki. Ei Moonsorrow kuitenkaan ole mikään Bathory-kopio vaan meidän musassa on enemmänkin sellainen tribuutti-elementti Bathoryn viikinki-levyille. Niitä on tullut paljon kuunneltua eikä vaikutteita tietysti voi täysin välttää.
Moonsorrown jäsenillä on monta rautaa tulessa sekä musiikillisesti että muussa elämässä. Varsinkin jos ajattelee Henriä, bändin pääasiallista säveltäjää (Henri soittaa Finntrollissa, Larharyhmässä ja Luokkasodassa ja on myös vieraillut Ensiferumin levyllä). Kuinkas teillä aika riittää erilaisille projekteille?
-Henri ei tee nykyisin juuri muuta kuin musiikkia, koska se on myös sen työ. Baron Tarwonen (rummut, toim.huom.), jolla on toiseksi eniten projekteja tekee muutakin kuin musaa. Itselläni ei ole toistaiseksi ollut ongelmia aikataulun kanssa (Ville soittaa Moonsorrown lisäksi rock-kokoonpanossa nimeltä May Withers, toim.huom.). Jos muu elämä alkaa kusta niin sitten pitää kyllä miettiä uudestaan, mutta täytyy pyrkiä siihen, että voisi aina vaikuttaa Moonsorrowssa täysipainoisesti.
Finntrollista tulee mieleen kaikkien rakastamat bändivertailut. Moonsorrowta ollaan jostain syystä verrattu juuri Finntrolliin, vieläkös sitä kuulee?
-Mun mielestä tää vertailu on aika käsittämätöntä. Henrin takia sitä kai tehdään, mutta minusta me ei kuulosteta Finntrollilta. Musta on yllättävää, ettei kovinkaan moni toimittaja vertaa meitä Bathoryyn. Onko se niin, ettei kukaan enää kuuntele Bathorya?
MAJESTEETTISET LEGENDAT
Seuraavaksi Moonsorrown biisinteosta. Mistä te ammennatte inspiraatiota tällaisen musan tekemiseen? Ilmeisesti olette kiinnostuneita kansanmusiikista ja historiasta, kuinka näiden aiheiden ääreen on nuori mies ajautunut?
-Omasta puolestani voin sanoa, että myytit, legendat ja kaikenlaiset tarinat on kiinnostanu lapsesta saakka, ja pakanallinen ajatusmaailma, vaikkei sitä tietenkään vielä lapsena tajunnu. Koulun pakkopullan jälkeen alkoi kiinnostua historiastakin. Nää aiheet istuu tosi luontevasti meille ja niistä sitten inspiroidutaan. Majesteettiset legendat ovat pääosassa.
Millaiset tarinat tai teemat nousevat biiseissä ylitse muiden?
-Suden unelle saakka aika pitkälti valtauskonnon yleinen kritisointi ja pakanoiden historiassa käymät taistelut tätä vastaan. Uudella levyllä olemme siirtyneet enemmän tarinapuolelle. Aiheina ovat myytit, uskomukset, kotiinpaluu...sellaiset kansallisromanttiset aiheet.
Moonsorrow on myös hyvin visuaalinen bändi. Skrymer Finntrollista on suunnitellut kansikuvan uuteen levyyn. Kuinka paljon bändi itse oli suunnittelemassa levynkansia?
-Annettiin löyhä konsepti siitä, mitä siinä voisi olla ja levy. Skrymer on helvetin lahjakas maalari ja kannesta tuli vähän sitä mitä ajateltiin, mutta tietysti Skrymerin oma visio ja parempi näin. Myös edellisen levyn kansikuvan alkuperäistaulun maalannutta herraa mietittiin. Suden unen kannessa olevan kuvan alkuperäisteoksen on maalannut mies nimeltä Hannu Suuronen. Hän oli luonut kuvan vain ajankulukseen töissä ollessaan. Me löydettiin kuva sattumalta ja pyydettiin saako sitä käyttää.
Kukas on Moonsorrown bändilogon takana, sehän on harvinaisen sovelias ja tyylikäs.
-Logo on Henrin käsialaa, vuosien saatossa sitä on paranneltu, aiemmin se on ollut...hmm, käyrä, vielä viime levylläkin, mutta nyt se on saatu korjailtua.
Bändin uudet promokuvat jatkavat taistelu- ja soturiteemaa. Pyrittekö te luomaan bändille vahvaa imagoa ja kuinka tärkeää on visuaalisuus Moonsorrowlle?
-Jos jotain alottaa niin paras tehdä loppuun asti kunnolla. Kuvat ovat kyllä vakuuttavia. Visuaalisuudella on aina oma merkityksensä, ensin tulee tottakai musa, mutta imago ja visuaalisuus tukee musaa. Ei tuo ole teeskentelyä. Ei me tosin yleensä kuljeta ympäriinsä verta naamallamme eikä meillä ole siviilissä sellaisia rautapaitojakaan sattuneesta syystä.
Visuaalisuus näkyy myös bändin teemaa jatkavista kotisivuista (moonsorrow.cjb.net). Kuinka paljon bändi on vaikuttanut sivuihinsa?
-Kotisivun tyyli lähti Henrin laatimasta framesta. Mä rakentelin sivut mielessäni ja meinasin jo ruveta koodiakin vääntämään, mutta sitten yksi ruotsalainen fani otti meihin yhteyttä ja pyysi saako tehdä meille epäviralliset kotisivut. Mä mietin noin kaksi sekuntia ja sanoin, että teepä viralliset.
Entäpä Moonsorrown fanit. Osaatko kuvitella millainen on ihminen, joka kuuntelee teidän musiikkianne? Bändin nettisivujen Pagan Forumissa ainakin käydään kiivasta keskustelua.
-Periaatteessa kuka tahansa metallin kuuntelija. Jos henkilön oma ajatusmaailma viittaa lähelle meidän musaa, jos henkilöllä on pakanallinen aatemaailma ja pitää mahtipontisesta nostatuksesta.
Sitten vielä loppuun Moonsorrown livesetistä. Onko tarkoitus kiertää Suomea enemmänkin nyt uuden levyn saavuttua?
-Ideanahan oli tehdä laajempaa kiertuetta. Nyt päästään niinkin pohjoiseen kuin Hämeenlinnaan asti. Meidän pitäs saada oma keikkamyyjä. Ei tule oikein mitään siitä, että itse soittelee keikkojen perään.
Onko bändinne enemmän live vai levybändi?
-Levystä saa irti kaiken ja liven on oltava parempi kuin levy. Ei ole mitään mieltä siinä, jos kuulostaa levyllä paremmalta kuin livenä tai sitten samalle.
Millainen on Moonsorrow livenä? Onko teillä erityinen viikinkishow vai kuinka?
-Ei meillä sen kummempaa showta ole. Tukat vaan heiluu ja soitetaan kovaa ja nopeasti.
Sehän riittääkin aivan mainiosti. Kiitokset Villelle haastatteluun vaivautumisesta. Toivottavasti itsekin saan todistaa pakanametallin voimaa viimeistään tulevan kesän festareilla.
Hanna Valjakka
The Metal Observer / September 2001
Link 1 - Link 2
Answered by Ville Sorvali
Of Strength, Honor, and Mead
During the past few years, Finland´s prolific metal scene has spawned a throng of talented young folk metal bands such as Finntroll, Turisas, Ensiferum, and Moonsorrow. Drawing influences from polka, humppa, and traditional Finnish music, this horde of trolls and pagan warriors has ravaged the land of a thousand lakes with notable success. Thus, it was an honor to interview Moonsorrow´s singer and basist, Ville Sorvali, on a sunny September afternoon.
Metal Observer: First of all Ville, could you give a brief account of Moonsorrows history?
Ville Sorvali: The band was formed in 1995 by Henri Sorvali (rhythm guitars and keyboards) and myself. We recorded the demo ”Metsä” (”Forest”) in 1997, which was followed by ”Tämä Ikuinen Talvi” (”This Winter Eternal”) in ´98. This one was caught up by Plasmatica Records. Baron Tarwonen (drums) joined us in ´99, and just last year our first full-length album ”Suden Uni” (”A Wolf´s Dream”) was released through Plasmatica. In addition to this, Mitja Harvilahti (lead and rhythm guitars) and Lord Euren (live keyboards) joined us during 2000. Also, a while ago we changed from Plasmatica to Spikefarm (led by the Thy Serpent-guru, Sami Tenetz). Our second album, ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” (”Of Strength and Honor”) is due to be released on November 26th, 2001.
MO: Who is mainly responsibile for your music and lyrics? Or is it divided equally among the members of Moonsorrow?
VS: I guess Henri does most of the actual music, although I and the rest of the band try to contribute as much as possible. The lyrics, however, are mostly written by myself.
MO: Your music is extremely versatile. Which bands would you say to have influenced Moonsorrow´s style in a decisive manner?
VS: In the beginning it was Bathory, Enslaved, and Emperor. Nowadays it is difficult for the majority of our audience to distinguish other than the Bathory influences. All in all, it is fairly hard to point out all the bands that have inspired our music - there are many.
MO: Do the members of Moonsorrow participate in other projects or bands?
VS: Henkka plays in Finntroll, which might, at the moment, be considered Finland´s most prominent folk metal band. In addition to this, he and Marko participate in a band called Larharyhmä. Mitja plays in ”The Sinkage”, and I myself take part in ”May Withers”
MO: So, how are the recordings of your new album proceeding?
VS: The actual recording and mastering is already accomplished, so now it is but a matter of cover art and other minor details. The recording process was fairly swift and painless: we spent 10 busy days at Tico-Tico studios.
MO: How you would describe the musical landscape and style of ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” as opposed to, say, ”Suden Uni”?
VS:First of all, the new record is going to be much better than the former one. Naturally, our music has experienced various improvements and developments. ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” is going to be much darker and a whole lot more sinister than our earlier albums. It has, to a certain extent, some influences from progressive metal, although not too many. This might cause some fans to experience problems in unraveling the mysteries of the new album. The lyrics will pretty much continue the legacy of ”Suden Uni”. One might, however, find ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” to be a bit more conceptual than it´s predecessor in terms of lyrics.
MO: Your thoughts on the current state of the Finnish metal scene?
VS: I think the scene is managing marvelously these days. A wave of folk metal, including the bands Turisas, Finntroll, Ensiferum, and ourselves, has swept over the country. Pagan metal is flourishing.
MO: Would you like to comment the business-oriented development that the local metal scene has underwent since it´s pioneer days?
VS: Quite honestly, I couldn´t care less. It doesn´t matter to me whether a band sells a hundred or 50000 records, as long as their music is original, thought-provoking, and good. Besides, the success of Nightwish and Children of Bodom, for example, continuously opens new possibilities to smaller bands in Finland. So a big thanks to them...
MO: When did you yourself discover the magic of metal?
VS: It all started in 1988, when my attention was captured by an Iron Maiden video aired on MTV, though I didn´t buy the bands widely hailed masterpiece: ”7th Son of a 7th Son” until having laid my hands upon Metallica´s ”Metallica” (otherwise known as the ”Black” album). A thing promptly led to another, and before long I found myself purchasing records of Emperor! So, thats a brief account of my personal history in heavy metal.
MO: Having thoroughly read Moonsorrow´s lyrics, it seems to me that your views on Christianity and the Christian church are a bit...negative...? True or false?
VS: I consider the church to be, and to have always been, a deterrent factor in Scandinavian life and culture. Suffice it to say that we could well manage without Christianity.
MO: Any upcoming gigs?
VS: Probably after the release of ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta”. The last one was in April, so it has certainly been a while...
MO: Which band(s) would you like to tour with?
VS: BATHORY!! More realistically, though, Einherjer or Thyrfing. It doesn't really matter what kind of music our fellow bands would play, as long as the spirit of unity remains seamless.
MO: Thanks for your time Ville. Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?
VS: Follow the voice of your pagan heart. And drink mead...lots of mead!
Answered by Ville Sorvali
Of Strength, Honor, and Mead
During the past few years, Finland´s prolific metal scene has spawned a throng of talented young folk metal bands such as Finntroll, Turisas, Ensiferum, and Moonsorrow. Drawing influences from polka, humppa, and traditional Finnish music, this horde of trolls and pagan warriors has ravaged the land of a thousand lakes with notable success. Thus, it was an honor to interview Moonsorrow´s singer and basist, Ville Sorvali, on a sunny September afternoon.
Metal Observer: First of all Ville, could you give a brief account of Moonsorrows history?
Ville Sorvali: The band was formed in 1995 by Henri Sorvali (rhythm guitars and keyboards) and myself. We recorded the demo ”Metsä” (”Forest”) in 1997, which was followed by ”Tämä Ikuinen Talvi” (”This Winter Eternal”) in ´98. This one was caught up by Plasmatica Records. Baron Tarwonen (drums) joined us in ´99, and just last year our first full-length album ”Suden Uni” (”A Wolf´s Dream”) was released through Plasmatica. In addition to this, Mitja Harvilahti (lead and rhythm guitars) and Lord Euren (live keyboards) joined us during 2000. Also, a while ago we changed from Plasmatica to Spikefarm (led by the Thy Serpent-guru, Sami Tenetz). Our second album, ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” (”Of Strength and Honor”) is due to be released on November 26th, 2001.
MO: Who is mainly responsibile for your music and lyrics? Or is it divided equally among the members of Moonsorrow?
VS: I guess Henri does most of the actual music, although I and the rest of the band try to contribute as much as possible. The lyrics, however, are mostly written by myself.
MO: Your music is extremely versatile. Which bands would you say to have influenced Moonsorrow´s style in a decisive manner?
VS: In the beginning it was Bathory, Enslaved, and Emperor. Nowadays it is difficult for the majority of our audience to distinguish other than the Bathory influences. All in all, it is fairly hard to point out all the bands that have inspired our music - there are many.
MO: Do the members of Moonsorrow participate in other projects or bands?
VS: Henkka plays in Finntroll, which might, at the moment, be considered Finland´s most prominent folk metal band. In addition to this, he and Marko participate in a band called Larharyhmä. Mitja plays in ”The Sinkage”, and I myself take part in ”May Withers”
MO: So, how are the recordings of your new album proceeding?
VS: The actual recording and mastering is already accomplished, so now it is but a matter of cover art and other minor details. The recording process was fairly swift and painless: we spent 10 busy days at Tico-Tico studios.
MO: How you would describe the musical landscape and style of ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” as opposed to, say, ”Suden Uni”?
VS:First of all, the new record is going to be much better than the former one. Naturally, our music has experienced various improvements and developments. ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” is going to be much darker and a whole lot more sinister than our earlier albums. It has, to a certain extent, some influences from progressive metal, although not too many. This might cause some fans to experience problems in unraveling the mysteries of the new album. The lyrics will pretty much continue the legacy of ”Suden Uni”. One might, however, find ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta” to be a bit more conceptual than it´s predecessor in terms of lyrics.
MO: Your thoughts on the current state of the Finnish metal scene?
VS: I think the scene is managing marvelously these days. A wave of folk metal, including the bands Turisas, Finntroll, Ensiferum, and ourselves, has swept over the country. Pagan metal is flourishing.
MO: Would you like to comment the business-oriented development that the local metal scene has underwent since it´s pioneer days?
VS: Quite honestly, I couldn´t care less. It doesn´t matter to me whether a band sells a hundred or 50000 records, as long as their music is original, thought-provoking, and good. Besides, the success of Nightwish and Children of Bodom, for example, continuously opens new possibilities to smaller bands in Finland. So a big thanks to them...
MO: When did you yourself discover the magic of metal?
VS: It all started in 1988, when my attention was captured by an Iron Maiden video aired on MTV, though I didn´t buy the bands widely hailed masterpiece: ”7th Son of a 7th Son” until having laid my hands upon Metallica´s ”Metallica” (otherwise known as the ”Black” album). A thing promptly led to another, and before long I found myself purchasing records of Emperor! So, thats a brief account of my personal history in heavy metal.
MO: Having thoroughly read Moonsorrow´s lyrics, it seems to me that your views on Christianity and the Christian church are a bit...negative...? True or false?
VS: I consider the church to be, and to have always been, a deterrent factor in Scandinavian life and culture. Suffice it to say that we could well manage without Christianity.
MO: Any upcoming gigs?
VS: Probably after the release of ”Voimasta ja Kunniasta”. The last one was in April, so it has certainly been a while...
MO: Which band(s) would you like to tour with?
VS: BATHORY!! More realistically, though, Einherjer or Thyrfing. It doesn't really matter what kind of music our fellow bands would play, as long as the spirit of unity remains seamless.
MO: Thanks for your time Ville. Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?
VS: Follow the voice of your pagan heart. And drink mead...lots of mead!
Urkraft magazine / May 2001
Link 1 - Link 2 - Link 3
May 8, 2001
w/ HENRI URPONPOIKA SORVALI
Conducted by Stefan Lejon
Start by giving us a short retrospect of MOONSORROW´s career so far.
[Henri] The story of Moonsorrow began in autumn 1995 when I and Ville decided to create a band singing about old times and heathenism in general, drawing musical inspiration from such creations as the first Enslaved mini LP or the first Ulver album. It didn´t take us long to record our first demo tape, "Thorns of Ice", which however was never released because half of the material was accidentally destroyed and we didn´t want to release a demo only with just an intro and one song. Then, the project was more or less laid on ice because of all the other stuff we had back then to do for a year, and after that we decided to do another demo called "Metsä" ("Forest"). Soon after it was released we also made a promo tape, but it never left our home stereo equipment for the public because of the terrible sound quality and maybe a bit too experimental vocals (imagine something like Attila trying to sing clean while suffering from a bad stomach-ache and diarrhea...). Then, in early 1998 we begun to record our last demo, "Tämä Ikuinen Talvi" ("This Winter Eternal") which took us nearly a year to finish because of numerous problems with the studio etc. It was the tape that gained us the record deal with Plasmatica, who a year later paid our little trip to Tico-Tico studio in Kemi, Finland, to record our debut album "Suden Uni" ("A Wolf´s Dream") which is now finally released.
"SUDEN UNI" is out now. How has the response been so far?
[Henri] The response has been very good indeed! Of course some people have complained the material to be a bit too "slow" or too "mid-tempo", but basically we don´t care for such complaints as we are very satisfied with the album by ourselves.. Most of the people I have been in conversation with have only given positive comments concerning the album. How has the media been responsing to the album I don´t know yet, ´cause it has been out only for a couple of weeks now.
Why did you decide to write and perform all your lyrics in Finnish? I read somewhere that since you sing about Finnish history, you think the lyrics should be in Finnish.
[Henri] The language of the lyrics is not so important, but the message is. However, when we started the band we wrote (for it was me who was responsible for the lyrics back then) all the lyrics in English. Then, when Ville started to make the lyrics he wanted to do them in our native language and I had nothing against it. Of course the Finnish lyrics help us to create more "heathenish" atmosphere and I think when Ville has stated the abovementioned comment he has been partially right, but when asking my opinion, I don´t think it´s so important to write Finnish lyrics just for the sake of the topics but for the whole image and atmosphere.
Have you considered singing in English?That would perhaps help you to spread the history of the Finnish people, and most importantly - your music...
[Henri] As I told before, we did have English lyrics in the beginning, but I don´t think we are going to use them in the future. It is pretty obvious that most of the listeners can´t understand a rat´s ass from the texts, but that is why we have on our album also included short stories of what the lyrics are all about. In the future we are going to include also direct translations of the lyrics to the booklet, so it will help foreign listeners to understand the whole package. But I honestly don´t think it will affect to the album sales whether the lyrics are in Finnish or in English as long as the music is good.
Tell us a bit more about the source of your lyrics. Where do you find inspiration for them? Are they all based on actual historical events or are some fictional? What are they about in general?
[Henri] The lyrics of Moonsorrow are inspired by paganism in general, be it historical events such as great battles against the crusaders, Nature, Gods or the "good old times" and everything related to the topic under Heathenism. As Ville is responsible for all of them I really ain´t the right person to tell about his inspirational sources, but I suppose he is inspired by occasional events being happened and different emotions.
You are obviously very inspired by Finnish folk music, but when all is said and done it´s still black metal we are talking about. So you must also be inspired by black metal. Any specific bands that have inspired you over the years?
[Henri] NonononoNOOOOO!!!!!!!! IT´S NOT BLACK METAL, FOR ODIN´S SAKE!!!!!!!! Why can´t people stop calling us and other pagan metal bands BM????? Black Metal is satanic, and we most certainly are not a satanic band. Well, I basically got your point, but you really can´t call Darkthrone Viking Metal either, can you?
The artists within BM-genre have of course inspired us during the years, but as none of us is not and has never been a die-hard-blackmetaller, the bands who have inspired us through the years are maybe Enslaved, Bathory (The best....no,the only band in the world!!!!), Bal-Sagoth, Einherjer, Ulver and zillions of others I don´t know. However, these were just the bands who have been affecting to our sound during the years in a way or another. The bands I listen to with great pleasure nowadays are e.g. well.... Bathory (ehh...), Cannibal Corpse, Black Sabbath, Marduk, Samael, Thyrfing, At the Gates, Autopsy, Black Widow, Pekka Pohjola, Frank Zappa, Garmarna, Pohjannaula, Annbjörg Lien, film scores (and other classical music) such as Braveheart or Conan (and everything by Danny Elfman), Slayer, Napalm Death and tons of others. Mostly 70´s Prog, Folk and Metal.
How has PLASMATICA been treating you so far? What do you think of the label?
[Henri] Plasmatica has been treating us very well, but veeeeery slooooowwwly. I think if they just got rid of their laziness it would be a promising label in the future. I sincerely hope the best for Carlos&co as our co-operation has now basically ended (we made the deal only for one album) and I´m sure they will succeed as a record label well in times to come.
What does future hold for MOONSORROW? Any plans for a tour? Are you writing new music, etc?
[Henri] New material has been written, yes, and some demo recordings of the new stuff has already been sent to certain people for a possible record deal. And we are the most definitely trying to get one before July because we have already booked the studio for the new album then. (You can never be too optimistic conserning the band,heh...) No tours are coming at the moment because we all are too busy with other things (job,education,other bands etc.) but we gig occasionally of course. The latest one we had was a Bathory tribute gig in Helsinki 13.4.2001. We played with Finntroll (my other band, go visit us at http://finntroll.darkgod.net), Gandalf and Hellbox (an awesome Venom cover band from Turku, Finland). And what comes to the gigs in general, we are maybe not the most active band in the world at booking any. Usually someone asks us to come to play and then we either go or we don´t go. It depends on many things, as always.
I heard that you also have a record company of you own. Could you perhaps tell us a bit more about that?
[Henri] Meat Hook Productions was created in 1995 just for fun ´cause we wanted a "pseudo-label" to publish our own demos. Later we expanded our activity from a demo tape publishing company to a distribution service and our very own Meathooked ´zine. (However, Meathooked had basically nothing strict to do with the label except for the likeness of the name.) We made two issues of the magazine and there are still some copies of both left, so if you are interested in quality interviews, irony and something else than your average toilet paper, don´t hesitate to contact us immediately. Anyway, the story of MHP is going to reach its end, as we have found out that there is only 24 hours in a day, heh. But we are now selling the last distro items pretty cheap, so once again, you know what to do if you are in need of demo tapes, 7-inches, ´zines etc.
Thank you for the interview and good luck with the album! Last words?
[Henri] Tack för den intervjun, det var mycket bra! Hoppas att vi kan komma till Sverige för att spela i framtiden. Supa, knulla och lyssna på METAL!!!!!!!!!! Och hälsningar till Tommy/Bloodshed, Patrik&Tumppi/Thyrfing och Micke och den jävla club Aggression!!!!!!
[Yeah, this is Swedish. - Grilo]
(Thanks for the interview, it was very good! Hope that we can come to Sweden and play in the future. Drink, fuck and listen to METAL!!!!! And regards to Tommy/Bloodshed, Patrik & Tumppi/Thyrfing and the fucking club Aggression!!!)
May 8, 2001
w/ HENRI URPONPOIKA SORVALI
Conducted by Stefan Lejon
Start by giving us a short retrospect of MOONSORROW´s career so far.
[Henri] The story of Moonsorrow began in autumn 1995 when I and Ville decided to create a band singing about old times and heathenism in general, drawing musical inspiration from such creations as the first Enslaved mini LP or the first Ulver album. It didn´t take us long to record our first demo tape, "Thorns of Ice", which however was never released because half of the material was accidentally destroyed and we didn´t want to release a demo only with just an intro and one song. Then, the project was more or less laid on ice because of all the other stuff we had back then to do for a year, and after that we decided to do another demo called "Metsä" ("Forest"). Soon after it was released we also made a promo tape, but it never left our home stereo equipment for the public because of the terrible sound quality and maybe a bit too experimental vocals (imagine something like Attila trying to sing clean while suffering from a bad stomach-ache and diarrhea...). Then, in early 1998 we begun to record our last demo, "Tämä Ikuinen Talvi" ("This Winter Eternal") which took us nearly a year to finish because of numerous problems with the studio etc. It was the tape that gained us the record deal with Plasmatica, who a year later paid our little trip to Tico-Tico studio in Kemi, Finland, to record our debut album "Suden Uni" ("A Wolf´s Dream") which is now finally released.
"SUDEN UNI" is out now. How has the response been so far?
[Henri] The response has been very good indeed! Of course some people have complained the material to be a bit too "slow" or too "mid-tempo", but basically we don´t care for such complaints as we are very satisfied with the album by ourselves.. Most of the people I have been in conversation with have only given positive comments concerning the album. How has the media been responsing to the album I don´t know yet, ´cause it has been out only for a couple of weeks now.
Why did you decide to write and perform all your lyrics in Finnish? I read somewhere that since you sing about Finnish history, you think the lyrics should be in Finnish.
[Henri] The language of the lyrics is not so important, but the message is. However, when we started the band we wrote (for it was me who was responsible for the lyrics back then) all the lyrics in English. Then, when Ville started to make the lyrics he wanted to do them in our native language and I had nothing against it. Of course the Finnish lyrics help us to create more "heathenish" atmosphere and I think when Ville has stated the abovementioned comment he has been partially right, but when asking my opinion, I don´t think it´s so important to write Finnish lyrics just for the sake of the topics but for the whole image and atmosphere.
Have you considered singing in English?That would perhaps help you to spread the history of the Finnish people, and most importantly - your music...
[Henri] As I told before, we did have English lyrics in the beginning, but I don´t think we are going to use them in the future. It is pretty obvious that most of the listeners can´t understand a rat´s ass from the texts, but that is why we have on our album also included short stories of what the lyrics are all about. In the future we are going to include also direct translations of the lyrics to the booklet, so it will help foreign listeners to understand the whole package. But I honestly don´t think it will affect to the album sales whether the lyrics are in Finnish or in English as long as the music is good.
Tell us a bit more about the source of your lyrics. Where do you find inspiration for them? Are they all based on actual historical events or are some fictional? What are they about in general?
[Henri] The lyrics of Moonsorrow are inspired by paganism in general, be it historical events such as great battles against the crusaders, Nature, Gods or the "good old times" and everything related to the topic under Heathenism. As Ville is responsible for all of them I really ain´t the right person to tell about his inspirational sources, but I suppose he is inspired by occasional events being happened and different emotions.
You are obviously very inspired by Finnish folk music, but when all is said and done it´s still black metal we are talking about. So you must also be inspired by black metal. Any specific bands that have inspired you over the years?
[Henri] NonononoNOOOOO!!!!!!!! IT´S NOT BLACK METAL, FOR ODIN´S SAKE!!!!!!!! Why can´t people stop calling us and other pagan metal bands BM????? Black Metal is satanic, and we most certainly are not a satanic band. Well, I basically got your point, but you really can´t call Darkthrone Viking Metal either, can you?
The artists within BM-genre have of course inspired us during the years, but as none of us is not and has never been a die-hard-blackmetaller, the bands who have inspired us through the years are maybe Enslaved, Bathory (The best....no,the only band in the world!!!!), Bal-Sagoth, Einherjer, Ulver and zillions of others I don´t know. However, these were just the bands who have been affecting to our sound during the years in a way or another. The bands I listen to with great pleasure nowadays are e.g. well.... Bathory (ehh...), Cannibal Corpse, Black Sabbath, Marduk, Samael, Thyrfing, At the Gates, Autopsy, Black Widow, Pekka Pohjola, Frank Zappa, Garmarna, Pohjannaula, Annbjörg Lien, film scores (and other classical music) such as Braveheart or Conan (and everything by Danny Elfman), Slayer, Napalm Death and tons of others. Mostly 70´s Prog, Folk and Metal.
How has PLASMATICA been treating you so far? What do you think of the label?
[Henri] Plasmatica has been treating us very well, but veeeeery slooooowwwly. I think if they just got rid of their laziness it would be a promising label in the future. I sincerely hope the best for Carlos&co as our co-operation has now basically ended (we made the deal only for one album) and I´m sure they will succeed as a record label well in times to come.
What does future hold for MOONSORROW? Any plans for a tour? Are you writing new music, etc?
[Henri] New material has been written, yes, and some demo recordings of the new stuff has already been sent to certain people for a possible record deal. And we are the most definitely trying to get one before July because we have already booked the studio for the new album then. (You can never be too optimistic conserning the band,heh...) No tours are coming at the moment because we all are too busy with other things (job,education,other bands etc.) but we gig occasionally of course. The latest one we had was a Bathory tribute gig in Helsinki 13.4.2001. We played with Finntroll (my other band, go visit us at http://finntroll.darkgod.net), Gandalf and Hellbox (an awesome Venom cover band from Turku, Finland). And what comes to the gigs in general, we are maybe not the most active band in the world at booking any. Usually someone asks us to come to play and then we either go or we don´t go. It depends on many things, as always.
I heard that you also have a record company of you own. Could you perhaps tell us a bit more about that?
[Henri] Meat Hook Productions was created in 1995 just for fun ´cause we wanted a "pseudo-label" to publish our own demos. Later we expanded our activity from a demo tape publishing company to a distribution service and our very own Meathooked ´zine. (However, Meathooked had basically nothing strict to do with the label except for the likeness of the name.) We made two issues of the magazine and there are still some copies of both left, so if you are interested in quality interviews, irony and something else than your average toilet paper, don´t hesitate to contact us immediately. Anyway, the story of MHP is going to reach its end, as we have found out that there is only 24 hours in a day, heh. But we are now selling the last distro items pretty cheap, so once again, you know what to do if you are in need of demo tapes, 7-inches, ´zines etc.
Thank you for the interview and good luck with the album! Last words?
[Henri] Tack för den intervjun, det var mycket bra! Hoppas att vi kan komma till Sverige för att spela i framtiden. Supa, knulla och lyssna på METAL!!!!!!!!!! Och hälsningar till Tommy/Bloodshed, Patrik&Tumppi/Thyrfing och Micke och den jävla club Aggression!!!!!!
[Yeah, this is Swedish. - Grilo]
(Thanks for the interview, it was very good! Hope that we can come to Sweden and play in the future. Drink, fuck and listen to METAL!!!!! And regards to Tommy/Bloodshed, Patrik & Tumppi/Thyrfing and the fucking club Aggression!!!)
Sword zine / March 2001
Link
NOTE: As I was posting this, I noticed it is repeated. I'm not deleting it, just for the sake of completionism - enumerative at least. I guess we'll never know which magazine actually did it!
Answered by Henri Sorvali
Hi there!! Who will answer my question for this interview? Then please tell us the story about MOONSORROW since they were born until now!
[Henri] Hail! This is Henri Urponpoika Sorvali answering your questions. I am the guitarist/synth player of the Finnish pagan metal band called Moonsorrow. Behold! The origin of our band is beyond some years, a bit over five to be exact. It was in late ’95 when I wand Ville (bass/vocals) formed Moonsorrow to express our paganistic ideas and our love for metal music. We made our first demo ”Thorns Of Ice” in January 1996 but due to various reasons it was never released. Our next demo ”Metsä” was made in may 1997, and after that we made a 2-song promotape which turned out to be a complete disaster, so we necer released. The last demo ”Tämä Ikuinen Talvi” was created during 1997-1998 and finally released in 1/99. After we had sent it to a couple of record companies, Plasmatica Records offered us a deal which we accepted. So, we took a flight to the northern Finland to the Tico-Tico Studio and recorded our first album ”Suden Uni” which is out when you read this.
Tell us a little bit about the process of the making of this album!
[Henri] The first days went with recording the drums. Then the bass, a couple of days for the guitars and finally the keyboards etc. and vocals. We mixed the album in three days and thus it was completed.
Why do you choose Blackmetal style more than US blackmetal style. Where usually US black Metal bands prefer to choose US Brutal death style like SUFFOCATION, CANNIBAL CORPSE, etc. Please explain!!
[Henri] First of all, Moonsorrow has nothing to do with black metal. Anyway, I don’t know. I like brutal US death very much, but I don’t see it challenging enough. You know, just riffs and stuff. We try to be more artistic and music-oriented than just noisy. Besides, I have heard maybe five good North European brutal dm-bands in my whole life. I think it’s the climate, heh.
How many albums have you released?
[Henri] Just one, namely ”Suden Uni”. It’s on Plasmatica Records (Sweden) and is most likely out when you read this. 43 minutes of astonishing, epic and bombastic pagan art. In the name of the allfather, I recommend you all to buy it!
In music, which one is your priority, the song or the And what do you think about lyrics, political lyrics, porn lyrics, and social critism lyrics?
[Henri] The music, absolutely. I have never understood the idea of lyrics being the most important thing. For the latter part of your question; lyrics are... well... emphh... lyrics? Basically I don’t care ’bout the lyrics if the music is good but I do most likely think that they should fit the music. Like have you heard any satanic blues lately? Or how about raw, fast and furious black metal with lyrics about society and capitalism? I think you got my point. Anyway, a lyric is a lyric, whether the message is ”proper” or not.
Beside music, what is your activity? Are you sure you and your family can live just by playing music? Well, because in our country there are so many bands do not exist when their members get married.
[Henri] Luckily I don’t have any kids to feed yet. I can live by myself by music and my girlfriend who lives with me has a steady job. In the future, though, I must work harder to bring food to the household. But it is not a problem, because I do work with music anyway, you see, I am what one would call ”a professional”, so I already live by playing different styles of music in different places like weddings, clubs, studios etc. A bit like whoring around, heh.
What do you think about sex, drugs, and satanism? Do you often have sex? How often you have sex with your girl friends? Can you give her an orgasm? Suppose you were in the jungle and there were only you, your little sister and gorrila, and you needed to have sex, who would you rape???
[Henri] As I just told, I have a girlfriend. And she is the most wonderful thing I could ever imagine. And yes, I can give her many orgasms if you really wanted to know. About the jungle-scene, I wouldn’t rape anyone ’cause it’s the sickest and most unhonourable thing to do ever. But I would ”spank the monkey”... :)
Back to music, tell us about the events you have joined! And which live that really impressed your? After releasing your new album, what are your plan?
[Henri] We have only played live four times during half a year, but we’re really not a gigging band if you know what I mean. We’ve played only with Finnish bands like Diablerie, Ensiferum, Arthemesia, Cantata Sangui etc. And after releasing our album we’re gonna get fucking drunk!
Uuff... last question. Do you know something about black from Indonesia?? Thanks for your time Brother!! Now you can do what you want with this end of interview, go a head...!!
[Henri] Damn... I have heard of some Indonesian bm-bands but I can’t remember just now any names. Well, maybe later. Anyway, thank you very much for this interview and support. Stay metal!!!
NOTE: As I was posting this, I noticed it is repeated. I'm not deleting it, just for the sake of completionism - enumerative at least. I guess we'll never know which magazine actually did it!
Answered by Henri Sorvali
Hi there!! Who will answer my question for this interview? Then please tell us the story about MOONSORROW since they were born until now!
[Henri] Hail! This is Henri Urponpoika Sorvali answering your questions. I am the guitarist/synth player of the Finnish pagan metal band called Moonsorrow. Behold! The origin of our band is beyond some years, a bit over five to be exact. It was in late ’95 when I wand Ville (bass/vocals) formed Moonsorrow to express our paganistic ideas and our love for metal music. We made our first demo ”Thorns Of Ice” in January 1996 but due to various reasons it was never released. Our next demo ”Metsä” was made in may 1997, and after that we made a 2-song promotape which turned out to be a complete disaster, so we necer released. The last demo ”Tämä Ikuinen Talvi” was created during 1997-1998 and finally released in 1/99. After we had sent it to a couple of record companies, Plasmatica Records offered us a deal which we accepted. So, we took a flight to the northern Finland to the Tico-Tico Studio and recorded our first album ”Suden Uni” which is out when you read this.
Tell us a little bit about the process of the making of this album!
[Henri] The first days went with recording the drums. Then the bass, a couple of days for the guitars and finally the keyboards etc. and vocals. We mixed the album in three days and thus it was completed.
Why do you choose Blackmetal style more than US blackmetal style. Where usually US black Metal bands prefer to choose US Brutal death style like SUFFOCATION, CANNIBAL CORPSE, etc. Please explain!!
[Henri] First of all, Moonsorrow has nothing to do with black metal. Anyway, I don’t know. I like brutal US death very much, but I don’t see it challenging enough. You know, just riffs and stuff. We try to be more artistic and music-oriented than just noisy. Besides, I have heard maybe five good North European brutal dm-bands in my whole life. I think it’s the climate, heh.
How many albums have you released?
[Henri] Just one, namely ”Suden Uni”. It’s on Plasmatica Records (Sweden) and is most likely out when you read this. 43 minutes of astonishing, epic and bombastic pagan art. In the name of the allfather, I recommend you all to buy it!
In music, which one is your priority, the song or the And what do you think about lyrics, political lyrics, porn lyrics, and social critism lyrics?
[Henri] The music, absolutely. I have never understood the idea of lyrics being the most important thing. For the latter part of your question; lyrics are... well... emphh... lyrics? Basically I don’t care ’bout the lyrics if the music is good but I do most likely think that they should fit the music. Like have you heard any satanic blues lately? Or how about raw, fast and furious black metal with lyrics about society and capitalism? I think you got my point. Anyway, a lyric is a lyric, whether the message is ”proper” or not.
Beside music, what is your activity? Are you sure you and your family can live just by playing music? Well, because in our country there are so many bands do not exist when their members get married.
[Henri] Luckily I don’t have any kids to feed yet. I can live by myself by music and my girlfriend who lives with me has a steady job. In the future, though, I must work harder to bring food to the household. But it is not a problem, because I do work with music anyway, you see, I am what one would call ”a professional”, so I already live by playing different styles of music in different places like weddings, clubs, studios etc. A bit like whoring around, heh.
What do you think about sex, drugs, and satanism? Do you often have sex? How often you have sex with your girl friends? Can you give her an orgasm? Suppose you were in the jungle and there were only you, your little sister and gorrila, and you needed to have sex, who would you rape???
[Henri] As I just told, I have a girlfriend. And she is the most wonderful thing I could ever imagine. And yes, I can give her many orgasms if you really wanted to know. About the jungle-scene, I wouldn’t rape anyone ’cause it’s the sickest and most unhonourable thing to do ever. But I would ”spank the monkey”... :)
Back to music, tell us about the events you have joined! And which live that really impressed your? After releasing your new album, what are your plan?
[Henri] We have only played live four times during half a year, but we’re really not a gigging band if you know what I mean. We’ve played only with Finnish bands like Diablerie, Ensiferum, Arthemesia, Cantata Sangui etc. And after releasing our album we’re gonna get fucking drunk!
Uuff... last question. Do you know something about black from Indonesia?? Thanks for your time Brother!! Now you can do what you want with this end of interview, go a head...!!
[Henri] Damn... I have heard of some Indonesian bm-bands but I can’t remember just now any names. Well, maybe later. Anyway, thank you very much for this interview and support. Stay metal!!!
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