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RUST NEVER SLEEPSKalmah are on the scene for around two decades. They were known as Ancestor for a several years in their very beginning. Even when they have released their first 3 records they were not so known. But, their 4th issue ‘’The Black Waltz’’ was a real break-though! What a powerful and amazing issue that was! But, I never though that they are going to create even more powerful material. Their new effort with a strange name ‘’12 Gauge’’ has indeed blown my head off. What a hidden potential they have! Kalmah are the shining gem from evil Swamps!
To those not yet so familiar with your work, tell us first what is the meaning of word "Kalmah”, and why did you chose it as a band name? It is a word of Karelian language and it simply means “To The Grave”. What's with the fascination with the swamps? Is it because there are a lot of them in Finnland, or your way to be a bit original and differ from other bands, similar in style? You’ve got that one right! We do have lots of swamp areas in this part of the country we are living in and that also happens to be some kind of a theme to us. Those are valuable areas are a part of our northern wilderness and always threatened to be ditched or drained. People are interested in those areas because of the turf used as a source of energy. Pekka and Antti are brothers, tell us how it feels working in a band with brothers, does it make things harder or easier? Sometimes it is hard but sometimes very soothing. That is because if there are some disagreements among the other members we stay together. And as founder members of Kalmah our opinions do have importance. O.K. let's go now to your new album. It's called "12 Gauge", a reference to size of a gun barrel. Why the name? I and Antti are both passionate hunters so this is our way to show respect to a great hobby. We use 12 Ga shotguns. There are also some unpleasant matters related to this 12 Ga theme and there is more info in my lyrics that you may found from the CD booklet. So buy the CD! Cover artwork is very dark, but very nicely done. (It reminds on some picture related to Kalevala, or am I mistaken?) Who made it, what does it represent, and why did you decide that this is the cover you want? I’m very tired of CD covers made by computer. So I wanted to have a drawn one. And this one is just perfect containing some swamp theme and a battle as well. This one is made by Rami Mursula. We are very satisfied with the result. Actually there is a connection to one of the Akseli Gallen-Kallela`s painting “Sammon puolustus”. I believe it is “Defending Sampo” –in English. There is no deeper connection to Kalevala and its texts but the layout idea comes from the painting. In Kalmah`s mindset there is Swamplord defending his marshlands against monster created by common materialism, industrial pollution and world-wide nausea of globalism. Tell us about the writing process, how does it work in "Kalmah", especially for the "12 Gauge"? Pekka: We always write the songs in a same way. At the beginning there is a guitar and a man. Or in very rare cases a keyboard. Then some riffs will be written. Next we make the work of arrangement (drums, bass etc.) in our rehearsal place. Finally I write the lyrics on my own.  Where did you record the album, who has done the production and the mixing? Why did you choose them? In Kemi at the Tico-Tico studios (as usually). We always produce the album by ourselves. Actually Antti does the main producing since he does write most of the songs. Mixing was done by Ahti Kortelainen and mastering was done at Cutting Room, Stockholm. This concept has worked for us since the beginning and we just want to trust it. Everything goes easy with this setup and we don’t want any extra risk factors in the process. Any plans to make a video for some song, and which one? Also, aside of regular CD are you planning to publish some special versions like digi-pack with some bonus tracks or even videos? We will shoot a video from “12 Gauge”. It will be released in the net I guess. Our bass player Timo will handle the whole process. Well, he is a professional cameraman. I don’t think we will publish any multi-systems, why should we? However, a vinyl would be something! You have done a Thin Lizzy cover, song called `Cold Sweat`? Why that band, and that song? A classic hard rock song, one of the first bands I’ve ever listened to so this is our tribute to them. At least I have to say I’m tired to cover any thrash or etc. metal songs. That’s because there is not much new that you may add to those. I would like to cover one song from Kiss btw. What are your plans for promotion for this album? Are you planning to have a proper tour and when Tour-the same goes for the festivals? We will play some gigs in Finland and we are planning to play few abroad but I can’t report any details. But it would be nice to play some festival gigs abroad. Finland and Scandinavia have a lot of bands. Who would you like to tour with, and who would you chose as your support if you were the tour headliners? I really have not been thinking about that. We will take any chances. How do you look, from this distance, at your first 3 records, which was the most important record in Kalmah’s discography and why? This is a hard one. Every one of them has its own meaning but I think I´ve to say the first one. That’s because it was our first one. But personally I have to mention that The Black waltz was also a significant one because I changed my throat sound and it was interesting to follow how our fans reacted. If you can to turn back time would you like to change something in your career? Also, you have tour so far in few countries, but you were obviously focused on Finland. Are the things are going to change with the new issue? I have to be honest –I don’t think so. Well, we try to do the best we can! Do you have any message for the fans in Serbia? I hope to see/meet you at Metal Camp in Slovenia? Ole Hyvä ja Näkemiin :) . Stay Kalmah!! Answers by Pekka Kakko |
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