For a country which is well-known for its love of metal (also rattling around muddy roads far too quickly in cars which may or may not have roll cages), we don’t hear of a large number of bands from Finland. They’re probably all too busy enjoying their awesome saunas. Anyway, one of them has just released a new single (scroll down to check it out) with the album it’s from due out in January. Oh, and singer Andy kindly fielded our Headline Act questions!
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We are from Helsinki, Finland.
How did you meet?
I had played the guitar in a few local metal bands earlier. Around 2012 I started to write new songs, but this time I wanted to set focus on just singing them. The band was born from that idea, and members were found rather quickly after asking around through friends. We literally played together through days and sometimes through nights, since we were very excited about what we were creating together.
How long have you been playing as a band?
There have been lineup changes along the way, but we started to play back in 2013 with our original lineup. Olli, our guitarist has been part of the pack since 2014. Reda has been on drums a few years now, and Panu, our bass player joined us one year ago.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
We threw our name ideas on the table with the band after playing a few months together and Affection got most of the votes. There’s no big story behind it, but I think it was picked up since it’s a quite diverse and meaningful word, and we felt – and still feel, the same way about our music. Plus, it’s not a traditional metal band name, and we’re not so traditional metal band either.
What are your influences?
That’s a good question and there’s only a complex answer. We all have different musical backgrounds, so we melt together a lot, but it happens naturally. I’d say most of it comes from alternative metal, which is a common ground for us. From time to time there’s a twist from the 90’s Seattle scene, some elements from thrash metal or even hardcore. Add some progressive elements and we’re there!
To be honest, metal might be our baseline, but many of our additional influences come from elsewhere. So for the baseline, there are these old-school bands like Megadeth, Metallica, and Alice In Chains. I would also like to mention Devin Townsend, Type O Negative, Deftones, Katatonia, and Soilwork just to name some. For additional influences, there are bands like White Lies, Editors, and Riverside. Our music is very melodic, and that’s where most of these additional influences kick in.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We have hard-hitting guitar riffs, rhythmic energy, and memorable melodies. This all is tied together with a certain depth. Our debut album Remnants will reveal the diverse sonic scale we are riding on.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
There are fiery emotions, and there are many deep dives on the dark waters of your own mind. Especially on our upcoming album, the main theme is keeping oneself together, regardless of whether someone is trying to kick you down. Since we have the absurd need to put ourselves and others to some kind of molds, the album underlines that be who you are by nature. It’s the most valuable thing we have after all.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live shows are dynamic, intense, and somewhat exploding. Unfortunately, this current global pandemic doesn’t make things easy at the moment, but so far we’ve played over 15 shows around Finland. We’re looking for the possibility to play abroad too.
If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as ÂŁ1 per month!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
The wildest thing I’ve done was eat a huge pizza just one hour before the show and wait for the right moment to throw it up on stage. Didn’t happen but it was way too close. Still, if I think about cool things, it’s always nice to see the audience headbanging on the tables.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
Reda uses Sonor Essential Force drumkit. On guitar, Olli is using Schecter Hellraiser C-7 with Carvin 100W V3 tube head and variable 4×12” cabinets on stage. He actually tends to split the signal for two tube amps when playing live. Sound of two rhythm guitars with one guy – cost-efficient! Just kidding. On bass guitar, Panu plays ESP LTD B-5. He’s just replacing the head so it’s still a surprise, but the cabinet is Gallien-Krueger 4×10”. I sing with Shure Beta 58 A mic.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We have just released a new single, “Highway of Denial”. There’s a music video on Youtube and it’s available to stream on all major streaming services. Our debut album, “Remnants” will be released on January 21st, 2022. Besides streaming, it will be available on CD Digipak and limited Vinyl as well. Check it out on Bandcamp and remember to subscribe to our channels!
What are your plans for the next 6 months or so?
Next few upcoming months we’re focusing on the album release. Then, if possible, we’re aiming to play live shows. We are also writing new material already, so there are a lot of interesting things coming up ahead.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
For headlining act it would be Alice In Chains, The Haunted, or Opeth. We were able to agree on these options with the whole band and no blood was shed.
For the opening, we would select this local rad band called DIRT. Check them out, they’re amazing on stage!
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Header image by Patrik Nuorteva
Check out 2021’s Headline Act Playlist on Spotify and YouTube
Affection: facebook | twitter |Â instagram | spotify | bandcamp | youtube