Since the formation in 2013, Wolfheart provided us six albums, in which darkness, gloominess and mournful atmosphere are present with aggressive melodies – therefore the result is merciless! 🙂 What else would you add to this description of your music? What kind of formation or evolution have you perceived over the years?
I would ad certain wintery style of rawness too since that is what I always try to bring with the heavy guitars and with the guitar tone. The biggest evolution has been the darker influences to contrast out more melodic side and with each album more varied approach with vocals when both Lauri and Vagelis have been taking bigger part in vocals on each album.
People may know you from several other former bands. How did Wolfheart’s music develop and become powerful in you, when you formed the band? How easy was it for you to put the band together and get to the making of an album?
The beginning of the band was really easy. I had planned of burying all my existing bands for a while and started slowly planning the birth of Wolfheart in 2012. Debut album was basically a solo album and was so liberating to work without label, schedules, deadlines etc and that was and still is the power of Wolfheart music to me. Total freedom to create.
Six albums in just under ten years – well, we can definitely call it a massive achievement! Did you encounter any difficulties over the years? Did everything come together as it had been planned? Are you meticulous, taking care of everything even to the smallest details? Do you guys never ignore a single E-mail or any kind of messages? 🙂
Of course each road has its obstacles but with right kind of people in the band and great team behind you will help to navigate around those. We suffered a lot with covid and getting all tours cancelled but each band was in the same boat with that. We are very hands on about everything but most of we are artists so sometimes some details and schedules slip through our radar :). We do try not to miss any messages from fans but sometimes if we are in studio, video shoot, festival trip or on a tour it becomes impossible keep on track of all.
To increase the mass volume, your latest (seventh) album entitled “Draconian Darkness” is about to come out in Autumn. So, you guys haven’t rested again – you just kept on working! You are on a new label, in the amazing team of Reigning Phoenix Music. Can we consider it a new impetus, a refreshment? Did they find you valuable from a different perspective than the previous labels did? Was it a pleasure for you to finally shake their hands?
Our path together is still in the very beginning but already they have shown to be incredibly forceful label and of course these kind of positive changes gives an extra boost and energy for us as a band too.
I think this sequel fits in well with the direction of the previous albums. We could even call it an impeccable musical creation! I think these songs embody the best of Wolfheart’s current knowledge! What would you like to share with our readers about “Draconian Darkness”? Does it feel like some kind of a “glorious battle” for you?
Thank you! It is more about battle agains the time and fight against the inevitable demise of the world. A grand battle indeed but not against any particular enemy or an army. Musically I feel it is our biggest triumph so far and definitely shows all our strengths in the best possible way.
When – at what stage of the creation of the whole material – was the title of the album born? How much time do you usually spend with it? How important do you think it is to find a suitable album title? Did you guys take other title versions into consideration?
I do spend a lot to think about the album title and I feel that is really important decision when deciding the title. The album title came into my mind when most of the music was written and I started to work with the lyrics and started to have the theme of the album in my head. I always focus first on the music itself and then start to work with text.
Over the years, Wolfheart has toured a lot around the world, which is awesome! How many fans did you get to know in a deeper level? Do you think it would be good, if bands could connect with / talk to a limited number of people after the show in a dedicated space?
Of course we meet people while we travel and during these 11 years some faces become more familiar than others but often the hectic tour schedule does not allow much planning or possibilities to hang out with others than your band mates and crew. Touring takes also a lot of energy and best way to charge your batteries is usually getting some own space and time. We almost always go to the merch after our shows to meet fans and I think this works well and fans know to expect that nowadays.
In the Autumn – on the 20th of November, to be absolutely precise – you’ll play live again in Budapest. What kind of memories do you have of this city? What do you guys expect from this evening? Can we eventually get a surprise?
We have only good memories from Budapest after several shows in Durer Kert and Barba Negra. I would spoil the surprise if I would tell you know that there will be one :). I am sure it will be one of the highlight of the November tour. We did a shorter headliner tour in east europe and balkans thins spring and our whole crew was from Budapest and also our merch print Real Pimp is from there so will be great to see those guys and girls too!
When people think of Finland, they think of its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, the reindeer, and – of course – the multitude of amazing bands! 🙂 What would you say: why do you like living there? For example, what do you do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time outdoors and go fishing as often as I can. I think all Fins will agree that best part of Finland is the nature. Huge amounts of forests and lakes all around. Of course winters get a bit long, dark and cold here up in the north but even during the winter the nature is stunning.
I suppose the time before the release of an album is a time of huge excitement for you and for any band. How well do your predictions usually come true and what do you expect from this release?
We try not to predict and have expectations. We just focus on doing the best job we can with the promo, videos, social media and playing good shows. A lot of the things are not in our hands and it is just a waste of energy to focus too much on the numbers. That is a job for the label. Eventually we will know how things are and what the result was when we see album charts etc.
In your opinion, what is the right way to operate a band? I mean, what does it take for a beginner band to get at least to the point where you are now? How easy do you think it is? What kind of advice would you give them?
It is very hard and it has taken me first 12 years with Before The Dawn and now 11 years with Wolfheart to get here. A lot of work has to be done, a lot or priorities need to be focused on music and the band and some risks has to be taken as well. And always luck is needed to be in a right place at a right time.
Have you bought a new musical instrument this year? What kind of wishes do you have in this regard?
I had my latest custom guitar made 3 years ago and probably will keep on playing with it for the next 10 years. I got new drums last year but so far this year I have only got some new cymbals. I pretty much have all the tools I need for writing and playing music so no wishes at this point.
Unfortunately, the world has turned upside down in the recent years, because of a number of reasons. Do you think music solves everything – do you think music is the best cure for things? 🙂 In which extent would you still call the music industry healthy?
Music industry is like any business and it has to make money to be able to run and go forward and that always creates certain contrast with the artist side but I would say it is now days more healthier than before. I sadly dont believe that music can solve problems but it can give people a much needed break while dealing problems and that way help to give power to sort the problems out. But the problems of the world are too big for that.
Love you all – Wolfheart are great and always help me rise to new heights, even on shitty days! Hail to you all!
Thank you!
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