“The Beginning Of Times” is Amorphis’ 10th studio album. Interview with Bass player Niclas Etelävuori.
How to depict Amorphis’ music? Not an easy task! Death metal, progressive metal, folk metal… In 20 years, the Finnish band has gone through several musical genres to eventually develop its own unique style. Esa Holopainen and Co have just released their tenth album, “The Beginning Of Times” (Nuclear Blast). You love epic, oniric and melodic atmospheres? This album is made for you.
Lounacama has interviewed Bassist Niclas Etelävuori.
You’re about to release your new album, The Beginning Of Times. How do you feel?
I feel great. I think the record is awesome and the reaction we got so far from it has been positive. I can’t wait to go and play the songs live, it’s going to be a blast.
I’ve read that you had recorded it in Marco Hietala’s studio (singer / bassist of Nightwish). Is a future collaboration with him imaginable?
We worked with him since “Eclipse”. This was the first time we did the vocals at his house which didn’t exist before this time. Of the future is very hard to tell, he is a busy man and so are we. If our schedules match why not.
You’ve frequently used the Kalevala, the Epic Poem of Finland, as a source of inspiration for your lyrics. This time, the new album is about Väinämöinen. Why is it so important for you to dig into Finland’s history and culture?
It’s a kind of bottomless well for us, endless source of inspiration. Nowadays they are based on poems based on the Kalevala so there’s a little twist to them instead of quoting directly like on Tales. Music is also about bringing your culture to the people and story telling. For us it makes more sense to sing about Kalevala than of the beach in Los Angeles you know, it’s a nice place but too far from where we come from.
Do you have any other points of interest that you might use in the future?
There are tons, but I don’t know what will fit us. Next we’re going to tour for a long period, maybe we develop some new ideas then.
Amorphis’ music has changed a lot throughout the years. How would you describe it today?
It’s a style that took 20 years to develop. As the styles changed everyone has developed as musicians and still do. I think after going through a bunch of different musical styles but still staying true to what we are, we developed something that’s a bit unique but still rocking.
If you had to choose your three favourite albums, all kinds of music taken together, what would they be?
Deep Purple: “Machine Head”
Iron Maiden: “Live after death”
Slayer: “Reign In Blood”
What’s currently in your I-Pod?
Mostly classic stuff rock, metal and punk rock. From Johnny Cash to Dimmu Borgir. Some AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Motörhead albums I never take out the rest might change from time to time.
What’s you best (or worse) memory as a musician?
There’s a lot of both but mostly good memories. It’s easier to remember the bad once. If equipment or transportation breaks down it’s always bad but from time to time it happens but the show must go on.
If you had a super power, what would it be?
Most of the time we spend waiting for something. If I could teleport myself anywhere whenever I’m needed and back home I’d be a happy man.
What question would you like to be asked? (I know, it’s a tough one!).
Would you like another one, sir?
Do you have a message for your French fans?
Thank you for your support! We hope to see you next winter.
“The beginning Of Times” will be released in The US on June 7th.
Stay tuned!
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