KAMALA - Specter Of Wars To Come (Thrash Metal - Interview with Karita & Timo)
- Please introduce yourself and let me know how it all began with the band ?
We are Kamala. Heavymetal-band from Finland. The band was founded by two music teacher students Karita and Päivi (former drummer) as a way relief stress of studying and for self expression through metal music. The band started out as an all-female power-trio with bassist Emilia and remained that until 2012.
- Who am i talking to?
This interview is done by singer-songwriter Karita Kivioja and drummer Timo Ruunaniemi
- Where are you from?
We are from Jyväskylä, a city in the center of Finland. A city most famous of world rally championships: :)
- Current line-up ?
In the current line-up singer and guitarist Karita is the sole founding member. Timo Ruunaniemi joined as a drummer in 2012 and bassist Minttu Minkkinen joined the band in 2017.
- Any past band experiences?
Karita and Timo used to play together in a pop-band as students in music college Kaustinen in late 90s. Other then that, both have had alot of different music projects in multiple genres.
- How can you describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all cost?
”Orgaanista paskaa” is a finnish term meaning ”organic shit”. We used this as a refernce when recording the new single and spent alot of time trying to achieve it. Meaning that we went pretty old-school in terms of recording. No digital modeling for guitars but recording actual audio from amps and real drums instead of sampling everything. Our producer Sami Niittykoski shared this vision with us and did a magnificient job creating this sound for our future.
We´re definitely leaning more to the traditional sound of metal and staying authentic and agressive so if you like metal music but want to hear something a little bit different than the majority bands currently in the scene, you should check this single out!
- Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences? How important are the lyrics for you? Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics?
Lyrics are everything ! I´ve used creative writing as means of self-expression and therapy my whole life. Kamala started out as cover-band but in time my writings started to take form as songs naturally. At that time finnish metal bands such as Mokoma and Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus were a huge influence. Word-rhythm in finnish language is often the rhythmic motive I use in writing guitar riffs.
- About your latest release?
The single “Sota sisällä” was mosty recorded in the fall of 2023 with some additional recordings in the following winter. In SN-Audio Production with produced by Sami Niittykoski. Mastering was done in Alho Audio Mastering.
- Some words on its content, artwork ? what are the available formats - how to get it ?
Currently the new single is only available through streaming platforms.
Artwork for the single was done by Finnish contemporary painter Jani Kaunisto.
CD for the full-lenght album from 2013 is available in our label´s online store.
- Future plans ?
We have some plans for the future but nothing to confirm yet. Next step would to get back in the studio and see what comes of it.
- Your most insane dream with the band would be?
To do world tour with Pantera, Sepultura, Anthrax and Slayer! Is that insane enough for ya? :D (Well, i guess I'd NOT complain if this was happening some day ;-) Ed.)
- Your BEST & WORST concert - as a band - and why ?
Best was Nummirock 2009. This festival has always been kind of annual pilgrimage to finnish metalheads so to be able to play there was a dream come true.
Worst was the one gig when we didn´t end the set with cover of Sepultura´s Refuse/Resist.
The song has permanently been in our setlist since then. :)
- Some words on your local scene - bands you're friends with and you'd like to name ?
Jyväskylä has very vibrant band scene with a long history and many newcomers. It is also a hometown to many great bands such as Swallow The Sun, Lost Society, Steve ´n´ Seagulls, Ghost Brigade and Red Eleven just to name a few.
We are also very proud our music venue Lutakko where bands come to perform.
- Last word is yours..
Thank you so much for your interest for our band and thanks for keeping metal alive.
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