Antti Kokko of Kalmah
Interviewed by Ty Brookman on 8/4/2003
Transcribed by Ty Brookman
Kalmah's rise from the swamp to national recognition only happened a mere three years ago but since than and three albums later their melodic ambush has been cleansing the pallets of metal enthusiasts everywhere. With an always easy comparison and a bit of a cop out as well, the press has consistently made comparisons with their music to fellow countrymen, Children of Bodom. Although somewhat similar in design but ultimately worlds apart in the reality of the actual comparison I will consistently choose the metal styling of Kalmah any day over COB. There is trueness and an honestly embedded in Kalmah's swampfever that puts Bodom's artificial wankery to shame. As Finland's metal scene grows in leaps and bounds, Kalmah have set a precedent for the legions of Fins hot on their heals.
D: First off congratulations on Swampsong, your third release in three years. It seems as if creativity just comes easy for your band and with the added attention to Finland these days I am sure the inspiration for the fourth record is already at bay. Please start off by telling me a little about Kalmah's writing process.
A.K.: Basically, every song is written with guitar first. Then we start to add other instruments to the song at the rehearsal place. First we do the drum riffs and at the same time the bass and keyboard players can learn the song and develop good ideas too. Then we try the ideas the other guys may have and the song will develop that way to it's final form. Actually almost all of the producing happens between the band members.
D: Is there ever any rivalry between you and your brother?
A.K.: There are some arguments but they are healthy. They help the songs or the band to move forward and refresh the mind. Usually we argue about the structure of the songs. It hasn't got to real fight yet, though.
D: By design alone, Swampsong should finally rid your band of the Children of Bodom comparisons. Over the years how have you dealt with such comparisons with your band and COB, considering your name and theirs seems to be mentioned in basically every interview and review that I have read.
A.K.: I think that it is unavoidable but on the other hand unnecessary as well. We have been doing the same music since the beginning of 90`s, so, this is the music we do and we don't pay attention to those comparisons. There is a good side as well. I think Bodom is a bunch of great musicians and it is an honor to be compared to such great players. I think Bodom is more to power/classical metal and our music stands on speed/trash metal.
D: Like I said, with this release the comparisons should now cease especially with the release of COB's Hate Crew Deathroll, which I found rather contrived I might add. What were your thoughts on the album?
A.K.: I think it's a good rock`n roll death metal album. I have listened to it couple of times but it doesn't reach the level of Bodom`s first album, which I think is the best of their albums. I've never listened to Bodom much, though.
D: Swampsong is now released worldwide, how have record sales been thus far as well as the overall reaction to your new material.
A.K.: The feedback has been great so far. We have been getting great reviews and it seems that people have finally found us. I don't know about any of the numbers of our previous albums, so, naturally I don't know any of the numbers this album either. Hopefully we will have some kind of breakthrough as well when it comes to record sales.
D: What can you tell me about opening track, Heroes to Us. Not only is it the perfect track to get the record rolling, it also embodies an outstanding lead as well.
A.K.: It was the first song we wrote for the new album. Usually the song we write first ends up as the first song of the upcoming album. It is because usually the very first song shows the direction the record will go. I think the lead is ok but it doesn't reach the level of Tordah solo.
D: As I mentioned earlier it seems as if Finland is presently the hotspot for metal, do you foresee the scrutiny and the actual loss of integrity that Sweden has endured since it's rise from the ashes?
A.K.: I cannot think that far ahead and I don't admit to Finland being the hotspot. I think we are just going to write good music and leave the rest for others. Actually, I think the scrutiny has already begun.
D: How do you feel Century Media is handling your North American representation?
A.K.: I think it is fine. I've never been there, so I can't tell how things are really but the amount of interviews and good reviews, shows that they really are doing a good job out there. Hopefully they could offer us a tour one day.
D: Now according to your website you presently have nothing scheduled as far as live shows are concerned. Now this seems a bit strange to me considering you just released a new album.
A.K.: It is. We have done about 10 gigs after the very first album release. It is because the band lives all around Finland. The Bass player is 700 km away from the rest of the band and drummer locates 150 km away as well. We don't want to play for free and that is always the problem. If our bass player flies from Helsinki to Oulu to play a gig it will cost about 200 euros and it is really hard to get the money out of the gig organizer. Despite that we are going to play some local shows next Fall here in Finland and hopefully outside Finland as well. Nothing is confirmed yet, though.
D: With such momentum behind Kalmah these days will you be able to make it to the states for a tour in support of Swampsong?
A.K.: We definitely would like to do it but don't know how. We don't have any booking agency behind our back, so, I guess it is up to amount of sold records over there. If we sell a lot I think there will be tour offers.
D: Now I have to ask man, what is the deal with the swamp fascination?
A.K.: Finnish swamps are the main source for our musical inspiration. In the area we live over 60 percent of the soil is covered by swamps. We like the pureness and wildness of the nature as well. You can't imagine anything more beautiful than a Finnish swamp at dawn with the fog and stuff. It is like the Swamplord is giving a birth to the nature. And of course if you are waiting for him to return...
D: Is it true that They Will Return was originally entitled, They Will Return.. From the Swamp? (Laughs)
A.K.: Actually they will return is not fully connected with the swamp. But those who return, live on the swamp and every Fall we are waiting... with shotguns usually.
D: Well that about does it, any final thoughts to share with the readers of MetalReview.com concerning the present and future of your band.
A.K.: I hope we can reach the States in the future. I've heard that is great place to play shows! If you guys don't like the album, than take a trip to the swamp and try again. I think it will open the way! And remember the third is the magical…