Interview with THIS DYING AGE
!!!GOTHIC DOOM METAL FROM FINLAND!!!
We had a conversation with Mikko. Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about THIS DYING AGE (Members, Starting Year etc).
The band in its current form emerged in spring 2020. Some years before that there had already been talks of playing a brand of "slow epic metal" in the vein of Solstice or whatever with a couple of old friends, but that just didn't take off at that point in time. During the COVID bleakness I had some sort of a springtime revelation while listening to Paradise Lost, picked up a guitar and started to write riffs. It then appeared that the same guys from before also shared this same enthusiasm. So basically, instead of Solstice we ended up worshipping Peaceville legends instead, and we're still on that road. Jussi (vocals) is also with "Ghastly" and "Stench of Decay", Tuomo (guitars) is a member of Lohja postpunk legend "Maria" and I have the honour of being a member in "Caskets Open", Timo's primary band. Ville (bass) is an age-old friend and we've shared various shenanigans over the years.
You have recently released your album ''Face Of God''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
So far, so good! The comments we've seen have actually been quite encouraging. There's been no press to speak of yet, though.
Label or DIY and why?
Some of us have at least some experience working with labels, my understanding is that it's something of a double-edged sword. It might mean some level of distribution for your music and resources to record new material etc., but I would be very hesitant to give up any kind of control over the music in exchange for any of that.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Physical over digital, apart from that no strong opinion really. For many years vinyl was the only thing that seemed to be worth getting your hands on, nowadays it's quite easy to pick up a CD instead and save tens of euros in the process. And still get the actual music you wished to listen to in the first place. We will be putting out "Face of God" on tape, sometime in the near future.
Your music style is Heavy/Doom Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
I would add the term "gothic" to that definition. For a start, all of us are fans of heavy and extreme metal of various sorts, and then again we also appreciate the gloomy and dark atmosphere of post-punk and goth rock in general. Everyone surely has their own musical kinks though, and in that sense I really do find diversity extremely important. I myself worship Sisters of Mercy just as much as I love obscure heavy metal from the 80s, and on another day I might be blasting Kraftwerk or some early EBM/industrial while having my walk through the local fields and woods. Everything that I have ever listened to has some chance of seeping into the music I write. Go figure.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
In my opinion success in itself is not something that's worth sacrificing anything. That is not to say that you shouldn't put time into honing your craft and doing what you believe to be right. Success is a possible side effect of that at best, but nothing to actually pursue.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
Everyone's had their share of live playing, just not with this band as of yet we have not performed as a group. Settings for an ideal live show might include things like a good DJ between bands to make the atmosphere right, good stage lights and sound, having a couple of brews before the gig (not too many!). And most importantly, an early showtime since our old bones are achy and need to be put to bed well before the small hours.
What attributes do you think that a new Heavy/Doom Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Unique bands are... well, unique, aren't they. As for what actually makes them that, it could be some specific timbre in the vocals, distinct mannerisms with guitar riffs or leads, or something. Always be yourself, let your influences show, but don't just resort to copying something from others.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Heavy/Doom Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Bandcamp has been great for underground stuff, as for promotion I wouldn't know... that is our Achilles' heel as a band! Can't really advise anyone on the matter since it seems we would actually need some advice ourselves.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Finland (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
It seems to be positively thriving, there's so many decent bands popping up that it's hard to stay on top of the whole situation. Get your hands on "Sinistrous Waves" for a good read, or go listen to Chevalier!
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
For sure! Rotting Christ is one of my favourite metal bands of all time, and I believe that in a way their influence is present in our music as well. Fellow legends such as Varathron and Necromantia also deserve praise, and I know other members of the band also share these sentiments.
The last 3 years, worldwide in the world, we have faced many dark, strange & new situations in our everyday life (covid, lock-down etc.) Did all of this affect you positively or negatively?
Both, I would suppose. COVID made everything pause for a while, for myself it gave ample time to reflect on my own life and also what seemed like an endless supply of hours to throw at making and listening to all kinds of music. Even too much so, perhaps.
What are your future plans?
Keep on worshiping the Devil and lighting candles for our lord Andrew Eldritch, while reciting the words to "Some Kind of Stranger".
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you Stavros for the insightful questions, may your 2023 turn out well. Majestic Hails!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
Photos Credit: Eleonora Tellervo
THIS DYING AGE CONTACT:
https://www.instagram.com/this.dying.age/
https://this-dying-age.bandcamp.com/album/face-of-god
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7sdHut0ztxqaKPCEKmnsFl?si=dHkRr8ntQkOXVP9-P_rpuw&nd=1