New Interview: Kalmantach

Interviewed by Kaheli

What’s the meaning behind the name ‘Kalmantach’ (I tried translating to no avail )? Why did you choose it? Is there any specific and/or significant meaning behind the name?

(Mikko)

I can’t give you direct translation either, but in Finnish “Kalma” means either a dead body or death. Basic idea for the name came from my girlfriend. There is no significant meaning behind the name, I think that everyone can make their own conclusions of it.

(Kari)

Yeah, guys can use their own imagination. I would like to hear the fans’ versions of the meaning of it.

How did you guys come together to form Kalmantach, such as where and how did you meet? What and why did you decide to form a band together?

(Mikko)

I’ve been friends with Lauri since 80s, and Lauri is the one who taught me playing guitar. First we used to jam different songs, mostly Metallica. In 2002 I met Kari and we started to make some songs. First it was just me and Kari. We played for like couple of years and then there was a minor split with other projects. The birth of Kalmantach was in the autumn of 2007. Lauri, Kari and I started to make some music together. First Lauri was a bass player but after a while we found that as a bad idea because I think Lauri is a very skilled guitarist. Then we started search a bass player and finally in 2009 we found Janne. Then I finally felt that Kalmantach is a whole band, even though we are still missing a lead vocalist.

(Kari)

Like Lauri once said, we have a positive problem: we have a vocalist, but I just can’t do vocals and drumming same time. I have tried it but without good results.

If you had to choose just one, what artist/musician has had the most influence in your life, not just professionally but personally as well?

(Mikko)

I think anyone can answer this by their own. Personally my biggest influences are bands like Pantera, Testament, Death, Opeth, Metallica & Pink Floyd. I’m a huge Pantera – fan and collector too. I think Phil Anselmo is the most brilliant frontman in the whole fucking world. Period. My favourite guitarists are Alex Skolnick, Dimebag Darrell and David Gilmour.

(Kari)

My biggest influences nowadays are Martin Lopez and Gene Hoglan. But there are also drummers like Peter Wildoer, Kai Hahto, Inferno, George Kollias, Tony Laureano, Derek Roddy, Rainer Tuomikanto and many other great drummers.

You’ve mentioned Pink Floyd as an influence and inspiration…why Pink Floyd? Is there a particular album, song and/or member that you prefer? If so, why?

(Mikko)

Personally I like the good vibes that the band gives me. Although it isn’t about metal it still gives me lots of inspiration to compose songs. I also like their unique song structures and concept albums.

Who designed that kick-ass logo you guys are sporting? We love it …

(Mikko)

My girlfriend found a font in the internet, Kari’s girlfriend modified it and Janne made it look like it is now!

How important of a role do you think fans play to a band? Do you think there is a right and a wrong approach to being a fan? What kind of attitude do you like to see in a true fan?

(Mikko)

I think fans are important, because without them this all is so meaningless. But when I compose I song I just think that if me or my band like it or not. In that way I am selfish. But it is great to hear that someone likes what we are doing.

You guys are just about ready to release a new EP, any hints on what we can expect to find on it?

(Mikko)

It is a concept album where every song has a relationship with other. Actually I prefer it as a “one song” even though it has 5 tracks on it. Ep also has a strong lyrical theme. There is also more acoustic guitar than ever…

Any near-future plans to begin a full-length album? If so, will it contain any material from your previous releases or will it contain all new, unheard material?

(Mikko)

Lauri came up with an idea that we could do a full-length album later on this year containing some re-recorded songs from our demo “II” but it mostly would contain just new songs. We will inform everyone about that later.

If you suddenly found yourselves unable to be a musician tomorrow, what profession would you choose and why?

(Mikko)

At the moment I’m studying to become an engineer, so I guess that would be it. Producing or managing other bands would be nice too.

(Kari)

Maybe that would be an engineer because of my studying too. Perhaps I will find myself with the barrels between my lips if that scenario happens…Just kidding.

Mikko, do you write all the lyrics or is there some collaboration with the other members? What about the music…written solely or with another member(s)? Also, which comes first during the writing process, the lyrics or the music?

Actually it is quite few lyrics that I wrote. Mostly it is Kari who does our lyrics but in the new EP I co-wrote two songs. Pessi Haltsonen (vocalist of the EP) made lyrics to one song and some parts for the other too. Basic song process comes like this: I made riffs and basics to the song and then I send it to other members who develop their own instruments to it. Then we go to a training camp and rehearsal it. Usually we record it too in our training camp. It is always music before lyrics.

Besides your current instrument, are there any others that you know how to play? Any that you don’t know and have always wanted to learn?

(Mikko)

I can play bass and some basics of drums and piano. I’ve always wanted to play a piano more but there is no time to do it. I still can compose things for drums and piano even though I can’t play them.

(Kari)

I have tried playing guitar and bass as side-instruments, but it wasn’t my cup of tea after all. Maybe I was too impatient. But if singing is counted as an instrument, that would be it.

If we were to fire up the FU Radio Short Bus and throw a party for you guys, what kind of refreshments should we have, who should we have on the guest list and what can we expect to happen at this shindig?

(Mikko)

Okay my guest list (not in order): David Bowie, Mike Patton, Phil Anselmo, David Gilmour, Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick, Eric Pederson, Mikael Åkerfeldt, Gene Hoglan, Slash…. And maybe few actors too, like Sylvester Stallone, Tim Curry, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Mickey Rourke…. HMM…plus all of Kalmantach…and anything can happen.

Kari, do you ever get tired at looking at everyone’s butt while you’re playing? Have you ever thought of sticking some centerfold pictures on their perse for visual inspiration?

When in rehearsals, guys usually play facing towards me, so in that case it’s very minimum to view their butts. Instead of that I believe they’re getting inspiration of my sweating which I do like a pig.

Do you think it’s possible to rope a moose, tame it and use it for mooseback riding?

(Mikko)

I think it depends of what kind of moose it is. I could try that…

As the ‘puppy’ of the group, Janne, do you think you get stuck with doing the grunt duties?

(Janne)

I don’t feel like I’m getting stuck with grunt duties at all. I handle the things we have around internet except announcing stuff…

You guys are no exception to our standard FU Radio question, so out with your answers…boxers, briefs or commando?

(Mikko)

(Laughs) I wear boxers, but I usually sleep as a commando. It is more handy in that way.

One last it-always-gets-asked question, anything else you guys would like to add about yourselves or Kalmantach?

(Mikko)

Remember to support metal music. Always.

(Kari)

Keep your ears and eyes open. Wait for the upcoming release, it will blow your mind!

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