The Howl

Interviewed by Heili and Kaheli

First, we want to know all about the name ‘The Howl’, where did it come from, any special meaning etc.?

(Hannu)

We picked the name off Samhain’s Initium record a day before our first gig. Before that we went through a bunch of crappy names. We’ve also been credited as Howe and Hole. That always puts a smile on our faces.

You guys have been together a long time without any lineup changes, is there anything specific you’ve done to keep it this way? Any advice to other bands about keeping it together as-is?

(Hannu)

We’ve been friends since second grade, and we’ve always been into the same bands. I’d say it’s wiser to form a band with good friends than to look for awesome players you don’t even know.

(Arse)

There is no specific reason for it. Why chance something that works. We’re like family stuck together for life. Being drunk also helps.

How would you describe the music scene in Tornio?

(Hannu)

There’s not much rehearsal spaces available so there’s not much of a scene. And there’s only two bars in Tornio who book smaller bands, so things are pretty quiet.

If you had to choose just one, which would it be: one night in a haunted house, a night at the president’s house or a night with a crazy cat woman?

(Hannu)

What type of a cat woman are we talking about? A tall blonde in a latex suit or a wrinkly old woman who smells of cat piss?

(Timo)

A Night with a cat woman, preferably with one like Michelle Pfeiffer in the second batman movie.

(Arse)

One night in a haunted house. I would like to crap in my pants.

You guys won the Wacken Metal Battle (Finland) in 2008, what were your feelings about winning? Was it worth the time and energy needed to compete?

(Hannu)

It was awesome. Even if we did piss away all our savings on the trip to Wacken, it was worth every penny. I hope we can do it again one day.

(Arse)

It was awesome. Other bands in the competition we’re so good that we didn’t think we would win. But we did.

(Timo)

It was great and would certainly do it again if given the chance.

What it’s like in The Howl pit? Can you describe to us what to expect if we should find ourselves in there… Any ghouls?

(Hannu)

No ghouls – only FARTS! ….. And absolutely no women for some reason.

(Arse)

Being in our pit is like running a marathon, in every possible terms. There aren’t any ghouls here…

If Hannu had an itch he couldn’t reach, who is most likely to pass him something to scratch it with?

(Arse)

I would be the one to scratch Hannu. I always do all the dirty work for him.

(Hannu)

The job title is guitar tech.

Do you get bananas in Finland? If so, do you carry them around in a special sling strapped to your hip or just stuff them into your pocket and have people think you’re happy to see them?

(Timo)

None of us has the Derek Smalls syndrome…so no we don’t walk around with bananas in our pants.

(Hannu)

We get bananas, but I for one prefer cucumbers and a pair of oranges.

(Arse)

I like bananas.

Who writes the lyrics and music for your band? (If Hannu or Timo) How do you know when you’re writing the song, which band the song should be for?

(Hannu)

We write most our material in the rehearsal room together, so we always know we’re writing for The Howl.

(Arse)

Hannu writes the lyrics and music comes from all of us. If it’s crap then it’s not a song for The Howl.

Timo, why do you suppose the drummer is (almost) always sitting behind the band? Is it an acoustic thing or do you think because you’re sitting, you should stay out of the way of the lively guitairist/bassist?

(Timo)

I think it’s a matter of acoustics. I don’t mind sitting in the back, because I know even though I sit in the back everyone will still hear me loud and clear, that I can guarantee.

(Arse)

Timo is in the back ’cause he is so ugly…

How did Arse get his nickname ?

(Hannu)

We used to call him that to piss him off, but now even his mom calls him arse.

(Arse)

It’s so old nickname that nobody remembers its origin. I remember that it has something to do with tabasco sauce, a telephone and an asshole.

(Timo)

If I remember correctly, I think it was A. from Lambs who first came up with the nickname.

We’re already familiar with Hannu and Timo’s take on our next question but what about Arse…any thoughts, opinions or preferences on commando, boxers or briefs?

(Arse)

I always keep it brief with boxers but now I’m going commando…

Anything else you guys would like to add about yourselves or The Howl?

(Timo)

Well this interview has been pretty comprehensive so it’s hard to come up with a proper ending. Let’s put it like this; All the tough guys listen to The Howl, and those who don’t are wimps…there, that ought to piss some people off.

(Arse)

The Howl! It’s better than hundred bunny rabbits!

The Howl, 10.0 out of 10 based on 8 ratings