Hollywood Metal Episode 84 (audio)

Saturday Nov 21st 2009: After a few weeks of schedule and time zone conflicts I was finally able to record a conversation with one of my favorite metalhead friends, Tero Tolkki. Hailing from Finland, Tero is the creator of Finnish news and band database MetalFromFinland.com. The timing of our conversation actually worked out quite well because I was right in the middle of a heavy concert week that featured two Finnish bands. KIVIMETSAN DRUIDI (Heathenfest, in support of ELUVEITIE, BELPHEGOR, ALESTORM, VREID and local support from STATIUS) as well as mighty ENSIFERUM on the North American leg of their From Afar Tour (Support from BLACKGUARD, LAZARUS AD and local support from EINVERA). In between those two concerts I also saw DETHKLOK!!! Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep this week but it didn’t matter because I was totally prepared for this conversation having had a few weeks to think about what I wanted to ask the dude who created my most trusted source of brilliant metal. In spirit of the conversation I kept the playlist strictly Finnish leading off with STAM1NA an excellent power/thrash band that utilizes and interesting vocal cadence in their songs. They truly have a unique sound and that is extremely hard to do these days. Along with STAM1NA, Tero and I share a mutual respect for MORS PRINCIPIUM EST, a fast pace, but extremely melodic band that is long overdue for some world attention. Every album these guys put out is flawless, yet they still seem to fly beneath the radar. Tero tells me that they are working on new material so hopefully it releases to much fanfare. Mighty ENSIFERUM and INSOMNIUM were also necessary for today’s show, both with new releases and both within my top 5 band list. Tero shares my sentiments on these bands including my appreciation for Petri Lindroos as Jari Maenpaa’s successor. Lastly, KIVIMETSAN DRUIDI was the last choice for today because I saw them on this night and I say,  because I am writing this post after the fact, that this band is very good live. I enjoyed the album when I first heard it. I thought that they could use some finishing touches on their sound but I definitely like them more having seen them live. I hope they get the opportunity to come back soon. Big thanks to Tero Tolkki for taking the time to speak with me, Please check out his site for all things Finnish, metal and awesome.