SOURCEWEBZINE – The band’s last album, “One For Sorrow”, got a well-received response. Was the band surprised at the publicity that album got?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – We were hoping for a good public response and it seems that fans and reviewers like what they are hearing so far. We knew that the album would be killer, but you never know whether the people will like it or not. As with every album we have made so far, we have evolved a bit so there are some new elements that will appeal to some people more than others. Our new record label Century Media Records has done an amazing job promoting our album and at the same time they are really nice folks.
SOURCEWEBZINE – Can you tell me more about “One For Sorrow”?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – “One For Sorrow” is aggressive and mellow, straight and complex, clean and distorted. In general we feel this album has the best Insomnium songs so far and best overall package. Songs are even more carefully arranged and more compact than before without losing their multi-layered features.
SOURCEWEBZINE – If you should choose one song, which represents the essence of Insomnium on the album, which one would that be and why…
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – We are equally home at playing shorter faster songs as we are with longer more complex and progressive songs. Naturally longer songs tend to have all the elements that represent Insomnium. My pick from “One For Sorrow” would be the track “Lay the Ghost to Rest” which has a really nice flow to it and varying dynamics.
SOURCEWEBZINE – Finland is home of many known metal bands. How much attention does Insomnium receive from the national media and people in general?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – We are fairly well known in Finland and with the previous album “Across the Dark” we were awarded with two FME awards for best band and best album. FME awards are like the Oscar awards of Finnish metal where metalheads can cast their votes to decide who shall win.
SOURCEWEBZINE – What do you think about the Brazilian metal scene? Do you know much about our bands?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – I grew up listening to almighty Sepultura! “Arise” was, is and will be one of the best metal albums ever made. Therefore Brazil will always have a very special place in my heart. I’ve heard you have some crazy crowds over there but other than that I’m not that familiar with Brazilian metal scene.
SOURCEWEBZINE – Are there any plans to shoot any more videos for this album?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – Nothing is confirmed so far, but never say never.
SOURCEWEBZINE – Now that everybody has a Facebook page and a MySpace site, have you been taking the opportunity to communicate with the band’s growing fan base?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – We are actively updating our Facebook page and also have e-mail list for fans. We always try to be as active as possible because with out the fans this would not be possible. Make sure you subscribe to our mail list and add us to your friends in Facebook and MySpace.
SOURCEWEBZINE – You come from Joensuu, does all of the members live there? If a fan comes to visit Joensuu, what should they see and do?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – At the moment only Ville V. and I are living in the Joensuu. Ville F. is living in the UK and Niilo lives in Kotka. Joensuu is famous for it’s active music scene and one of the best rock festival in Finland, Ilosaarirock. If you are visiting Joensuu on July make sure you get your tickets to Ilosaarirock. You might even catch us there.
SOURCEWEBZINE – You’re involved in many aspects of the music business. What’s your opinion on things like the decrease in sales and illegal downloading? Things like these must leave a negative effect on the budget to record, artwork and promotion?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – Yeah it is a constant battle but I personally don’t see it as a major problem for metal genre in general. Usually metalheads are really loyal to the bands they like so even though they download stuff occasionally they are likely to buy the CD’s if they like what they are hearing. In general it is all about the value and how you can attract people to buy the package. You really have to think about the booklet and the overall experience what comes with CD purchase. Nowadays It is not only about the music, it is the whole experience and in a way illegal downloading is pushing the bands and labels to find new ways to add to the value.
SOURCEWEBZINE – A little bit about your music taste. What kind of stuff are you currently listening to?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – I really listen varying styles of music. At the moment my playlist includes insanely good new album from Ghost Brigade.
SOURCEWEBZINE – What about the mentality that says it’s better to say underground?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – I have never gotten this. How on earth would being mainstream or vice versa playing in a garage band make your songs any better or worse? It is only about the music in this context.
SOURCEWEBZINE – Anything else you’d like to say or promote?
Markus Hirvonen (Drums) – Thank for your time! Make sure to crab our new album! Hopefully we’ll make it to Brazil one day. Take care and stay heavy!
