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Interview
Deutsche VersionInterview mit Masterstroke (25.05.2009)
HH: Hi, how are you?
Jussi: Hello, doing just fine, thank you!
HH: Your new record As Days Grow Darker is going to be released these days. I guess this is quite an exciting time for you, isn't it?
Jussi: Well, it's been out for a while now in Finland and other countries, but yeah, it's always exciting to get your music out there.
HH: I think the first reviews of your record are written. How are the reactions till now?
Jussi: Pretty good! There's been more polarization in the reviews, which is good, since that shows that people have an opinion on it instead of just going "meh.." and shrugging it off, you know?
HH: Some reviews I read - and also the one I wrote - compare your music with Evergrey and Nevermore. What do you think about that?
Jussi: Cool! They're great bands, we love 'em! It also helps when our label is using those bands to describe our music.
HH: To me As Days Grow Darker really has a darker atmosphere than its predecessor Sleep. Did you plan it this way or did it just happen?
Jussi: Well, we kinda planned it as the songs started to evolve and what went on in the lyrics. Once we saw what we had, we went with it. We also tried to bring this darker, moodier aspect into the whole sound of the album (mix and mastering included).
HH: Do the lyrics also reflect that? Which topics are the new songs about?
Jussi: Probably the lyrics are what mainly influenced the direction, I think. Most of the lyrics were ready before the songs were complete. Nothing too mystical about this order, it's just how we seem to work. Topics range from inner demons to world politics and.. birds... There's a lot of interpretation left to the listener!
HH: In your opinion what are the Differences between Sleep and As Days Grow Darker?
Jussi: There is a difference in sound, but I think we've improved as a band and as musicians as well. This record was also a bit more fun to make (hard to believe from the topics!). But I still believe that Sleep and As Days Grow Darker have more in common than, say, Apocalypse and Sleep.
HH: Is there also something that you think you did better on Sleep?
Jussi: Hard to say, I haven't analyzed things that thoroughly. See, we pretty much started making new songs right after finishing Sleep, so it really was a continuation for us more than anything else. At least, that's how I feel. I leave the rest to the listener to decide.
HH: What's your favourite Song on your new record? And why is it your favourite?
Jussi: Ooh, this is a tough one. "Wait For The Fall" is probably the most emotional song for me because of the lyrics. I rarely get goosebumps from the music I play, but this song is still doing that to me when we play live. I also have a soft spot for "Inside Myself".
HH: You have been on Tour with Jon Oliva last year. How was that? Did you hang out with him a lot?
Jussi: That tour was a blast! We got to hang out a bit, but the schedules were tight most of the time, so not that much. Enough to get acquainted, tho'.. The guys from JOP were great and, well, we're playing with them again at the end of May, so... *grins*
HH: Also you played a Gig with Scorpions. I guess that was a great adventure. Am I right?
Jussi: Yeah! We had our biggest audience yet (yes yes, we know who they came to see) and they were going bonkers for an unknown band! A huge bull-fighting arena, a big stage and a great crowd. What more could you want?? And, no, we only saw Scorpions on stage...
HH: What about this year? Will there be a tour? Are there any festivals on your schedule? You know, we would really like to see you in Munich.
Jussi: Yep, as I said earlier, we have a mini-tour in Europe from 28.5. to 7.6. supporting JOP. Only one festival confirmed in Nummirock here in Finland... I'd like to come visit Munich more than just stopping by for a... never mind...
HH: Thank you very much, as always the last words are yours...
Jussi: No! Agh! Take it back! Take it... Oh, wait...