T.O.M.E Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

First riff appeared for T.O.M.E. somewhere in 2007. In that moment it wasn't a band yet, but that cold, mean and harsh riff was the start for this all. So we knew with our guitarist what we have to do. Establish a new "secret" project that speaks with the voice of deepest wrath. Wrath against the species called homo sapiens. Species which has forgotten how to deal with nature. Place which permits our existence. Me myself, you and everyone are targets for this ultimate hate. Bass player and ambient wizard joined little later to create this black art with us and their work did us complete. Our music and message is hopeless likewise whole humankind’s destiny.     

2.In June you have a new album coming out,musically how does it differ from your previous demo?

Actually it doesn't differ in any way. It's the same record. We created I-III ready to be published like that.

So it's wrong to call it a demo, cause we passed that chapter.  

3.This is also your first release in 9 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

This band was frozen all that time. When we got I-III ready in 2008 we actually didn't advertise this band very much. I sent one cd-r copy to imperiumi.net:s Mr. Serpent for review, second one to other review media and gave one for Karhumäki from Primitive Reaction. And that was funny thing, he got only cd-r covers. Record was inside my car’s cd player. I think that was quite a problem for him get some vision about our art. But finally now first three acts will come officially out. It gives a reason for T.O.M.E. to activate itself again.  

4.A lot of your lyrics cover Scandinavian Nature themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

It could be obvious that nature, especially Scandinavian nature is important for me. Like for every member in our band. All of us do something in nature every day more or less. Eventhough we live in a small city, nature is close and it surrounds us all. Lakes, streams, swamps, forests, rocks and dwellers of those. Have to remember that those dwellers which I meant are not humans. And what is best in Scandinavia is that the nature is still diverse and beautiful everywhere. But for how long? There's the question. For example I never have travelled more south than Helsinki and in fact I don't have intentions to pass that border ever. Only way is up to north. Northern Norway is place where my mind is relaxed and breathing is free. Also fatherland’s Lapland is close to my heart. Every year couple of weeks in there with your fly rod, tent and some single malt. Can it go better? I don't think so. But don't mix us to countless "hipster" and post-black metal bands. We are totally in different stall than them. Our purpose is rather opposite in many way I think. Pretending inside black metal art is contemptible. But yes, there is nature themes that will combine us and nature is a fountain of inspiration for many so called "true" black metal bands too, but most important priority of T.O.M.E.:s content is extinction of humankind. Our inner Master will proceed that mission sooner or later. 

5.I know that the bands name means 'Tome For Misanthropic Experience', how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

First I have to correct one thing. It's "Tome Of  Misanthropic Experience". First letters of bands full name and you get abbreviation T.O.M.E.. Simple. It fit perfectly to bands concept, message and atmosphere. It should be audible. Can't say more about that. Either understand it or not.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is 

presented on the new album cover?

That place where photo session was, is my grandparent’s home. Little farm in Southern Savonia. It was a good place to take photos for the album. Atmosphere there was something weird. Creepy but same time it brought back memories from childhood of course. It has been abandoned now for about 35 years. What man builds, that will be property of nature after all. Before and after. Those pictures will reflect that perfectly in my eyes.  

7.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

No live shows with this band. T.O.M.E. will stay studio project. My opinion is that black metal doesn't work very well in live situation. It's alright to play, but never enjoyable in audience. Maybe I'm alone with this opinion, but black metal works best in your own living room with yourself. Do you want to go a Burzum gig??? I wouldn't. It's better to put Filosofem in your own record player.

8.The new album is going to be released on 'Spread Evil Productions'. how did you get in contact with this label?

Biggest cheers for this opportunity goes Mr. H from Marras. Great band by the way! He introduced us to Spread Evil crew. I assume that they liked our art enough.  

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

I don't know. I think that our visibility is just in the beginning and hopefully it will grow. Label took a risk with us and I hope that the records will find new owners.

10.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

Yes.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Hard to say, but one thing is sure. We won't do same record twice, but continuum between records will be a part of this concept. And second, music will come to be sinister, cold, raw, insane, atmospheric, groovy and honest also in future. I'm interested and excited what there will come.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Bands where our influences come are so many and each member has their own favorites. Of course there are some joined favorites between members. Darkthrone, Mayhem and Burzum are probably three most important bands which everyone of us can relate to. What comes to my own music taste, well I listen all kinds of music which sounds good to my own ear and over genre borders. Mostly black metal, some old school death metal (Obituary PERKELE!), progressive rock, folk and much more.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

It's not a right time for final words yet. First we need to complete this work. After that we can sigh and turn in mold. 

https://youtu.be/MeWMbCC_nB8