Noitasapatti Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Hello there! Things are fine here. We have been practising and composing new hymns lately, seven songs are quite ready for the third album. Mr. Ihtiriekko joined the band in January 2024 and replaced Mr. Mielivalta on guitars. Unfortunately, Ihtiriekko left the band a week ago due to lack of time and he’s going to move to another town. In July we made our latest liveshow (first and last with Ihtiriekko) and it went great! So, great and not-so-great things have happened but still I think the future looks bright for Noitasapatti.

2.You have a new album coming out towards the end of November, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released?

Well, I guess in this album songs are more straight-forward melodic black metal -style and now there are not so many epic long songs, like “Kuolemattomille maille” and “Susien mailla” on the first album. There are more synth-parts in songs and that has been quite natural ‘cos today we have full-time synthplayer and I think that brings much more atmosphere in our songs!

3.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you have covered with this release?

Yes, “Sankarin matka” (Hero's Journey) is a dreamlike story slowly advances towards indescribable horrors, which waver between dream and reality, until the truth is exposed in all of its heinousness. 

4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored over the years with the music?

Darker side of nature, self-enlightenment, darker aspects of human psyche, myths… 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Noitasapatti'?

Noitasapatti is a finnish for “Witches Sabbath”, and I guess most of your readers are aware of a legend of gathering of those believed to practise witchcraft and other dark rituals.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Album cover and other artworks were painted by our friend Mika Huumonen and he did just fabulous work! I’m very proud of the result! Front cover idea came from my vision of “Hero’s Journey” which is the album title “Sankarin matka” in english. 

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Last performance in our hometown Pori last july was without a doubt one of the greatest and our new guitarist Ihririekko made his first liveshow ever and he was just incredible! Also, our performance in Raahe, Northern Finland in 2022 was something I’m proud of. I hope there will be many more performances in the future.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

Hopefully there will be some shows but when writing this, nothing is confirmed. Now we are focusing on new songs and recordings for our third album but are aware of some liveshows too!

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

In Finland we haven’t got that much attention. I think it’s because we haven’t toured or played gigs that much and our previous record label was from Russia and it’s quite hard to find our records here. For some reason, South America and Mexico are the regions I get a lot of mail. Hopefully now we get some new followers because Inverse Records promotes us a lot in Finland.

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

I think the brand new songs we have made during this year are very promising stuff! With the new line-up I think there’s some new energy. There are some epic parts, death/doom-influences, traditional melodic second wave black metal, and some progressive parts, just like there’s always been so it’s a little bit hard to tell, are we heading somewhere? 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

This autumn I’ve been listening to some artists I usually listen to during this time of the year, like MORTIIS, SUMMONING and BURZUM. Also KATATONIA, WINTER and old PARADISE LOST and maybe some other old school death/doom bands are something I usually listen to on some October rainy nights. Naturally, all members have their own personal favourites.

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

Many thanks for the interview! I hope all your readers check out our new album “Sankarin matka” available on CD and all streaming platforms!

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