On the occasion of the release of “Bringer Of Pain”, the new album from Battle Beast, we had the opportunity to talk with the bassist Eero & the singer Noora.
Rock Overdose: “Bringer Of Pain” will be released on 17th of February. Tell us a few things about the recording process and the production. Any special guests?
Eero: Actually yes, we had our first ever special guest featured on this album. We were very lucky to get Tomi Joutsen from Amorphis to sing on one of the songs, “Lost in Wars“. The guys from Amorphis are all super cool and they’ve been very supportive to us for a long time.
Rock Overdose: In the previous albums, Anton Kabanen was the primary songwriter. How do you feel now that you’re able to be a part of the songwriting process? Liberated or more pressured?
Eero: It was fun writing new music, that’s for sure. Of course, there’s always pressure from the fans and the press, but you shouldn’t let that under your skin. The main point for us is simply to make the kind of music we ourselves would like to hear.
Rock Overdose: From my perspective, the new record continues, like its predecessors, the strong and passionate heavy metal sense plus the 80’s rock and even pop feeling. In your opinion, do the new songs differ from the older material?
Eero: I think all of our albums sound different from one another. To me that’s just natural evolution of the band. The first album “Steel” was definitely our most “true metal” album – we tried to appear dark and serious and all that. From there on we’ve grown with each album towards the band we want to be, and to me “Bringer of Pain” is the pinnacle of that evolution. Until the next album at least.
Rock Overdose: Let’s go back in time, when you participated in Wacken Metal Battle. What were your feelings when you actually won the competition? Describe to us your experience.
Eero: The arrangements concerning were all made really hastily. We had just won the Finnish finals two days before we had to fly to Germany for Wacken and we really didn’t know anything about anything. Also we had to leave the festival almost right after our show.
Guess no-one really bothered to send us e-mail or anything, ‘cause we didn’t actually hear about winning the contest until weeks after, when I happened to send the festival e-mail asking what the final results had been. They answered we had actually won the whole thing - it was a pretty mind-blowing sensation to be sure!
Rock Overdose: On what level did your life change when you were announced as the new lead singer of the band? How was your experience touring for the first time along with Battle Beast?
Noora: I changed my life pretty drastically for this band:
I changed my life style in a healthier direction (no booz, more exercise), dumped my boyfriend at that time and started taking a very professional attitude on being an artist. I wanted to develop myself in the best shape possible. Of course these changes didn't happen straight away but a while after the first tour with Battle Beast. Back then I truly realized I want to be an artist more than anything.
I still remember the moment: We were driving a long way to the other venue. On that highway it just hit me when I was looking at the road, the people surrounding me in the camper - I found my place. This is where I belong. I have still continued doing other stuff as a musician and vocal & artist-mentor. It’s very important to me to pass on the know how about being an artist etc.
Rock Overdose: What are the pros and cons of being the only woman in a band? Have you ever felt sidelined by other musicians?
Noora: Pros: I don't have to have any catfights, haha.
Cons: Can't get naked in the dressing room while other band is around.
Of course sometimes some people have been underestimating me, but I believe my actions speak better than any words.
Rock Overdose: Joona Björkroth is the new member of Battle Beast. How’s the cooperation so far?
Eero: It’s been wonderful, like we knew it would be. I think he’s been a breath of fresh air to the whole band in both live and on the new album.
Rock Overdose: Tell us a few things about your upcoming tours. Any plans for participating in a big festival?
Eero: This year is actually gonna be the busiest year tour-wise so far. In early March we’re heading to tour Europe for five weeks as a headliner followed almost immediately by a month-long North-American tour supporting Sabaton. After that it’s time for the summer festivals and for Autumn there’s even more tours under planning. We won’t have much time to rest on our heels, that’s for sure!
Rock Overdose: Thanks a lot for your time! The last words are yours.
Eero: Thanks for having me on this interview, and hope to see all you readers on tour someday soon! Check out ”Bringer of Pain” once it’s out February 17th and make up your mind about it.
For Rock Overdose,
Elena Darzenta
https://www.facebook.com/battlebeastofficial/?fref=ts
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