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file under black/pagan metal
One might think that melancholy and harsh black metal are properties that are incompatible, but Totalselfhatred is proof that this is a wrong assumption. With their self-titled debut album these guys from Finland have made something quite enjoyable; melancholy, melody and aggressive metal explosions densely packed in varied songs. Quite impressive for a debut. Lords Of Metal asked singer, guitarist and synth player A. some questions to get to know them a bit better.
Text: Roel de Haan
 To start things off, how are you doing?
At the moment things are going well, we've received quite a lot of positive feedback on our album and there's great promotion for it, so I'm busy answering interviews which is a good thing of course.
Totalselfhatred is a new name in the scene. Could you tell us something about your history?
C. and I (A.) founded the band in 2005 based on our common vision of creating deeply emotional melancholic and desperate music. Soon N. joined on bass and in 2006 we released a promo, basically for two purposes - to find a label and a drummer. We found both, Ordo Decimus Peccatum as a label and T. as a drummer. Finally J. joined the band on keys, even though he recently switched to guitars, so the key-slot is open again.
I was pleasantly surprised by your debut album 'Totalselfhatred', did you already had much feedback on the album yet? How's the general response?
Great you liked our debut! We have already received some feedback on the album and you can almost divide them into 2 groups: people either really like or album or they think it's ok but it doesn't really touch them in any special way. Basically that is what we thought would happen, because we built the music on emotions and certain emotions just appeal to certain people. The comments about our music have been partly really heartfelt which feels great and gave us the feeling that we're on the right way.
I described your album as a little bit of My Dying Bride, Shining, Katatonia and some death metal aggression packed within a spinous black metal framework. How would you describe the album?
I think your description allows the reader to base a fairly accurate assumption of how we sound like. However, there are a lot of influences to our music, also beyond the metal-spheres.
Now that it's all out in the open how do you look upon the album?
I´m kinda perfectionist, so I’m hardly ever completely satisfied, ha, ha. Nevertheless we’re REALLY satisfied with the endresult, there’s a lot of work behind it and problems with broken equipment and delays, so now it just feels great to get so much positive response about it.
Totalselfhatred' is depressive throughout the entire duration still the album avoids sounding monotonous. You vary with styles and speeds a lot. How do you keep the atmosphere constant while changing the musical style?
In all music, be it metal or pop there is always a basic emotion, the technique to express these emotions differ. Throughout the years we’ve been inspired by many different ways how to musically express particular emotions, gathered them and use(d) them in TSH.
Some of you are also part of other (black) metal bands as well. What specific need does Totalselfhatred fulfil compared to your other projects and vice versa?
It feels like the previous/other bands have been kind a preparation for TSH, we've gathered experience, searched our way and found it in TSH. I think the specific thing about TSH is that we wanted to do something really emotional. Especially C. and me have had this idea in mind for many years already, just for a reason or another didn't start putting the theory into practice until we talked to each other about it.
'Totalselfhatred' is very emotional, what inspires you to make such music? Can we see this band and its music as a form of therapy or emotional relief?
Life inspires us, not only the unfortunate happenings but also the world in general, especially the question "why?" and "how is this connected to me?". Life isn't really getting easier if you strive for answers, but finding them is one of the most liberating experiences I know, especially these two feelings, seeking and finding, are, in my very personal opinion, very present in the music of TSH.
I wouldn't really call it therapy but we do channel out our frustrations in TSH and I think it has an positive & balancing effect on our lives.
Can we consider Totalselfhatred a traditional band? If so do you plan on playing live? What would be the best circumstance for a Totalselfhatred concert?
Yes, we are planning to play live and the possible best circumstances would be to have well prepared shows possibly with great visual enhancements that would carry away the thoughts of the listeners and give them a truly intense experience. It would be great if we'd inspire people to let go and maybe have them even scream along with us...
What does Totalselfhatred stands for, ideologically speaking? What will hating yourself totally accomplish according to you?
It accomplishes letting go and if it’s just for a second, maybe even of all and everything.. falling into an eternity...being one with all.
What are the plans and ambitions of Totalselfhatred?
We’re already working on songs for the next album, since each song is quite a long process, we're still searching for a keyboard-player and we've got to rehearse a lot so we could do some first live shows.
Thank you for the interview and the final words are for you.
Thank you very much for the interview. If interested, check our myspace-page for samples or contact us at this adress: totalselfhatred@gmail.com
http://www.totalselfhatred.net
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