Battle Beast are a highly charged, pedal to the metal, traditional metal band from Finland. Things have been pretty much a whirlwind couple of years for this young talented group of artists. Since winning Wacken’s metal battle in 2010, they have released an album through the major metal label Nuclear Blast, and the resultant album ‘Steel’ is one of those albums I can foresee standing the test of time. Laden with hooks, melody, strong song writing and relevant metal topics in the lyrics, Paul Maddison had the chance to speak to Guitarist Anton Kabanen for Ave Noctum, this is what he had to say.

Ave Noctum: Hello, congratulations on ‘Steel’, this is a glorious metal album. This must be a pretty exciting time for Battle Beast at the moment, the album release is imminent, are you able to describe the last year or so in a few lines?

ANTON: Hello and thank you. The last year was the most prosperous so far. We played at many big festivals and events, got a deal with Nuclear Blast, we were on our first tour in Germany supporting Poisonblack and were also asked to join as a support act for Nightwish on their upcoming European tour.

Ave Noctum: to be represented by such a formidable label as Nuclear Blast must be a dream come true?

ANTON: You can say that again. We couldn’t have asked for more. The cooperation has been really nice and we appreciate the much needed help they are giving us. The band is going through exciting times.

 

Ave Noctum: What were your thoughts of your Wacken performance? And have all your expectations wished for then been fulfilled, so far at least?

ANTON: We enjoyed playing there and the audience was awesome. People were enthusiastic and positive so the atmosphere there was really good. We’re pleased with the whole experience and it definitely gave the band a boost.

Ave Noctum: Your influences are pretty clear in your songs, what do you think makes a strong real metal album? There is more of a chance for self-promotion here!

ANTON: Simplicity is the key element. In my opinion “Steel” is the most simple and straightforward Heavy Metal album out there. It plays to our benefit in this era where most metal bands play technically difficult songs. And another thing that makes us stand out are Nitte’s vocals. For a female singer she sings in a non-traditional way, yet it’s the common and required way for our music style. So it’s a good combination.

Ave Noctum: How long has the band been together and how did you come to get together?

ANTON: The band was officially founded in 2008. That’s when Nitte and Eero joined the band. They both went through an audition. Pyry, Juuso and I have been friends long before that and we already had this band going on with a couple of other friends who later on decided to leave the band. Janne, too, was a friend of mine and he joined the band in 2009.

Ave Noctum: Where did you record the album?

ANTON: In Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland.   

Ave Noctum: Was this your first experience in a recording studio? What were your impressions if it was or did it feel different this time around?

ANTON: Actually, yeah, for most of us, including me, this was the first time in a recording studio. We learned many important things what comes to making an album we hadn’t known before. “Steel” was produced by Nino Laurenne. You might know him from Thunderstone. It was the first time someone outside the band was involved in creating our sound.

Ave Noctum: Do you feel you came under pressure to perform, such great expectations and such a big label behind you? It does not sound like it did by the way!

ANTON: Actually the album was recorded about a year ago before the whole Nuclear Blast deal and it has already been released in Finland last year. We were very surprised that Nuclear Blast showed their interest in us. Now we’ll just have to wait and see how the international audience will react to the album and the band.

Ave Noctum:  Who came up with the album cover concept and who designed it?

ANTON: Roman Ismailov did the artwork. He is a good friend of mine and I asked him to draw a picture that is related to the story behind most of the album songs. You can check out his site: www.romanismailov.com

Ave Noctum: Do you have any favourite songs to play and perform live?

ANTON: The title track ‘Steel’ is one of my favourites, but basically I like to play them all.

Ave Noctum: Will there be any specific tour to support ‘Steel’? The UK maybe? and not just festivals?

ANTON: The tour with Nightwish will definitely be super important for the band and for the album. Unfortunately there aren’t any confirmed dates for UK at the moment but I’m sure there will be in some point. And I don’t think we’ll be doing many festivals this summer because after the tour we plan to concentrate on the recording sessions of our second album.

Ave Noctum: I have watched a couple of videos online of your recent show in Tampere, you all look quite comfortable and relaxed, do you suffer nerves? How long have you been playing as musicians?

ANTON: Mostly we’re positively charged when going on stage. Usually the unexpected technical difficulties are the things that can cause some stress. Playing live is a cool thing and we enjoy it. I guess each member has played for about ten years or so. It’s hard to be precise because we all have very different musical backgrounds. And for some of us, myself included, being in BATTLE BEAST is the first time being in a real band.

And finally,

Ave Noctum: What are your top 3 albums of all time?

ANTON: Well, let’s just say that these 3 albums are very dear to me; W.A.S.P. – Unholy Terror, Judas Priest – Defenders of the Faith, Black Sabbath – Headless Cross

Thank you for your time and the very best of luck with the release of ‘Steel’.

http://www.facebook.com/battlebeastofficial

Interviewed by Paul Maddison