1. Greetings, Helsinki. I meditated… searched and finally all discussed with Mikko (October Falls), cause I really wanted to find something more about your line-up – well, all is still hide by fog. Is your intetion to make around you this aura of impenetrability (something mystical), or are you have apathy about the names in all?

We just simply didn`t want people to guess what kind of music we`re doing on basis of other band-connections either we wanted them think of TSH as just a project. People anyway have found out lately most of the connections but at this time-point it`s ok because the album`s out already some time.

2. Your debut album is really highly appreciated in eyes of mine and the rest of the redaction. So, the question is, how Totalsefhatred was born – you know, something about first views. Can we find there some random, which managed you into a group? I don't want any biography or something like these shits, cause I hate them, but I'm looking for some interesting facts in your history.

Great to hear you like our music! It all started with the C. and me (A.) noticing that we had the same vision of a band exclusively dedicated to melancholic-desperate music played with heart and soul. In addition we obviously needed a bigger playground for our musical and spiritual ideas. TSH is much about emotions and upon an emotion we created this band.

3. TSH's music is strong, sophisticated, with much deep atmosphere. Music comes spontaneously if we talk about melancholic music in general. But I don't believe that your one came during one bottle of vine. Can you zoom in what atmosphere and occasions your music builds?

It comes from inside, important is a kind of relaxed state of mind, so actually ideas can come on "untrue" occasions like sitting in the bus to city-centre or while carrying shopping-bags home from supermarket, kind of routine-situations where the head is free from distractions. It´s the idea that is important and often it strikes when I/we expect it least.


4. Is anyone more dominant in composing of music, or have you your acts dealed? Despite the facts, album sounds very solid and packaged…

Thanks again! Concerning our debut I (A.) have been very dominant concerning composing of the music, again concerning lyrics C. has been more dominant. Also J. and N. have had an influence, nowadays we start more and more working as a unit.

5. Back to the atmosphere again. I'll not be idiot if I'll say, that I don't hear album with similar – strong – atmosphere for a long time. Really impressive, guys. And it's true, that make her (atmosphere) isn't too simple. So how about cooperation between musicians, technics and sound engineers during recording?

Difficult since I had this vision in my mind and Santeri of the studio fulfilled one part of it totally at once (the "bass-pressure-clean-side") but I missed the other one, the "blackish-raw-one", so a three week odyssey started at which Santeri stated in the end that he just didn`t believe we wanted it really that extreme. About the atmosphere in general I`ve got to say that this is a key-part in our music. We don`t focus so much on the single instrument than more the atmosphere that the different parts create together.

6. Is „Totalselfhatred" album for wider audience or are you make an effort to put this record into a underground, between people, which will value it more? You know, people often say first and did second – for example; „I'm doing my music for TRUE people." And in general, he (they) have concerts with queer groups on strange places…

Who says the underground would value our music more? I know what you mean because usually people from the underground listen to music more seriously and I appreciate that a lot but why close out for example someone who`s just gotten into metal either has a clue about what underground even means. He/she can be as dedicated. I can straightly say I do music for people who truly care about it, I do not focus so much about their backgrounds.

7. If I’m check the artwork of your CD, I'm little bit confused. So… So… So... I'm interested in the fact; what would album symbolize? And exactly, what's the point of your debut – in accordance with the story inside, lyrics, etc. Tell all!

Our album is pretty much about growing spiritually and mentally through difficulties in life. The guy on the cover seems really broke and down from the outside but he`s lighting up from the inside. Refering to some of the bandmembers pictures: Have you ever bathed in the ice-cold water after sauna? You know the feeling? Then you should get the connection to TSH: first it sucks big time but afterwards it feels absolutely great.

8. „Gothic" keyboards sporadically supports your music too. Considering, it's good that you're use them. Guitars are melodic all the time, but this isn't enough in general (mostly). How about some more enrichment in the future? More clean vocals, hm?

More/better piano, more/better clean vocals and other improvements, that`s the plan. Our goal for the next album is to take again a (big) step forwards but without loosing our roots/atmosphere.


9. With atmosphere is always connected sound. Many people can say, that your one is obsolete, anavailable or what. But it's bullshit, cause there aren't any directions. The point of my question is that you wasn't scared from this. You used sound you like and it's cool. Was it long way to find final version of sound? How about future?

Like most bands we create the kind of music and atmosphere that appeals to ourselves. How people react to it is always another question. Yes, it is a long way to the final version because we kind of build the music as well as the sound in a long process.

10. Nobody from Czech republic can't hear some about Ordo Decimus Peccatum label. Tell me, how are you satisfied with their work? And what otherinteresting groups are below?

ODP is kind of an underground-label under the wings of Osmose Productions. Osmose takes care of the distribution as well as the promotion, no need to say that they do an excellent job!! Check ODP`s webpage http://ordodecimuspeccatum.free.fr/ for all their bands and releases.

11. I know, I know, it's hard to find time for answers, but we have the same problems and so much questions are boring /hehe/.. So we wish you all the best with group and remember – Mortem zine stays behind you and value your music.

Thanks for the interview and support!