1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
N. : “Solitude” was recorded already approx three or four years ago. So, some live shows has happened between those years. Other than that, of course the recent news was that our vocalist/guitarist C. decided to depart from Totalselfhatred. At the moment, the rest of the group are rehearsing material so that there could be only the four of us. Let’s see if we decide to bring new members into the group, but now, we are trying with this current line up.
2.You have a new album coming out close to the end of April, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
N. : Compared to the other albums ,this was different since the whole album was composed in the rehearsal room together. Earlier works has been mostly composed by A. ,with the exception of the debut album which was totally composed by A.
3.This is your first album since 2011, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
N. : I think this question is covered In the first question.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore on the album?
N. : Lyrical topics has been life, misanthropy, desperation.
5.In your lyrics you use both the English and Finnish languages, can you tell us a little bit more about this concept?
N. : Actually we use three languages in our lyrics. Finnish, English and German. A. is originally from Germany and rest of the group are Finnish, therefore it seems quite natural to use our native tongues where-ever it seems suitable. For me, English language is easier to make lyrics, perhaps since majority of the music what I listen is in English. Also, since English is quite universal language, people can relate that more easier compared to Finnish language.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Totalselfhatred'?
N. : For me, Totalselfhatred is a channel to express my pain and anguish. Some people like to cut themselves, I do that through music. Totalselfhatred is “Strength through Pain”, in order to experience spiritual growth, you will experience pain.
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?
N. : I can’t speak for the rest of the groups opinion but I can express mine. For me, there has been quite many good shows but if I must mention one, the best show must have been in either in Germany, Under the Black Sun festival or one show in Minsk, Belarus. The journey to Belarus itself was an experience.
I would say that our stage performance is based on the trance-like emotion, what you achieve on stage. I forget the people around me and let the music take me to the different universe.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
N. :Nothing worth to mention, yet.
9.Can you tell us a little bit more about the art work on the new album?
N.: The album layout is designed by A., it expresses the album title “ Solitude “.
10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
N.: To tell you the truth, I don’t know and I don’t care. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to listen.
11.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
N. : Only member who has other projects is our drummer I. and I can’t speak on his behalf on this matter. The other three members has only Totalselfhatred.
12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
N. : I personally would like to go back to the sound and style that we did in our debut album, of course with different little twists. Something old but different.
13.What are some of the newer musical influences that you have brought onto the new recording that you where not able to do on any past releases?
N.: “ Solitude” is quite different compared to the early works. Perhaps since it was composed in the rehearsal room together. That is why you can hear various kinds of influences from sludge to post black metal.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
N.: “ Solitude “ Out on April 27th through Osmose Productions