Keep on roaring!!
Battle Beast
Even though it’s been a while since their latest release came out, we at Metal On Loud Magazine love Battle Beast. When we got the opportunity to interview them we jumped at the opportunity. Our questions were answered by bassist Eero Sipilä and vocalist Noora Louhimo.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to us! How has the last year been, touring for your latest release “Unholy Savior” (Jan. 2015)?
Eero: It’s been great, although busy as hell. Late last year we did our first European tour as the headliner band, which was a major milestone for us. But of course, having too many shows can never be a problem for an upcoming Metal band.
I love the sound on your latest album, it sounds cleaner than it’s predecessor (“Battle Beast”, 2013). What can you tell us about the release?
Eero: In general, I feel Unholy Savior is more of a Power Metal album, whereas the two previous albums were more rooted into classic Heavy Metal. I don’t really know what else to tell you about it. It’s there—go listen!
Your musical style is heavily rooted in Heavy/Power Metal, yet there seems to be an ever growing melodic component to your sound. How has the band grown musically over the last few years?
Noora: Our band members are influenced by various music genres, so naturally during the process of writing music the influences will appear in one way or another. As the music develops, so do our tastes and influences. Of course the 80’s kind of sound from Heavy Metal is still living strongly in our music. I believe our goal is always to go forward and develop ourselves as musicians, as Battle Beast, and as people.
Traditionally, Power Metal is a heavily male-dominated genre. How is it to be a female frontwoman for a band like this?
Noora: I’m very proud to be the lead vocalist in Battle Beast. I hope in the future there will be even more female vocalists who dare to use their voice more variable ways than just with growling or with the girly/angelic sound. I think being in Heavy Metal band is the best for the kind of personality who wants to be theatrical and perform with their whole soul, heart and body. That’s what I love about Heavy Metal music: big movements, big sounds, and powerful emotions.
Last year you parted ways with guitarist Anton Kabanen, one of your founding members. How big was his creative input in the band, and will his departure have impact on your sound?
Noora: Of course this will have an impact but we’ll still remain faithful to the Battle Beast sound. However, now it will develop in the direction of the current band. I think the most important thing is that the dynamics and the atmosphere of this band has gone in a far better way than ever before, and at our shows everyone in the audience and on stage have seen it and felt it.
Which bands do you identify with most musically? Who are your influences?
Noora: I have a long list of influences but for example Iron Maiden, Dio, Judas Priest, Accept, Guns n’ Roses and Queen are some of the biggest influences.
Until now it’s always been 2 years between Battle Beast releases. Does that mean we have to wait a whole year for new material? What will 2016 look like for you?
Noora: We are right now working on our new album and that’s all I can say for now. More information will be released on our Website and Facebook.
It seems an eternity ago I saw the band win the Wacken Metal Battle. There was a lot of energy on stage that day. Can you tell our readers what a Battle Beast live show is like?
Noora: Explosive, entertaining, and you hope it will never end!
What’s your favorite tour memory?
Noora: This whole journey with Battle Beast is full of great memories but the most rewarding moments are always on stage with the guys doing what we love and sharing that experience with the audience.
Where will we be able to see you play live in the coming months?
Noora: We’ll be going on a tour again with Powerwolf from March 25th onwards. After that we’re doing some shows here, and then it’s time for all the Summer festivals. Check out www.battlebeast.fi and you’ll find all the dates there.
Do you have any final words for our readers?
Noora: Keep your heads up for new Battle Beast stuff coming up, and be sure to check us out live once we get to a town near you. We guarantee the best night of your life! Keep on roaring!!
