Interviews

To kick off this interview I would love to say that your band, Agonizer, is a really fantastic band with fantastic talent! My personal favourite song is, "Whatever", but if you were to introduce your band to a new listener, which song would you suggest they listen to and why?

Jasso: Thank you for your kind words! Maybe “Whatever” would be a good song to start listening to Agonizer, but nowadays I would suggest some songs that haven’t been recorded yet. For example a song called “Everyone of Us” would blow you away! Great chorus, cool melodies, just heavy metal, what more do you need?



Do you guys plan on touring the USA someday?

Jussi: Of course. If someone pays our travelling cost, we will be there tomorrow!

Jasso: We would love to tour in the USA, but unfortunately it’s not very possible right now. It’s very expensive to travel from Finland to America, so that’s a very big issue. Maybe one day.



Atte Palokangas, how is it like being the new drummer for the band? Is there any kind of pressure placed on you to live up to the fans expectations or maybe the other band mates expectations?

Atte: I wouldn’t like to say that there’s any pressure from the band or fans, but of course there’s always some expectations from the new member. Most of the pressure I put on myself, because my opinion is that earlier drummer was very good. I hope that my style will fit with the band. Just now all looks very good and with some training it will be perfect.



Atte, can you also explain to us how the fans first reacted towards you when you did your first show with Agonizer?

Atte: First gig in Nivala was pretty good demonstration, because I have born in Nivala and there were lots of old friends and relatives in the audience. From my view audience took me (the new guy behind the drums) very well and at the evening there were many people who congratulated me.



If you guys could tour with two other bands, who would they be and why?

Jasso: I would choose Machine Men and Mokoma. They are just great bands and I’m sure that the touring would be a blast!

Atte: The Defaced and Masterplan. I have always wanted to see those two of my greatest drummer’s live show.

Jussi: My choice is Soilwork and Meshuggah. I love many Swedish bands.



Do you mind telling us about the song, "Just A Child"? The lyrics are just so raw and harsh into reality. What's the story on that song and is it about anyone?

Pasi: Yeah, it is pretty ruff song. The subject was just something that I had some sort of a need to talk about. It’s a kind of thing that is not usual in the song lyrics and I always have liked to write lyrics from that kind of things. About the violent way of telling this story, it's just the way that gets people to listen. If the story wouldn’t go from pedophilia to a beaten and raped grown woman, no one would have stopped to think about this kind of life and that these children and adults need help.
In personal matter, no I don't know anyone who would have had this kind of life. Unfortunately I'm pretty sure this does feel like a song about themselves for many, many people.



When should we expect a full length album from Agonizer?

Jasso: After we get signed, heh

Jussi: Maybe in the end of the year 2006. But you’ll never know these things because we don’t have any label yet.



Is there a story behind the demo's cover artwork to, "World of Fools"?

Jasso: Nothing special. We just sent e-mail to many artists and T. Honkanen who did the cover was the best choice. It turned out great and we were satisfied to his work. Thanks!

Jussi: Yes, Honkanen made few suggestions and we choose one.



What always gets you guys into trouble?

Jasso: We don’t get into trouble! Even when we are drunk, we are very nice people…



Do you have any memorable gigs and or fans?

Jussi: Three gigs are specially stacked in my mind. Finnish Metal Expo, Tavastia (Helsinki) and Wacken Open Air (Germany).

Jasso: Wacken 2005 was awesome! Also two gigs we did with Children of Bodom back in I think 2001 were great too. On the other gig Bodom played Twisted Sister’s “Were not gonna take it” and we were invited to the stage to sing. That moment I won’t forget.



What’s the funniest and or worst thing that happened to you while performing up on stage?

Jasso: Couple broken strings, but not anything worse. One great thing is that when you mosh during the gig and your hair get stuck on someone’s guitar and he rips couple hundred hairs accidentally from your head! That sucks.



What do you want people to gain from listening to your music?

Jasso: Emotions. Doesn’t matter what kind of feelings, but if our music “touches” a person, that’s great. I think that many people can relate to our songs in a way or another.



And now to end this interview I would like to ask a question that we here at FMIM ask every other band, is there something you wish to share with all your lady fans?

Jasso: Ee karada!

Jussi: It’s great to see that in our gigs there are lots of girls in the audience. I can’t add any more comment to Jasso’s answer. Haha.