Interviews: Sarajah

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal band, Sarajah, from Finland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or come out just like that?

J.H.: The name Sarajah comes from Nordic mythology. It is a great sea in the north. Most of the lyrics are about mythology and nature in the north.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

J.H.: I have been a huge fan of Black Sabbath and other Doom bands from the 70’s and 80’s. I just enjoy playing those kind of heavy bluesy riffs.

M.C.: I've been singing in Doom metal bands such as Church of Void and Fimir so I guess that's the reason J.H. asked me to join Sarajah. Being a fan since the first demo in 2010, naturally, I could not refuse that offer.

J.P.: I have played in different kinds of bands, and when M.C. sent Sarajah’s demo songs and asked me to join the band I just couldn’t resist, the riffs were so irresistible!

H.W: M.C. asked. I answered the call.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

J.H.: Yes. Two of the four members play also in Doom Metal band Fimir. We also have other bands and projects that are linked.

M.C.: I've played in different bands with all of these guys, in J.H.'s case some 25 years ago. Also, we share the same rehearsal space with Fimir and Septic Apes, in both bands H.W. plays drums. J.P. plays bass in Rauta (that's Iron on Finnish) and their space is in the next building.

J.P.: I have played with M.C. in another band, which is not so doomy.

H.W: Yes as mentioned.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

J.H.: Black Sabbath

M.C.: Queen

J.P.: At the moment my favorite band is Stam1na.

H.W: Impossible to name only one. I'll say Misfits this time.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

J.H.: The songs come quite naturally. I just play riffs and put them on order.

M.C.: Some other bands I find inspiring, movies, books.

J.P.: Usually I just pick up my guitar or bass and some kind of magic happens sometimes!

6. Where was your last gig?

J.H.: We just released our very first single and the debut album will be released during the spring. We are currently looking for our first gigs to support the album release.

7. Where would you like to act?

J.H.: Big or small venues… It doesn’t really matter.

M.C.: Yeah, the venue itself does not matter.

J.P.: Anything goes for me.

H.W: In a grave.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

J.H.: I think it would be cool to play with the local acts here. We all know each other quite well.

M.C.: The Doom metal scene in Finland is relatively small, so it is kinda easy to know other bands.

H.W: I am very open to suggestions. Paul Anka could be interesting.

9. Whom not?

J.H.: None come to mind.

M.C.: Maybe not with the local Schlager bands.

J.P.: I’ll have to agree with M.C.!

H.W: Murderers.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

J.H.: Playing live surely gives you more adrenaline, but I don’t think it fright.

M.C.: I agree, playing live gives energy. Add some red wine.

J.P.: Not that much stage fright, maybe sometimes a little black butterfly in my stomach! And beginners: just have faith in what you are doing.

H.W: Nope.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

J.H.: Black Sabbath

M.C.: Black Sabbath, Joy Division, The Doors, Pentagram, Uriah Heep... The list goes on and on...

J.P.: The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Queen, Rush, Deep Purple, Genesis, Stam1na, Meshuggah… and so on…

H.W: Danzig and Dingo

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

J.H.: I have had some weird stuff with my other projects, but we shall not go there in detail.

M.C.: A request of erotic sort. Let's not go into details.

J.P.: No comment on that. Too weird stuff…!

H.W: They ask only normal things.

13. What do you think of your fans?

J.H.: We play old-school Heavy Metal. We have loved this genre for many years. I think that shows in many people who are into our music.

M.C.: It always feels good when people tell us they enjoy our music.

J.P.: I like to see people enjoy our music.

H.W: I am grateful for every one.

14. What do you think of our site?

J.H.: Looks good!

M.C.: Hear, hear! Keep spreading The word!

J.P.: Very nice!

H.W: It's awesome. It's great to have music enthusiasts spreading the word.

15. Something to add?

J.H.: Thanks for the interview. Check out our new single! The album will follow. 

H.W: Thank you.