Interviews: Mourning Wood

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melancholic Metal band Mourning Wood 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, you plan it or come out just like that?

During our (Eino, Hanska, and Lari) music studies at the University of Applied Sciences, we performed various exam concerts with a theme. We all played in each other's concerts of course and Eino’s exam consisted of songs by Sentenced. The last song of the concert was called Mourn, so the name Mourning Wood just clicked in Eino’s head, because it’s the perfect description of our dynamic as a group. We are serious, but we don’t take ourselves seriously. Humor is a key ingredient of us as human beings even when we play the most melancholic songs possible.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all have been into metal from a young age so this comes naturally to us, but we are not intentionally trying to make music inside the frame of a certain genre. Every member brings their own flavor to every song and hones their own parts with expertise.

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

It depends on where you place the formation of the band. We officially formed in 2021 and we knew each other well at that point, but the roots of the band date back to 2013 when Jussi, Eino, and Lari met in 2013 started vocational music studies in a conservatory, and started a band together during that time. Later Eino and Lari met Hanska in 2016 when they started university studies together to become music teachers. Hanska was chosen as the new drummer of the band that would later become Mourning Wood.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Many to choose from, but here we'll give two-part answers. First the more ” serious-minded” answers and then in addition the goofy stuff, which are an important part as well.

Jussi: Sentenced and System of a Down

Eino: Sentenced and Judas Priest Lari: Diablo and doom metal in general etc.

Hanska: Septicflesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, overall symphonic and death metal stuff.

In addition: Raptori, Bat & Ryyd, Jope Ruonansuu, Lapinlahden Linnut, Halavatun Papat, Unto Välikatto, Teppo Repo and Tauski.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Struggles of everyday life, coping with mental issues, and the whole spectrum of emotions that are a part of being human. The stupidest and darkest jokes usually go together with the serious themes we write songs about. It’s a part of being self-aware, but without diluting the core message. Basically, anything that stirs something inside is an inspiration.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our latest gig with our core lineup and own material was in Tampere, Finland.

7. Where would you like to act?

It would be nice to act internationally. We all have our day jobs and careers, but the band aspires to go wherever the road takes us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Maybe with some of the musicians that inspired us personally growing up, but basically anyone that understands our concept and is a nice person to work with.

9. Whom not?

People that are not down to Earth.

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

Probably all of us have at one time or another and still do sometimes. Remember to prepare well, but without obsessing over it. Eat well, rest, and remember to breathe. Don’t take yourself too seriously and remember that no one in the audience is out to hurt you. They want you to do well and enjoy.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

It’s a long list, but the core influences of Mourning Wood are in acts such as Sentenced, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and Billy Idol.

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

Nothing weird so far. Fans have been really wholesome and nice.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Every fan we have met has been the nicest person imaginable. Very cool and relatable. It’s nice to chat and interact with them.

14. What do you think of our site?

Seems like a very informative and cool place for people to discover new music and to be up to date with the latest music news. Definitely very well put together.

15. Something to add?

We have also done Sentenced tribute shows with an extended lineup as a part of a book tour about the life of Miika Tenkula, the guitarist and main composer of Sentenced.