Deep in the Finnish forests

Kallomäki draw much of their inspiration from Finnish nature and folklore, exploring stories they feel have not been told enough. Horror films also contribute to their darker atmosphere, with one member summing up their cultural roots simply: “Finnish folklore is much darker than Scandinavian folklore.”

Their sound moves between folk, metal, punk and other styles, with songwriting guided by atmosphere rather than a fixed formula. The band lets different influences find their place naturally, creating music that doesn’t fit neatly into a single genre.

More than a show

Playing Tuska was a significant moment for Kallomäki. The festival carries a particular status in Finland, making the opportunity something the band had worked towards for a long time. Still, they were clear that reaching this milestone was not the end of the journey. “We’ve been working a lot for it, but it’s not the end. We’re still continuing forward.”

Having played a variety of festivals and venues, from smaller gatherings to more unusual settings, Kallomäki have learned to adapt to their surroundings. Their music offers enough variety to shape a set around the occasion, and Tuska called for a heavier approach. “Today we’re going to play more metal-ish,” they explained, a heavier and more aggressive approach, while dancers add another visual dimension to their performances.

For the band, however, a live performance is about more than playing songs. As they put it, “It’s not a show, it’s a ritual.” They want audiences to experience something unexpected, even if they arrive without knowing the band.

Looking ahead

Kallomäki hope to play more festivals and gigs abroad, particularly across Europe’s pagan festival scene. They also revealed that a new album is already finished in some sense, although it has yet to be recorded (in the mean time it has been released October 14th).

For those unfamiliar with the band, their invitation is simple: be curious and give the music a chance. With their blend of traditional influences, heavy sounds and darker Finnish folklore, Kallomäki are keen to take their own distinctive approach to new audiences.

Links