Erin Fox: Please tell us about the group's fascination with the work of author J.R.R. Tolkien.
Jyri Vahvanen: I've been a huge Tolkien fan over fifteen years for now and his amazing written poetry was one of the reasons why I founded Battlelore in the first place. All of are very familiar to his works and for example Tomi is reading a lot about the history of Middle-earth at he moment.
Erin Fox: Obviously, with the production of the Lord of the Rings series of films, there is a strong amount of awareness as to this legendary tale. What is your impression of fan's reaction to your thematic substance?
Jyri Vahvanen: I liked those films a lot and it has been interesting to watch some
'true' Tolkien fans going crazy because those films weren’t exactly the same as the book. For me it is not a problem because the story is already so tight in my head and in my imagination that it is impossible to change from there. Today everyone knows what LotR is but for example ten years ago it was quite rare subject for normal people. It is very positive that Mr.Tolkien's books got the respect what they deserve.
Erin Fox: How do you feel the sound of the group has matured since it's
inception in 1999?
Jyri Vahvanen: It has changed a lot and it is always developing in a way or other.
Today we work much better as a group and we know better the capabilities of each others. The childish energy is turned into mature calmness. The clue of our music has found and we all know what kind of songs Battlelore is ready to produce.
Erin Fox: How were things different for the band after the departure of Patrik
Mannander and Mikka Kokkola?
Jyri Vahvanen: The spirit in the band is better than ever, because we all knew that Miika and Patrik will leave the band and the atmosphere was quite depressing until the final news came out. I'm quite sure that this new line-up will last.
Erin Fox: Do you feel that the addition of Tomi Mykkanen and Timo Honkanen has strengthened the group? Which factors do these musicians bring to the band that were not previously present amongst you?
Jyri Vahvanen: Absolutely! Their energy and efforts for the band are huge and of
Course, it affects to all of us. Now we are more like a solid group and there are no more reasons for any kind of compromises like before. Timo's style as a bassist is totally different than Miika's and now it is really enjoyable to use his creative bass playing for our new songs. Tomi's vocal range is very wide and he can easily do high black metal screams and low gutturals, so it is nice to work with his new ideas. Tomi's arrangements for our songs are more than welcome, because Patrik spent so little time in rehearsing that his effort for the new songs wasn't that big.
Erin Fox: What do you feel was the highlight of recording "Third Age Of The Sun?"
Jyri Vahvanen: I can't really mention only one thing. There were a lot of great
moments during the sessions. All the recordings went so well and we had a
great time together in Sound Suite studios. The producer Terje Refsnes is
also a great guy and we really enjoyed to work with him.
Erin Fox: What are the things that most influence you to play this style of
music?
Jyri Vahvanen: Tolkien of course and the music I like to listen to. Of course the
Finnish nature and my interest in medieval times and mythology has led my
music into this certain way.
Erin Fox: What is the most profound experience you have ever enjoyed whilst performing?
Jyri Vahvanen: The magic between the audience and the band. Sometimes it all
becomes as one and you can just let your music flow. You don't have to think about anything technical and even your playing just goes on without any thinking. It is the feeling what is really hard to describe but sometimes it just happens.
Erin Fox: Why do you feel it is important to practice creativity on a personal
level?
Jyri Vahvanen: For me it is a way to escape this everyday 'nine to five' grayness
and boredom. When I create, then I really feel like living. I do exactly what I want to and I have no limits.
Erin Fox: Is it challenging for all seven members to agree on a particular
direction when composing?
Jyri Vahvanen: Not as hard as you could imagine. During the years, we have learned each other’s working methods quite well and in the end, it doesn't take
that much compromises when we are making a song. Usually some of us have
the main idea for the song and the others try to create the right kind of elements for it and if something won’t work, then we just throw some ideas in the air and pick the best ones.
Erin Fox: How did the song "Storm of the Blades" come about?
Jyri Vahvanen: Just like any other of our songs. There's nothing special in it. I
made the basic structure for it with the guitar and show it to others. They added their own things into it and in studio. our producer had his ideas for it also. Just the normal procedure.
Erin Fox: What is the single composition that you feel is most indicative of the current direction of the group and why?
Jyri Vahvanen: Hmm… It is hard to say because we have many very different kind of songs. Maybe songs like "Ghan of the Woods" and "Valier-Queens of the
Valar" could be something like that. Those songs show our own style best when I and Jussi start writing.
Erin Fox: What to you find brings you the greatest satisfaction when performing in front of an audience?
Jyri Vahvanen: It is nice to see people singing along your songs and sometimes when we play "Journey to Undying Lands" and "Buccaneer's Inn" people start dancing. That's a great experience. Maybe it is not that 'metal' but personally for me, it gives a huge satisfaction.
Erin Fox: In a short amount of time, the band has been responsible for a great deal of creative output. To what do you attribute this strong work ethic?
Jyri Vahvanen: I don't really know. It all goes very naturally and we try to avoid
all the strict schedules and all the things what could kill your creativity. It is just our way to do this and I think that it is a great thing for our fans.
Erin Fox: What is the most critical lesson you have learned in your career thus far?
Jyri Vahvanen: Always demand a written agreement for everything. It is the most
annoying when people promise you this and that but you get nothing.
Erin Fox: I wholeheartedly agree. Thanks for the interview.
Jyri Vahvanen: All the best.
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