Finnish melodic metal veterans Insomnium are set to release their tenth album entitled Netherworlds on October 16th. Insomnium’s guitarist Tomy Laisto spoke with Metal Express Radio about their upcoming album, his first time in the studio with Insomnium, their upcoming touring schedule, Insomnium approaching thirty years as a band, and more. Check out the chat below!
MER: Insomnium are set to release their tenth album entitled Netherworlds on October 16th. What can you tell fans about the upcoming release?
Laisto: Well, from my standpoint, it has all the trademarks Insomnium is known for, some solid bangers and some bit more epic stuff as well, so the best-of vibe is strong on this one! Also, one bit faster, penned by yours truly, just because I thought that would sound nice with this band!
MER: How was the writing and recording process, being your tenth album, and your very first with Insomnium?
Laisto: Everyone basically wrote on their own, then we gathered together to see which ones would make it. Of course, some tweaking did happen, since the band works pretty much in democratic ways, so everyone has a say. For me, it was interesting to see how they work; I’ve been in many bands, and they all have rather different ways of working. And I loved being in the studio; the songs are so cool to play, which is also a bit different for me cause my history in metal is a bit more death- and thrashy stuff. But I’ve always loved melancholic stuff, and these guys do it like no one else!
MER: So far, you’ve released two songs from Netherworlds. Do you feel those two songs give the fans a good idea of what to expect from the full album?
Laisto: I would have to say no; there are a couple of surprises coming up, and I have to bring up the last song on the album, which is pretty different from what you’d expect from Insomnium. Very emotional one.
MER: How was it working with Miiro Varjus as the album’s producer?
Laisto: Miiro is great; he had a lot of input for the album and overall, a lot of ideas, with the addition that he is very focused and never loses his temper. Which is a great quality in a producer! Would love to do it all over again with him!
MER: Insomnium will be touring in Finland in the Fall along with Kaunis Kuolematon. What are your expectations for the upcoming tour?
Laisto: I am very much looking forward to Finnish dates since I am seeing many friends! Personally, I do not know much about Kaunis Kuolematon, but as far as I have heard, they are good guys, so it should be a nice run all in all! Good crowds are also something I am betting my money on!
MER: What do you see as plans for Insomnium after the tour in Finland?
Laisto: Well, we are embarking on a North American Tour with Amorphis in November, so that is pretty much it for this year! We have a couple of tours lined up with Amorphis, so I really am looking forward to that! I have loved Amorphis since the early nineties and got to know them a little bit, so I know it will be fun!
MER: You’ve toured the world with notable bands in heavy metal such as Amon Amarth, Enslaved, and Amorphis to name a few. Is there anyone you hope to tour with that you haven’t and why?
Laisto: There are so many bands I would love to tour with, and I’d like to mention some bands that aren’t here anymore but… I would say probably Arch Enemy or Opeth would be cool, though not sure if the guys have already done it?? It should be a bit in the same vein, maybe Katatonia? Tom Waits would be cool, hah!
MER: Is there anywhere that has been your favorite to play live and why?
Laisto: Latin American fans are great to play to, but I have to say that last Karmøygeddon was crazy; those people know how to party! I very much enjoyed Brutal Assault as well, and Rockstadt Extreme Fest, which is really rising up on par with big European metal festivals!
MER: Is there anywhere you haven’t played that you hope to and why?
Laisto: I still have lots of places to play! I would love to do Royal Albert Hall someday, or Tokyo Dome! Maybe start with this new venue in my hometown, Turku, called Fuuga!
MER: Out of Insomnium’s ten albums, what is one you would recommend to a new fan and why?
Laisto: I would recommend Netherworlds, of course, because it is my first with them, heh! Since Insomnium’s discography, to me, can be divided into old stuff and new stuff, in between them, there is a great album, Shadows of the Dying Sun. I believe this was kind of a dealbreaker, combining something new with the old as well! I would love to say Above the Weeping World cause people seem to love it, but I’d go next with Heart Like a Grave. Fantastic stuff!
MER: Insomnium has been a band since 2007. What do you think has been the key to the longevity of the band?
Laisto: Gosh, it sounds like we are getting old! I was not with them at the time, but I have known the guys for a long time and have been checking in on them now and then, so it feels like I have been there in spirit. I guess the longevity is that the songs hit you somewhere deep; they are touching, yet brutal. And we, or they, still love to play the songs live, and I think the audience can sense it. I have certainly felt a strong connection with the fans, and I love it!
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