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| w/Kim Torniainen |
| Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: Let’s talk about the new album, Swarm. What has the response been thus far from media?
Kim Torniainen: The response has been amazing so far. It’s great to see, read and hear that people like the album and get into the stuff we do. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: I was checking out the lyrics and at times, it seems like there’s a common theme or perhaps even a concept to the record. Is there a concept and where does the title Swarm fit into all of it? Kim Torniainen: The concept basically revolves around the subtle themes of murder, death and gore. (Laughs) But, the title (track also) is connected to the cover. Chris visualized it after he heard the music of that particular song. Wes Benscoter then brought the image alive for all people to see. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: With everyone in Torture Killer based out of Finland, and Chris based in Florida. Do you feel that may make writing albums in the future more difficult because for this album the material was already written when Chris came in and laid down his vocals and some lyrics? Kim Torniainen: Not really, we will jam the songs here and then send tapes to Chris, who can then give his input etc. It worked well before, and will work in the future too. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: Speaking of everyone being based in different parts, how did Chris Barnes of Six Feet Under come across your material and decide to join the band as a side project because from what I read, Torture Killer was a recently signed band on a smaller label and had just started to really receive press? Was he recommended through someone that you both knew mutually business-wise? Kim Torniainen: He had heard about us through different sources, through media and through different people asking if he knew of a Finnish band that took their name from a SFU song etc. Finally, he had read about our vocalist problems and contacted us during our European tour. We didn't have any prior contact before that, and as far as I know, we didn't have any mutual friends either. So, it was his initiative that made this thing happen. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: I know you signed a three-album deal but how much does the contingency of Torture Killer depend on the success or failure of Swarm? Kim Torniainen: Torture Killer will go on, as the most important part - the music - does not depend on the success or failure of this record. But, hopefully it will do well so that Metal Blade can see it was worth the risk they took. It has been great so far and the future is looking good, too. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: The instrumental Swarm is a nice opener for what’s to come on the album. Did you ever try to write lyrics for that song? Kim Torniainen: It was always intended to be an instrumental song, so no. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: What do you feel personally was the easiest and most difficult song to record while in the studio? Kim Torniainen: All the songs came around easily. The most difficult had to be I Killed You because when I came to record the bass tracks after the guitars the guys had changed the riffs a bit. But, even that was nothing more than a minor surprise. (Laughs) The sessions were pretty laid back in general, as all went smoothly. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: Are there any plans to tour in support of the album? Kim Torniainen: Towards the end of this year, we might do some touring, but nothing is certain yet. We all have our day jobs and Chris has SFU, which makes the touring part a bit tricky to arrange but I believe it will come together eventually. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: What is next for Torture Killer? Kim Torniainen: Writing new songs, jamming, and some promotion. Just doing our thing, nothing special. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: Kim thanks for the interview and I hope to see you in the states soon! With that said, do you have any final words for The Metal Web!? Kim Torniainen: We hope to see you all in the states soon too, cheers! OFFICIAL SITE “TORTURE KILLER”: http://www.myspace.com/torturekiller HOME |