Scandinavia brings us many good metal bands, there are a lot of talented musicians. Random Eyes is such a band, these gentlemen are blessed with a lot of musical talent.
Recently we had a conversation with co-founder and singer Christian Palin and the other members of this Finnish melodic metal band. Christian talks about the new Random Eyes album, the book he currently is writing. The new band Beyond Belief. The new Random Eyes music video, which will be released soon, and much more …
[TMR] Hello to you from ´The Metal Resource’ Holland, how are things going there in Finland?
Well, actually now it is a good time, so much work with music as always hehe, and a lot of cold of course, almost -20 and been running for a while under the snowraining, I use to run 10klm 15klm everyday to keep a good shape. Talking about finland you should visit us, you see Finland has it all snowy winters. Lapland is the most snow guaranteed place in the Europe. Not only the climate but also Finns are considered to be cool – a bit quiet and reserved. But they are actually warm, friendly, hospitable and especially honest people. And of course the Metal Mekka is finland!
[TMR] Will you Introduce yourself and the band please ! [name and instrument]
Ok, Random Eyes current lineup :
Sami Rönkkö lead guitar,
Voitto Rintala, bass guitar
Rolf Pilve, drums
Markus Grinmald,2 lead guitar
Christian Palin , Lead Vocals
[TMR] Describe your family situation [for everyone personal]
Christian Well, good question, about me I can say im single for the moment, no time for relationship.
Music is my goal and rock is all I have, yeah.
Rolf Im single dude.
Markus I am single
Voitto Taken
Sami Taken
[TMR] Tell us the brief history of ‘Random Eyes’.
Random Eyes goes back to 2001 when original members Timo and Me (Christian) began writing material and laying the foundation for the band.
Initial incarnations of the group went through stages of metamorphosis during which certain revolving members came and went, ultimately bringing Random Eyes to the solid line-up it holds today.
[TMR] Are you guys full time musicians ? If not what kind of job or school do you do beside the band ?
To be Honest, I try to live by the music but sometimes I have to work on side projects to earn some extra income, part of the band work as proffesional musicians like freelancers and stuf like that.
[TMR] What is your musical background ? [for everyone personal]
Christian My ethnic background is latino (Uruguay). I was born, raised in Latin America. I am a huge lover of music. For some time I wanted to be concert pianist and be able to exercise the theory as a teacher and educator of music. Since I was 3 years I started playing the piano and exercise music as a way of life. But due to my father is from Europe, their country sent me to do the army in Finland, and good hehe one more adventure does not give badly. Because I moved to Europe and everything was guided by the hands of the destination I was given the opportunity to form a rock band that was my dream since I was a little boy.
So is life. If your believe in your vision you´ll be the Champion.
Rolf I have played drums for seventeen years and music have been a passion for me whole my life. I have recently started to study piano and producing as well, which I am really excited.
Markus Started to play piano at the age of 7. I took some piano classes too. I was 15 years old when I saw Jimi Hendrix concert very first time from TV and it blew my mind. That moment really changed my life, I started to play guitar at that time. I still play piano too but occasionally only.
Voitto Started on bass as our group of friends formed a metal band some 15 years ago. Played in couple of short time projects before finding Random Eyes, a band I could really relate to.
Sami To be honest, the music I learned listening cassettes in normal audio, everything went out there, with the ear I was captivating sounds and the talent was growing, it all started when I was very Small. Now I am teaching some music as Master Teacher.
[TMR] Why the name ‘Random Eyes’ ? Is there a story behind it ?
Lets keep this quiestion in mystery…muahahahah heheh
[TMR] Who writes the music/lyrics in ‘Random Eyes’? .. how do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands/situations have influences you for writing music and lyrics ?
I am the one who writes almost all the issues in my band, my friend Starbuck sometimes help me what is the spatter of my ideas in lyrics in English, because his English is accurate. The music is like the blood that runs in my veins. My experiences that dilate my blood in my body are often melodies that become very extravagant pieces of music, these songs are very personal and experiences that talk about divine and human experiences in which s each of us live each day. My influence comes from beyond the universe, there where no pain, no death, and the light shines forever.
[TMR] How do you describe the music of ‘Random Eyes’ the best ?
Our music is a kind of ethnicity that is connected with the races around the world with a unique and personal style. in music and business scope is a mixture of hard rock / metal, groove jam and a good hobby for your routine life
[TMR] How does ‘Random Eyes’ stands in life till events in the world, religion and politics and in which proportion stands that till your music and lyrics ?
Say that my band does not interfere with political ideas, because I think a musician should concentrate on recreating his audience without taking a position very subjective in what the world order.
[TMR] Describe your show, visual and musically.
Our band is very energetic, and I can comment that I’m much in mind our concert in Elements of Rock, was a very good experience. your audience is very energetic and positive … you have to see us live and see … the new Random Eyes kick ass!
[TMR] For a lot of bands the lyrics are just a accidental circumstance, but for some bands they use them to communicate ! ..can you tell us how that is for ‘Random Eyes’?
Never compose letters by mistake. I do everything very logically and lyrics are reflections of their listeners. Today the record labels forget that the lyrics are very important for a band to be recognized during the course of life. Sometimes producers destroy a band, because the reason for today’s music is only the glory and fame. So my band is like Rocky, the glory does not interest us, we just want to be recognized as gladiators do not sell their soul and have guts to fight for the people of the world get the message of our philosophy.
[TMR] Is there a highlight you will always remember, since the beginning of ‘Random Eyes’?
Many times on our tour in Europe I liked Switzerland and Germany.
[TMR] And the worst thing were ? [if there is one]
We were staying at a concert and we went to visit our comrades Nighwish the band, when we got to our room had a bunch of guys . They were smoking marijuana and ate all our food heheh, the most humorous was calling himself Jesus Freaks,,, well … I think they were crazy fools hahah
[TMR] Name some of your favorite bands to play with live [past and future] and tell us why ?
Tourniquet of course in our past , nice dudes, but yeah I dont have any fav bands to say, I like music only. in the future I would like to perform with Metallica or Ozzy.
[TMR] First record you bought? [for everyone personal]
Christian Cliff Richard
Markus I cant remember
Rolf Iron Maiden – Seventh son of the seventh son
Voitto Dont (want to) remember
Sami Malmsteen, Yngwie : Magnum opus
[TMR] What makes you laugh? [for everyone personal]
Christian Good jokes, funny situations and satisfaction
Markus Situation comedy
Rolf Special people with special jokes
Sami Puppies and kittens. I like many different kinds of humor from very light and even silly to very sarcastic and black.
Voitto Good question Btw…do no dude, just rock´n roll
[TMR] How do you prepare for a show? [for everyone personal]
Christian Before Im heading to the stage i just take time to relax with some tea with honey, and the whole band for example :
Random Eyes is kind of Proffesional band, before we are heading to the show or tour we have some rehearsals just 1 week before the show. Every musician in my band workout at home cuz we live kind of faraway to be constantly seeing eachother. I can trust in their skills.
Markus I practice alot so when its showtime I just enjoy the ride. Just before the show I just sit down and play guitar and warm up my fingers.
Rolf I usually try to be alone for one hour before show, just relaxing and hanging. I also love to take a walk if I can before the show, just to emptying my head. I also try warmup with practice pad, doing some simple excercises and listening to music.
Voitto A Decent nights sleep and practice the songs very well beforehand so I can just let loose on the stage and not think about the playing.
Sami Before the concert I just relax in my seat and I play the guitar which is like a woman for me.
[TMR] Tell us about your upcoming shows and why we should be there.
For the moment im checking some places around Europe to get our ass on the road hehe
I’m very excited this year because in addition to the new album, we have new songs to play live. Why you should be there guys ?-…well well : my band is very energetic, new musicians are full of positive energy, life has given them an opportunity to be involved in something very special, I could say the band has a special appeal, one of our purposes is to bring a good message, has nothing to do with religion. My life is full of good and less good experiences but I’ve always had the mercy of providence and that is what gives me strength to get my mind ready for the fight for my life.
[TMR] What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked? [for everyone personal]
Christian Well, to be honest, people have their views. Sometimes the questions are too subjective, sometimes very personal. an artist should keep their distance and being diplomatic helps you get out of troublesome situations heheh. But hey, sometimes people ask if I am religious and believe in God, the most common or if I am an atheist.
Markus Cant remember any now
Voitto I`m like Chuck Norris, people dont dare to ask me dumb questions.lol
Sami aww Boy,,,du no dude.
[TMR] Do you have a life philosophy? [for everyone personal]
Christian My life philosophy is : When everything seems to be in vain and you feel like giving up, you have arrived at the point where a trek to the stone sculptor would be the recommended course of action. The sculptor chips away at the stone perhaps even with a hundred strikes, only managing to create a seemingly insignificant ravine in the mass. Only with the following blow will the stone crack and you realize, that the outcome surely wasn’t from the single finishing blow, but from an accumulation of prior consecutive strikes. Persistence and methodical plodding pave the way for unbelievable results. Be patient and dare to try, only then will you see results and action! thats why i never give up.
Markus Live and let live
Rolf Try to live in the moment, enjoy your life. Dream big and strive to do everything you can to achieve those dreams.
Voitto Treat others like you want to be treated.
Sami Be Cool and let them be cool.
[TMR] Are you visiting many gigs and what do you listen to these days? [for everyone personal]
Christian Let’s say that today in my life I have little time to see bands, the better I prefer the gym or dancing at a club.
Markus Not as many as id like to, but if theres good band in town at the gig Im tryin to get myself in there.
I listen Opeth very much and mostly progressive metal. And of course Random Eyes.
Rolf I should be checking out more live music, but just don’t have time at the moment. I am really excited about modern R’n’B and hiphop, some artists that I am into at the moment includes Prince, John Coltrane, The Time, Mister Barrington, Common…
Voitto I visit a gig now and then, one of my favourites is Riverside from Poland, very good both on record and live!
Sami Nah; I have to work with music at home, could be nice but you know, sometimes I am going to music concerts, but I rather play my guitar, and if I do go outside for the weekend I do with the band to have a good time.
[TMR] Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
In Finland hardrock / metal music is kind very very normal, even old people like. We even have radios that go 24 / 7 music and interviews with national and international superstars.
[TMR] What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
Kind of shity but ok for me cuz we live in time of change. Music will rule again in a new mood of reign, Record labels are old farts.
[TMR] What is your favorite ‘Random Eyes’ song ? [for everyone personal]
Christian well well well,,,all songs are special for me..but Vendetta is my one.
Rolf I love Chaos Theory and Vendetta
Markus Deep Waters
Voitto Deep Waters, Decadence
Sami Blind Man
[TMR] What about your latest album ‘Light Up’, please tell us about the songs, the recording proces, label, who did the artwork, etc.
My friend contacted the producer of Nightwish, with hard work and sacrifice we achieve a good result. In what is the commercial side we have not emerged in what is selling records. The band sounds very good , we have created a good production a good sound for the band, the band’s musicians have done a great job which corresponds with his musical gift.
What is the art of the album…because …. I was not in it, and because of this, not i particularly dislike the faceplate of the disk, not everything can be have at a time and sometimes the plans do not leave as you want, but that makes one remain humble heheh
But I think that when you hear the disk you’re going to like it … so if you get the chance download on the internet and give me a feedback I’ll be happy.
[TMR] You are shooting a music video for the song ‘Stand Your Ground’, when will the video be released ?
Hmmm well….I dont know yet, around March..but i hope asap, I am in touch with some Finnish tv producer lets see,
[TMR] What are your dreams and goals? [for this year or the near future] ?
I wanna play rock´n roll till the day I die, I wanna see the whole world with my band, is that too much to ask ? heheh
[TMR] What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Be patient, do not be stupid with fans, do not love money, do not be arrogant on hand who feeds you, but always faithful to your calling and be wise, learn to say no! do not try to be God. you are mortal
[TMR] Some ‘Random Eyes’ members are also involved in ‘Beyond Belief’. Currently you are in the studio, busy recording your debut-album … Please tell us more about this new band / side project ? What can we expect from ‘Beyond Belief’?
Well the band, I started with the idea 3 years ago, but for that I needed people I can trust the professional and personal way. I was working on projects that sometimes had the misfortune to have very ambitious musicians and often very changeable character. To be professional you must first be man of his word, believe in what you say and stay on your promises. With the help of my guitarist Sami Rönkkö talent who is a professor of music and Mikko Harkin who is known and linked to Symfonia Sonata Arctica, Beyond Belief is ready to rock the Nations.
This 2012 I will make known the future line up of this band … I can tell already that I have musicians well known in the field of metal in the world.
The band Beyond Belief has a style very peculiar an ambience of metal/deathmetal/opera/progressive. As I said above took me around 3 years.
So Beyond Belief is the story about astronaut lost in space, they were on a mission of reconnaissance in stellar field, but given to the instance of surveying these phenomena were taken to a parallel dimension to our solar system.
When the space stroopers ( Sami, Mikko, me and the rest of the band ) came to the ambience foreign to our system they realized that the destination guided them to a new instance, there was already nothing that parder to win, they had only to confront an adventure that would change their life for ever. As soon as they came to this mystic solar system they smashed to a planet which inhabitants were warlike and of appearance of the middle age with miscellany of scientific advances of the future,
This giant and mystic island called Beyond Belief was floating on the 7 seas. with an approximation of 1000 meters from the sea.. This is the history that I´m writing these days and this history is the one that I composed with Sami for the début album. Kind of very complex music done for all the listeners. From I say already that it is a brutal disc / shaded / positively / but with hope message.
[TMR] Guys thanks for your time and the interview, we wish ‘Random Eyes / Beyond Belief’ all the best for 2012 … Is there anything you wanna say at last? [any final statement ?]
OK hello people, I wish you the very best! see you live, rock the hell out!
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