Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Amoral is a metal band from Helsinki, Finland. At their first three full-lengths they played progressive technical death metal and melodic death metal styled music. The band’s 4th album, Show Your Colors (released in 2009 via Spinefarm) is an about-turn, replacing the dominance of quirky death metal with an exemplary display of riff-driven, heavy, yet melodic power groove and the occasional sing-along chorus, thus owing in equal measures to the likes of Skid Row and Pantera. Amoral has performed extensively in bars, clubs, festivals and other venues in Finland, Europe, and Japan. Amoral are: * Ari Koivunen – vocals * Ben Varon – guitar * Valtteri Hirvonen – guitar  * Juhana Karlsson – drums * Pekka Johansson – bass.

Metal Shock Finland’s writer, Marco “Mastrowolf” Mariani, had a chat with Amoral‘s guitarist and one of it’s three founders, Ben Varon.

Hi Ben, your new record “Show Your Colors” (released last year) is a mixture of classic metal, hard rock and melodic songs: what do you think is the connection between your songs?

Ben: I don’t really know, to be honest. I just write whatever kind of songs happen to come out, regardless of the style or genre. If it sounds good to my ear, and the rest of the guys dig the song, then it becomes an Amoral song. But I’m sure there’s tons of similarities between songs and manerisms that I subconciously use a lot.

What inspires you the most?

Ben: I don’t think there’s just one main source of inspiration. But great music by others, a good live show, interesting (either good or bad) events in your life and travelling are some things that I find highly inspiring.

During your last gig in Helsinki you have played a few new tracks, how was the peoples’ reaction?

Ben: They seemed to like them! It’s hard to get a good idea of what a song is about the first time you hear it, so we specifically chose two songs that are a bit more straight-forward rockers for this show, instead of coming out with some 7-minute prog rock spectacles, which we also have lined up for the new album.

Are you working on new songs or will you take a break now?

Ben: Indeed we are! We have around 13 songs ready or almost ready, and we’ll be entering the studio early next year. So no breaks whatsoever!

Have you ever played in Italy?

Ben: Yes, a few times actually. We’ve played there in 2005 with Finntroll, 2006 with Dark Funeral, 2007 we did a mini-tour there, and again in 2009 we passed Italy on the Amorphis tour. Italy’s great!

What you know about Italian metal bands or Italian metal scene in general? if yes, what you think about it?

Ben: I know very little actually. Just the bands that our great pal Sym plays or has played in, and of course Rhapsody!

Besides Amoral, you have also some other music projects. Can you tell us about them?

Ben: I play rhythm guitar in a rock’n roll band called Grease Helmet, which is a lot of fun. Very Stones-y, honest old-school rock. Besides that, I’m part of Tornado, a thrash-band from Holland, and some coverbands that gig occasionally.

You’re now working on your 5th studio album, how the work is proceeding?

Ben: like I said, the songs are almost done, so it’s just a matter of lots of practicing and finishing some lyrics before entering the studio. The songs have been coming along fast and easy, which is a good sign. Everyone’s feeling really inspired, I can’t wait to get this album ready!

What are your other future’s plans?

Ben: At the moment we don’t really have any, besides getting this album done. Naturally there’ll be touring after the album is out.

The last question, what is your message to your fans?

Ben: thanks for all your support, and sorry it takes us a while before the 5th Amoral album is out. But it’ll be worth the wait!

Thanks to you Ben! And as this interview will be published on Xmas Eve, I wish All the good vibes for You and Amoral! Hope to see you soon around!

Photos: http://www.amoralweb.com