Doomed Confessionary: Tuomas, Oliver, Timi & Jaakko (Sunniva)
Photos by Aleks Talve
Turku, Finland based sludge/post-metal act Sunniva was formed in 2016 out of a shared hunger for the raw sonic power of heavy music. The band’s name, derived from the Old English Sunngifu, meaning “gift of the sun”, hints at the layered darkness and light woven into their sound.
Blurring the lines between death doom, sludge, and post-metal, Sunniva summons the same seismic intensity as titans like Amenra, Neurosis and Dark Buddha Rising. Their past releases – »The Holy Mountain« EP (2017), »Sunniva« EP (2020), and the sprawling single »This Reality Only Speaks In Blood« (2018) – have cemented their reputation for crafting immersive, soul-crushing soundscapes. They just dropped their debut album »Hypostasis« on September 19th, 2025 via Svart Records, minoRobscuR, Violence In The Veins and Iron Corpse.
Sunniva are Oliver Webb (vocals, guitar), Tuomas Mikola (guitar, backing vocals), Timi Ketonen (bass, backing vocals) and Jaakko Ojanperä (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are Sunniva from Turku, Finland. We play heavy and slow music. Sometimes it might even sound a bit beautiful. You could describe our sound with the term: Raw Sonic Power. Or NWOFH aka New Wave Of Finnish Hewy.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Timetables are kinda hard. Finding time that works for everybody. For example, rehearsals, booking shows, pre-recording sessions or recording sessions. That might be the biggest challenge for us.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Debut album »Hypostasis« is definitely the culmination of our sonic endeavors. And having our friends from Svart Records release it. That recording is something we are really proud of. And making connections to Germany (minoRobscuR) and to Spain (Violence In The Veins). Those two labels will have a special colorway of the vinyl. Iron Corpse will also release the cassette of our album. That’s rad!
What was your biggest regret?
Cancelling shows is always a bummer. Sometimes it is beyond our reach.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
This current year has been amazing. We got to share the stage with Insect Ark at Kuudes Linja, Helsinki. Svarta Havet‘s record release show in Kåren, Turku was great and the bands played so well. The shows some weeks ago in Seinäjoki and Oulu were really special and we got to see old friends and made new ones. The record release tour last weekend with Barren Womb, Dome Runner and Loka was also a dream come true. It was a privilege and pleasure to share the weekend of our debut release with these fine human beings. A couple more shows are still coming later this year.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The Turku scene would be something to mention. It is very diverse and vibrant. The bands are tightly woven and they organise shows and stuff together. There are a lot of really interesting bands coming from this city. Please check bands like: Besra, Craneium, Hauraus, Hengitys, Kovaa Rasvaa, Laua Rip, Mansion, Ruissalo Amping, Sammal, Slowenya, Svarta Havet, Throat and Virhe.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Tuomas: Demonic Death Judge – »Absolutely Launched«.
Oliver: Haunted Horses – »Dweller«, Candy – »It’s Inside You«.
Timi: Oranssi Pazuzu – »Muuntautuja«.
Jaakko: Spectral Voice – »Sparagmos«.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
These things take a lot of time to formulate. Rushing things is always a bad idea.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Jaakko: Potato chips.
Can you say something more about the current music scene Turku?
There are a lot of really good bands coming from Turku, Finland. Go back to question number 6.
But talking about Finland more widely, check bands like: 12 Gauge, Alas, Boar, Demonic Death Judge, Dome Runner, Grave Hex, Haapoja, Hebosagil, Kahtia, Kantamus, Loka, Radien, Rats Will Feast, Stolen Kidneys, Qwälen, Vainoa, Vedet and many more.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
18.10.2025 Helsinki, Olarin panimo with Kantamus
29.11.2025 Helsinki, Lepakkomies with Haapoja, Vainoa and Vedet
What are your plans for the future as a band?
The second album is already boiling in our sonic cauldron and we’re spicing up the potion slowly but steadily.
Playing shows around Europe would be a dream come true. Maybe a tour with another band..?
How can people best support your band?
Coming to shows is always an easy and helpful way. Buying the new album from Svart Records, minoRobscuR, Violence In The Veins or Iron Corpse. And of course buying merch from the shows keeps us going and gives us the possibility to do new music. Tell a friend about our music and it keeps the ball rolling.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Jaakko: Enjoy life and do things that bring you joy. And eat potato chips!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well