Doomed Confessionary: Alexander Meaney (Orbiter)
Photos by Pauli Boström
Based in Helsinki, Finland, Orbiter has established themselves in the heavy psych and doom metal scene with their atmospheric live shows in Finland and abroad. The band’s sound is an assertive interplay of colossal guitar riffs, haunting psychedelia, and hypnotically soaring vocal melodies.
Orbiter’s debut full-length album, Hollow World«, was released on September 22nd, 2023 through Argonauta Records. The album was produced by legendary Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, Apocalyptica). The album is an ambitious exhibit of Orbiter forging their signature sound of dynamics between spacy ambience and unforgivingly heavy guitar performances to new levels, which were already dawning on the band’s debut EP, »The Deluge« (2020).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Orbiter is a four-piece from Helsinki, Finland. Our music could be roughly placed under the doom metal and heavy psych labels. Our line-up consists of Carolin Koss (vocals), Alexander Meaney (guitars), Tuomas Talka (bass), and Sami Heiniö (drums). We just released our debut album »Hollow World« in September 2023 via Argonauta Records. Prior to that, we’ve published an independent EP (»The Deluge«, 2020) and a bunch of singles. We live for playing live, and try to tour as much as possible.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Definitely the whole process of releasing an album! We have of course published and promoted our releases in the past, but nothing on this scale. This was also the first time we’ve worked with a record label, which added a new layer to the process. There are a thousand little things to do, often under great time pressure, but that’s the name of the game. It’s absolutely worth all the hassle when you finally see your music out there in the world.
What can you be most proud of last year?
Releasing »Hollow World«, and seeing how it has found its audience and has been well received by the scene. Another thing that we’re really proud of is playing in live shows in new places for new audiences and finding strong connections with them. One highlight was performing at the Aavikko festival, which is like the Finnish equivalent of the legendary Palm Desert scene generator parties.
What was your biggest regret?
Very few regrets! Releasing new music that people have connected with, and getting to perform to great audiences, has been a beautiful experience. I’m happy to appreciate that, rather than say that I want more of this or more of that.
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
It’s impossible to name just one. The Aavikko festival, mentioned previously, was definitely a high point. Another one was our album release show in the legendary Lepakkomies bar, which has kind of become our homebase as a live act. It was brilliant to perform at the Sonic Rites Fall Fest in November, where we got to play alongside brilliant bands like Blackwater Holylight, Slomatics, and Ufomammut. Last summer Orbiter also played at my wedding, where we played Zeppelin’s Moby Dick and Whole Lotta Love, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of performance! Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our tour of Estonia with Sidewalk Mafia. We played in independent spaces run by anarchists and punks, real dives that suit this kind of music. Estonian audiences are awesome in how they throw themselves into the music during a live show. And they really know how to party, too! So looking back, 2023 was definitely a year of many high points for playing live.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I’ve been positively surprised by how mutually supportive and invested in the music people in this scene are, both the audience and other musicians. It creates a strong sense of connection and camaraderie, it’s almost like a secret society of people into good music.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
One place to see us play alongside some great bands is the Desert Hel Festival, in Helsinki in April 2024. And we’ll be playing more shows around Finland, of course. We’re also aiming to tour more extensively abroad this year, so hopefully you can catch us at least in Germany and Ireland.
What are your plans for this year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
The number one goal is to make the follow-up album to »Hollow World«. I’d like to expand our sound, and even experiment with some fast songs, as unusual as that may sound for Orbiter. On top of that, we’re planning to play more shows, especially outside Finland. As for my personal goals, I want to develop as a songwriter and lead guitarist, and further develop my sonic palette.
How can people best support your band?
Listen to our music, and drop us a message on social media if you enjoy it! Many of our fans have written to us about the impact our music has had on them, and that really motivates us to keep doing this, to keep creating new music. You can also head over to our BandCamp page (orbiterconnection.bandcamp.com) and order our CDs, vinyl records, and merch, if you’re into the physical medium.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for listening to Orbiter, it makes this all worthwhile! Keep supporting the music scene and check out live shows, that’s where it’s at. And most importantly, praise Iommi.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well