Doomed Confessionary: Antti Takalo (Harhala)
Photo credit: Petri Teppo
Harhala is an alternative/post-rock quintet from Oulu, Finland.
The band released their self-titled debut album on October 18th, 2024 on limited edition vinyl and all major digital platforms.
»Harhala« was recorded and mixed by Tom Brooke (Oranssi Pazuzu, Betelzeus, Radien), mastered by Carl Saff (Bongzilla, Red Fang, Elder), and the cover images were taken by Anssi Hautamäki.
Harhala are Jussi-Pekka Koivisto (guitar, vocals), Antti Takalo (bass), Jaakko Järvenpää (guitar, vocals), Ilkka Mylly (drums, vocals) and Joonas Hämäläinen (guitar).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Harhala is a fog-enshrouded vista echoing forbidden thoughts. Black waves gently rock the listener while the winds occasionally rage. Harhala plays dusky Finnish guitar rock with the power of a five-piece orchestra. The band was originally formed in 2016, and has since released two EPs – »Ikihoure« (2019) and »Valokuilu« (2020). Our self-titled debute album was released on 18th of October, 2024.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
It’s mostly been an easy ride for us so far. The band’s chemistry and work ethic are solid. Everyone in the band shares the same vision. Of course, organizing everything can be a challenge when you don’t live in the same city, but that’s just timetables and logistics.
What can you be most proud of so far?
The brand-new album, our firstborn.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets. It’s a waste of time to look backward. Learn from your mistakes, but focus on the present moment and prepare for the future.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our release show on October 25th was a furious trip with an intense audience. Last year we did a few shows with Enphin and Neondad. Fun times.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The ongoing decline of the Finnish music industry, in terms of both venues and other aspects. That may have been a bit surprising, even though everyone in the band follows the music scene through their other bands and activities.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The new Oranssi Pazuzu album »Muuntautuja«! It’s great.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Follow your own path and respect the paths of others.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Too far gone, too old, to be thinking about guilty pleasures. Just pleasures. But let’s play and go with Miley Cyrus in the hour of the wolf with red wine.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Oulu?
The underground scene is very much alive and well in Oulu and throughout Finland, despite the overall decline of the industry. Many wonderful bands, organizers, and venues are working to keep the music alive.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Just two gigs left this year:
8.11. Bar 15 Basement, Seinäjoki, Finland
5.12. 45 Special, Oulu, Finland
What are your plans for the future as a band?
More gigs in the near future. Hopefully also outside Finland. New material is slowly starting to emerge from our hearts and minds but collective work on it will start maybe in the spring.
How can people best support your band?
Come experience the show with us. Listen to the album and buy the vinyl if you like it.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Stay safe in these dark times of the world. Love is all.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well