Doomed Confessionary: Eric Aittala (Aittala)
Photos by Christopher Formont
Aittala is a three-piece heavy/stoner/doom metal band hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina. Crossing many veins of metal genres, Aittala has been known since its existence as a band not to be pigeonholed to one extreme sound.
The band released their latest studio album »Live To Regret« on November 7th, 2022 via Exitus Stratagem Records. Produced by Eric Aittala and John E. Wooten IV, who also mixed the record along with mastering by Dave Harris.
Aittala are Eric Aittala (guitar/vocals), Ali Lugo (bass) and Gary “Zeus” Smith (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Aittala (pronounced ‘EYE-tah-la’) from Raleigh, NC, USA. The original incarnation of Aittala was formed in 1991 while I (Eric) was stationed in Holland with the US military. After a couple years, I had to leave Holland as my military contract ended. I had intentions of continuing the band after I got settled in the US, but, it remained inactive for 15 years. In 2008, the time was right to resurrect the band, and have been active ever since releasing 6 full-length albums along with the original 1993 EP.
The Aittala sound infuses elements of classic heavy metal, doom, progressive, power, thrash, and hard rock into a cohesive experience. While we don’t care for classifications, we have been classified as “Eclectic Doom” and have come to embrace it. The biggest compliment that I get often is that it is hard to compare Aittala to the sound of other bands because we have a unique sound.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Booking shows. We were hooked up with a newer booker who seemed very promising and booked a cool mini-tour for us early in 2023 as well as a couple other shows shortly after that. We were supposed to work with him on a longer run of shows in the fall, but, from what I understand, his personal demons reared their ugly head and he dropped out of sight. It was very disappointing.
What can you be most proud of last year?
Just being able to continue being active in music, playing cool shows, and staying healthy!
What was your biggest regret?
Not playing more shows.
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
I’d say headlining at Ground Zero in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I had known the venue for years, but this was the first time we got to play it. Excellent venue and staff!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
In our area (Raleigh, North Carolina, USA), the local scene is still pretty dismal. I thought it would be more alive by now post-covid.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
So far, only 1 show is booked for 2024 in May. We’re going to start getting more serious with booking in the next couple of months and looking to be more active in the last half of 2024.
What are your plans for this year as a band?
For 2024, a new EP will be released; it’s being mixed right now. More info on that soon!
We’re also planning on recording another (we’re finishing up the songs now), but that will come out in 2025. And we’ll have shows booked later in 2024.
How can people best support your band?
The best way to support any band you love is to go see them live (when they’re in your area) and buy merch directly from them.
Otherwise, support their social media and buy merch and music directly from the band. You can find Aittala at the usual social media outlets.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We very much appreciate the fans; they are what make it all worth it! Thank you for your support.
And always support the bands you love at shows and online and give new bands a chance to win you over. There’s so much great music out there!
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well