Doomed Confessionary: Janne Pajari (Kingwhip)
Photos by Matti Autio
Kingwhip is a four-piece grunge/alternative/heavy rock band hailing from Tampere, Finland.
Founded in 2019, the band has strong roots in the Finnish music underground. Its members are known from, among others, Huora, one of Finland’s most popular punk bands, as well as the cult-favourite Day Eleven and Rytmihäiriö.
Kingwhip’s debut album »Endless«, out in May 2026 via Mellowhead Creations, is an uncompromising statement of the band’s songwriting and musical prowess. Released at the end of May, the album spices up the band’s distinctive blend of grunge and heavy rock with catchy melodies, resulting in a raw and soulful nine-track record that remains cohesive from start to finish.
The band released their first singles, »Shut Up!« and »Brinkdish«, in 2023. The following year saw the release of a six-track EP, after which the band took some time to focus on preparing their now-released debut album.
Kingwhip are Janne Pajari (vocals, guitar), Paavo Pekkonen (guitar, backing vocals), Onni Hamard (bass), and Pate Vuorio (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Janne: We are Kingwhip from Tampere, Finland. We play alternative rock with a variety of different influences from all over the place, hopefully resulting in something original. I’d say Soundgarden, Faith No More, Type O Negative and Neil Young are among my biggest personal influences. We like it loud and hard, but we love a strong melody as well.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Janne: Finding the right bass player. It’s been smooth sailing after Onni joined the band. Of course, it’s not easy for a rock band to make themselves heard these days. But we just try to do cool, inspired things and see where it takes us. And enjoy the ride along the way.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Janne: Getting our first full length album out.
What was your biggest regret?
Janne: Not having as much time to play together, as we’d like.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Janne: The album release gig in our hometown was a blast. Great crowd, great mood, a total victory lap after a year of working towards the release.
Other recent highlights include supporting Swedish rockers Mustasch at Tavara-asema, which is one of the best venues in our town, and where we had one of our largest crowds so far.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Janne: Among the four of us, we’ve seen the so-called scene from different points of view for 20 to 30 years now, so I guess the biggest surprises must have been years and years ago… Well, for sure it’s harder to get noticed than you initially thought. Then again, good things come for those who just keep at it, given that you put some real passion into it.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Janne: The new Neurosis album.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Janne: With my previous band, I had the pleasure of working with renowned Swedish producer Jens Bogren back in the day. His advice to us was: “I think you should stop smoking, and I think you should drink less!” Well, it took me like 18 years to take up his advice, and turns out the advice was pretty good!
Other than that, I read in an interview some pretty fine words from Steve Von Till (Neurosis), who answered a question about what kind of an attitude one should take to making music. He said something like “Give everything, and expect nothing.” That’s a pretty great way to approach this band thing. Play it like you mean it and don’t take anything for granted.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Janne: As a kid, I was subjected to so much New Kids On The Block due to my sister being a fan, that I gotta admit their songs still live rent-free in my head. But I’m not TOO ashamed to confess I still enjoy some of them… The Right Stuff, Games, Hangin’ Tough etc. I even had the Step By Step tape in my car as a grown-ass man, until one of my less-appreciative friends grabbed the cassette out of the player and threw it on the street out of the fucking car window! Oh, well.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Tampere?
Janne: Underground, a lot of activity, some great bands. Some great venues, but could be more.
Then of course, if you step up a ladder, our hometown Tampere has a pretty legendary status on a national scale, when it comes to music. This is where the dinosaurs of Finnish rock used to roam. A lot of big festivals and arena shows etc.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Janne: Next up should be Tallinn (October 31) and Tampere (January 2). With more to come soon, hopefully.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Janne: Keep getting bigger and better. Push ourselves to make a couple of reeeeaaal good songs in the process.
How can people best support your band?
Janne: Financially, the best way to support us would be to buy our album on vinyl! In general, just show up to the shows if you get a chance, and check out what we are about by listening to our music online.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Janne: Keep your eyes, your ears and your mind open!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well