Doomed Confessionary: Jonni, Emppa, Ana & Joni (Mancoon)
Mancoon is a four-piece doom/sludge metal band from Kuusamo, Finland.
The band just released their latest full-length album »Cryptic Forms« on March 11th, 2025. Mixed by Tommi Kuusela. Mastered by Marvin T at Tidestudio. Artwork by Indrayana. »Cryptic Forms« is available now on all streaming platforms.
Mancoon are Jonni (guitars, vocals), Emppa (guitars, backing vocals), Ana (bass) and Joni (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Jonni: We’re a 4-piece from Northern Finland, Kuusamo. Basically, out of nowhere. Playing doom/sludge/stoner with a twist of death metal and 70s psychedelica flavor to it.
The band began about ten years ago as a jam project between two friends who shared a passion for gloomy and doomy music. And after a few years, in 2021, Ana and I started gathering material to release an EP »They Conjured The Eartheater«. After the EP was released, Joni joined the band, taking on drum duties and, following him a year later, Emppa filled in as rhythm guitarist (backing vocals). Thus became our sophomore album »Cryptic Forms«.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Ana: As a band, I think we haven’t faced any major problems yet, but I think the biggest struggle for us is having our schedules match what comes to rehearsal.
Jonni: Maybe playing songs in 4/4 lol.
Joni: Transitioning from death/thrash metal to a more groovy and flowing music.
Emppa: For me, it’s adapting to this band’s guitar playing style. But it’s more like a fun challenge, and it has made me a better player.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Joni: Releasing my first full-length album.
Jonni: Finding the best guys to do this, who by doing it became my best friends.
Emppa: It’s definitely; to be able to play and create great music with an awesome group of people.
Ana: I’m very proud that this band has evolved to such a cool band what it is now.
What was your biggest regret?
Jonni: Maybe the delay in mixing/mastering the record.
Joni: Yeah, doing it all independently, you may face difficulties, but you’ll live and learn and do better next time.
Ana: Not owning a touring bus/van.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Jonni: Probably one of the first ones: Tukikohta, Oulu in fall 2023 comes to mind, finding bands with the same kind of vibe and realizing there’s a following for this type of music here in Finland.
Joni: I’ll agree with that. Finding a foothold in Oulu’s scene has worked in us getting more recognition and gigs there.
Emppa: Overall gigs have been great! I’d say the gig at Tukikohta was most memorable for me, it was my first gig filling with Mancoon. We played well and after the show the guys asked me if I would like to join the band. The last one we did in Tampere was also one of the highlights.
Ana: I’m boring and say the same, tukikohta. It’s not wrong, though. It was our first concert with this lineup, so it’s a meaningful event in our history, too.
What was the biggest surprise in the music scene for you?
Ana: Everybody in the scene is friendly and supportive.
Joni: How many fans are there for this kind of music here in Finland, but the recognition for the bands still lacks in the big picture.
Jonni: Absolutely, Finland has a lot of the same type of bands as us, but a few of them have made it. Plus, the marketing aspect nowadays, promoting music on social media, etc., has made it difficult for us lazy musicians to get our material heard. I can only imagine what it was like back in the old days. 😀
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Joni: It ranges from Soundgarden to Opeth and occasionally old ’80 hard rock.
Jonni: Lots of Sabbath and Thin Lizzy, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains. Don’t forget about Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Atomic Rooster. Haha
Ana: Throne Of Selene is been on repeat since we were at the same gig last week.
Emppa: Lately, bands like Soilent Green, Suffering Hour, Warning, Today Is The Day, Pain Of Salvation, and Crash Worship.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Jonni: Don’t be so precise. Don’t overthink anything. If it comes, it comes. Praise the “King Buzzo” from the Melvins band!
Joni: You’re never complete as a musician. Always try to improve and learn something new.
Emppa: Listen to all kinds of music, and don’t box yourself into a corner with your influences. Try to find new ways to be creative.
Ana: Listen to everything, and I’ve tried to obey that.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Emppa: Watching way too much Californication (TV series) 🙂
Ana: White girl-music.
Joni: I’ll say singing along to music in your car (to almost everything). 😀
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Kuusamo?
Jonni: Nowadays, the scene is pretty much non-existent here in Kuusamo, apart from a few cover bands and a couple of lineups that include the same players.
Joni: Yeah, it’s pretty rough out here if you’re a starting musician trying to find a new band.
Ana: Like others said, in this town, it’s quiet, sadly. Kuusamo has been known as a musical city and there has been lot of bands in the past, but it’s not like that anymore.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Jonni: We have dates lined up for this summer / fall in Helsinki and Tampere soon to be announced, and we’re planning to organize a “Summer Fest” with the local bands here in Kuusamo.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Joni: To get signed by a label/promoter and do gigs as much as possible to get our music heard and maybe do some summer festivals.
Jonni: Evolve musically, as in taking more influences and developing our sound to the next level.
Emppa: And we are right now writing the next release. It wouldn’t hurt to play more gigs also. 🙂
Ana: My personal fantasy is a gig abroad.
How can people best support your band?
Joni: Stream our music and share it with your friends.
Jonni: Come to gigs! We’re better live than recorded.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Ana: Thank you. It’s an amazing feeling to create music from beginning to end DIY and realize that it has reached thousands of ears around the world, and some have even liked it.
Emppa: Listen to the new record and come to gigs! Thanks for supporting us and for the kind words, it’s been quite overwhelming.
Jonni: Thanks for all the support! Appreciated, Cheers!
Joni: I would’ve never expected this kind of interest and support for our music. It’s still kind of mind-blowing to see so many fans across the globe! Cheers!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well