Doomed Confessionary: Karhu, Tuohino, Marde, Nordlund & Korvenmaa (Bell Of Mimir)
Photo credits: Tajuttomat Livet
Bell Of Mimir is a five-piece doom metal band from Finland.
Formed in early 2021 by Karhu after years of composing and refining his unique vision for doom-infused heavy metal, Bell Of Mimir emerged as a formidable force in the underground scene. The band’s lineup solidified with the addition of Tuohino (bass), Marde (drums, percussion, flute), Nordlund (guitar), and Korvenmaa (vocals), each bringing their seasoned musicianship to forge the band’s sound into something both crushing and atmospheric.
Their upcoming debut album, »Nocturne« (Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records), is a haunting, monolithic journey into doom-laden landscapes, blending massive, slow-burning riffs with mournful melodies and poetic lyricism. Fans of classic doom and forward-thinking heavy metal will find themselves immersed in an evocative sonic experience unlike any other.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We have always been interested in bringing impressionist art into the context of heavy metal. Doom provides a huge amount of fertile soil to which this aspiration can be applied. Slowness is an advantage that people don’t really know how to take advantage of yet. The slowness gives room for e.g. lush melodies. Our intention is to explore this possibility in the spirit of old-school doom metal, and that’s what this band is all about.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
There are no ends, there are only beginnings. There are no challenges, only opportunities. What I am trying to say by this is that we have always acted within the limits that we have de facto. The genre provides a certain, even moderately strict framework for the expression of how music can be made. It can be seen as a challenge, but our intention is to advance into unknown areas, so this can be seen in the way that there are new things that need to be solved musically all the time. I don’t see this as a challenge, but as finding something new.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We have good gigs behind us, e.g. with Solstice and we have had the opportunity to collaborate with great people. E.g. the previous music video project (»Dark And Silent«) was the work of an independent Finnish video artist, Aleksi Leskinen, and it turned out great. It’s amazing that our art inspires others to do their own thing. All of these things get us excited and we are happy to collaborate on various projects. And we have very interesting things planned that we can’t talk about yet.
What was your biggest regret?
Well, like James Hetfield, the great philosopher of our time, said: “Fuck it all and fucking no regrets. JE’HEAH!!”
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
It must have been with Solstice, last autumn. They were all polite, friendly and nice people. It was nice to spend time with them and we had many good laughs. Solstice’s music has inspired us as well, so the experience was memorable in many ways.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
It seems that people are interested in doom metal at the moment and that interest is growing. I wonder if it could be thought that doom metal will rise in the future in the same way as death metal is rising at the moment. It’s becoming mainstream.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Let’s see. First of all, Karhu are professional classical musician, and Nordlund are very excited about lute music so our musical taste are quite wide in the band, but here is some albums that interest us at the moment:
Rick Wakeman – The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Rond Table
Iron Maiden – Piece Of Mind
Dungen – Häxan
Candlemass – Nightfall
Rumours – Neither Innocent nor Wavering
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Oh, that’s a long story. Oh boy. You see in Bell Of Mimir we have over 100 years of working experience with metal so we have had so many lessons so far. And most often the hard way. All in all there are some good general doctrines if you are making your own music. Like don’t worry about your technical performance, beautiful music can be made without it being difficult to play, and you will get better along the way. Learn music theory. Explore all arts but focus on only what you love. Otherwise, what’s the point?
What are your guilty pleasures?
Blind Guardian, sherry and deep-fried pickles.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Finland?
At least in Finland it seems that doom metal is getting more and more attention. We have legendary bands here, like the old boys Spiritus Mortis and Skepticism but also newer bands that have already gotten a lot of attention like Cardinals Folly, whom we consider as our friends and allies.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Next gig will be 11th of April, at Tampere, Finland. We will also celebrate a new single release at that date, so hope to see you all Finns then.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Our album release is upon us. It will be soon, later this spring. It is the pinnacle of four years of work. We hope that all you doomers will seek it and if you want to comment or discuss it you are very welcome to send us feedback. We try to answer all messages, mails and comments. After the release the show can really begin. More gigs, sessions and meetings and yes, we have some new music video projects cooking also. Hopefully there will be ghosts too, like Vincent Price promised.
How can people best support your band?
Pray. A lot.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Bell Of Mimir says: “The Doom Is Real.”
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well