Doomed Confessionary: Kauri Lehtinen (Lazersleep)
Photo credits: Mika Paananen
Lazersleep is a four-piece psychedelic/space rock band from Helsinki, Finland. Founded in 2020 in the mind of Kauri Lehtinen as he (after playing mainly heavy metal for over 10 years) started to discover what he really loves to play. Gradually a bunch of friends formed the band.
Lazersleep currently consists of Otto Bigler (drums, vocals), Kauri Lehtinen (guitar, vocals), Vilho Micklin (synths) and Eliel Salomaa (bass).
Lazersleep self-released their debut album »Gravity« on June 13th, 2025 that introduces the band’s lush and dreamy sound. Recorded and mixed by Sakke Vänttinen at Rock Alley Studio. Mastered by Matias Ahonen at Audiamond. Photos and design by Mika Paananen.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Lazersleep plays expansive psychedelic rock. Sometimes the approach is lighter, sometimes heavier, utilizing a timeless dynamic in music which resonates with our DNA. Our aim is to create captivating moods that are slightly framed by lyrics.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Finding the time to play together. However, playing rarely lets things evolve slowly, which might be a good thing.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Recording our debut album »Gravity«. We managed to capture the essence of this band at the moment with Sakke Vänttinen (recording, mixing) at Rock Alley Studio in Finland, heavy recommendation. Synths and vocals were recorded afterwards in Helsinki.
Our synth player joined us only a couple weeks before the studio and it was mind tickling what he did to the album. As a trio we had sculpted our songs quite thoroughly but when the synths came in many parts elevated to unexpected territories.
What was your biggest regret?
In a way, the thing, that this band wasn’t founded already 15 years ago. We were (and are still to some extent) into more heavier music at a time. It would be interesting to know where we would wonder now. But it doesn’t really bother us and the time spent playing heavy metal in the moldy cellar can’t be considered wasted. It led us to this stage naturally.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We have only had 4 concerts. Maybe the first gig with our synth player in Kosmos Festival 2024 will stand out.
When you create something in your own bubble you never know how the audience will react. Concerts have ensured us that our music is accessible for others. Does it matter? Depends how you look at it. At least it warms our hearts.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The amount of sites/blogs/podcasts willing to promote small independent artists (usually maintained by people in their free time beside day jobs). Thanks to everyone who has played, reviewed or given our album a thought!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Besides children’s songs that dominate the home environment I’m trying to find new music. Turn Me On Dead Man, It’s Psychedelic Baby podcasts and Matti Nives’ shows on Radio Helsinki are great resources for new tunes. In addition Slift and Saga to name a few enduring favourites.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“You only need a guitar, instrument cable and amp, the sound is in the hands.” I missed that one though.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Recording jams on a mobile phone, delays obviously and on behalf of the whole band: Herzeloyde – »Sanic The Herzeloyde«.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Finland?
We have great active bands here in Finland like Kaleidobolt, Soft Power, Polymoon and Maan Tomu to name a few. And Jupiter of course! Venues in Helsinki are generally booked half a year ahead, maybe that is telling that the city is alive.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
We have one concert coming up in Helsinki in April 2026, more on that later. Hopefully some other gigs will come up, working on it.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To explore sonic landscapes and create music, a new album is shaping up. Playing some good gigs.
How can people best support your band?
By listening to it if it speaks to you. Records can be bought from Bandcamp and Svart Records online store (for a more reasonable shipping price!).
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Stay curious, find out how you can make/fix it by yourself, recycle, build things, dig deeper.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well