Doomed Confessionary: Martti Rasa (LOKA)
Photos by Adán Mendoza
Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, LOKA is a new project that relies on doom, sludge and harsh drone machines. Formed in 2023 with members previously known from bands like Radien (Svart Records) and Unkind (Relapse Records, Svart Records), the trio consists of Tommi Mutka (bass), Jyri Kuukasjärvi (vocals, synthesizers, drum machines) and Martti Rasa (guitars, synthesizers).
LOKA have just dropped their debut album »Kuningas Raivolle« on April 29th, 2024 via Iron Corpse and Sonic Rites Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Hey everyone! We are a trio and just released our debut album, »Kuningas Raivolle«, via Iron Corpse and Sonic Rites Records. We aim for an extremely heavy sound with merciless drone machines to create a crushing sound of body horror. So there you go!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I think the songwriting process was new for us, since we don’t have a drummer and can’t really just jam and see what comes out. We’re evolving and trying to find new creative ways for making new material.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re proud of our debut album. It sounds massive, thanks to Tapio Lepistö and Black Floyd’s Analog studio. Finding our own sound has been stressful but rewarding. I think we have our own thing going.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our album release gig at Sonic Rites festival will be our debut gig. Godflesh plays on the same festival and it’s fucking crazy to play our debut at the same event. There’s also Discharge, Eyehategod and other gods performing there.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I think Tommi (bass) and Jyri (vocals, drone machines) are much more involved in the scene than I am. But for me, getting to know new people and making friends at my age has been very important for me.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Personally I’m deep in old school death metal, both the classic bands and the new wave. Spectral Voice, Cerebral Rot, Gatecreeper, Morbific, Bolt Thrower, you name it. When writing »Kuningas Raivolle« I also listened to Dark Buddha Rising, Primitive Man, Full Of Hell, Body Void and Merzbow. At least those come to mind.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
All we get is bad advice, such as buying more and more gear, haha.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Can’t think of a thing.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Helsinki?
Helsinki has a lot of cool bands such as Vainoa and Askel. Both released new LPs just recently and they’re excellent records, check them out!
Lots of good stuff coming from Finland now; Unearthly Rites, Dome Runner etc. come into mind.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have a couple of Helsinki shows booked and some stuff abroad on the works. Stay tuned.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Play shows and work on new material.
How can people best support your band?
By listening and spreading the word. Merch is also available.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Go vegan!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well