Doomed Confessionary: Niki Laukkanen (Mr. Crabman & The Seaweeds)
Photo by @eerokokkone
Mr. Crabman & The Seaweeds is a four-piece stoner/sludge metal band from Joensuu, Finland. Formed in 2016, Mr. Crabman & The Seaweeds consists of Niki L (guitar, vocals), Jesse L (guitar), Anssi H (bass) and Juuso H (drums).
Following previous EPs »Ketamine Masses« (2017), »Fuzzwitch« (2021) and »Drowning In The Solar Seas« (2023), Mr. Crabman & The Seaweeds have just released their new album »Heat Of A Dead Sun« on May 1th, 2025. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mikko Saastamoinen. Available now on all streaming services.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We’re stoner sludge heavy whatever band from Joensuu, Northern Karelia, Finland. In our band riff is the most important thing.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Maybe time, as band members families and jobs evolve, it gets more challenging, but not difficult. I think we are in a very fruitful era in The Seaweeds at the time. Getting attention for a release is tough.
What can you be most proud of so far?
All the songs and of course our unyielding line-up.
What was your biggest regret?
I don’t know, maybe not gigging more when that was possible.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
I always enjoy playing at La Barre here in Joensuu. So shout-out to La Barre!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Oh man, how stoner people always want the same kind of stuff and trying new stuff is kinda frowned upon 😀
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
New Demonic Death Judge album »Absolutely Launched« is amazing, fucking killer. All Uncle Acid albums, especially »Nell Ora Blu« and lately I’ve been into 40 Watt Sun.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Not as a musician, but as a artist. Just do your thing. Second guessing every choice is killing the creativity and firstly make it for yourself.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Gospel choirs, very basic bitch shit form TV and alcohol (always).
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Joensuu?
I think gigging gets harder every time. Like club owners don’t want to take any risks. So that absolutely kills going to different cities where you don’t have any fan base – maybe couple of friends, but that’s it.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
This year we are focusing on recording and training new songs, but in Joen Yö in August. We are preparing to play a marathon set for us.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are making new riffs all the time. So making albums and EPs, ’till the very end.
Opening for a band we love, would be a dream.
How can people best support your band?
Listening to our music. Buying it from Bandcamp. Buying merch.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Keep on smoking them seaweeds. Hail Iommi – you know what’s up.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well