Doomed Confessionary: Teemu Pellonpää (Warchief)
Warchief is a four-piece band from Jyväskylä, Finland that explores the many dimensions of the rock and roll universe. The band consists of Arttu Nieminen (bass, vocals), Teemu Pellonpää (guitar), Tommi Rintala (guitar) and Juho Saarikoski (drums).
Known for their unique fusion of stoner, doom, sludge, grunge, 90s alt-rock, progressive rock, and AOR, Warchief is set to release their long-awaited sophomore album, »Toil & Trouble«, later this year via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. With »Toil & Trouble«, Warchief embarks on yet another sonic voyage, deepening their exploration of contrast and complexity.
Since their inception, Warchief has continuously evolved, pushing the boundaries of their sonic identity. Their journey began with the »For Heavy Damage« demo in 2011, followed by their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2015, released on Phonosphera Records. The band gained momentum through extensive touring, sharing stages with heavyweights like Bongzilla, Mars Red Sky and Pentagram. Their 2019 EP »Morning Home« further expanded their musical horizons, incorporating more progressive and atmospheric elements into their signature doom-laden sound.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re Warchief, an experimental heavy rock band from Finland about to release our sophomore full-length album »Toil & Trouble« on Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. We’ve been active since 2011. Musically we like to combine all sorts of influences and genres into one cohesive whole. Usually long-form songs with unusual journey-like structures.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Engaging with social media in the modern era. None of us have great affinity for social media or self-promotion in general so it’s always a struggle. We’d just like to play music and have people enjoy it.
What can you be most proud of so far?
All of our releases honestly. While of course never perfect and you’re never fully satisfied with all aspects of a record you make, they’ve all been made with genuine heart and are honest portraits of the band at the time. Which to us is the most critical aspect of any artistic endeavor.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets really. Life’s too short. You roll with the punches.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Hard to pick a favorite but I guess opening for Bongzilla might be one to mention. I’ve always been a huge fan of Bongzilla and opening for them was in some ways a real dream come true.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
We’ve all been actively playing in bands and been part of “scenes” since we were pre-teens so no real surprise left anymore to be honest.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
To mention a couple off the top:
• Godspeed You! Black Emperor – »No Title as of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead«
• Odium – »The Sad Realm of the Stars«
• Momma – »Household Name«
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“If you make a mistake while playing live, just do it again and everyone will think it’s just a clever jazz move.” My elementary school guitar teacher gave me this nugget and it’s still spot on.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Shitty reality TV.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Jyväskylä?
So many goddamn bands and projects that I lose track of what’s going on. I think that’s a good thing and just a sign of me getting old.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nothing that has been announced yet but gigs coming in Finland for sure.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Keep on making music and jamming together. If that results in a new release, that’s a bonus.
How can people best support your band?
Spread the music, tell your friends, play it in streaming services, come see us live and buy the new record »Toil & Trouble« when it’s out on vinyl and CD!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for all the support! It really does mean a lot.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well