Nothing like standard textbook approach

Time to present a fresh face in Finnish metal circles: Clock Paradox from Oulu. Some of the guys aren't new faces, as they are familiar from Depth Beyond One's, who AM interviewed a few weeks ago. However, Clock Paradox formed this year and recorded their first promotional disc.
Antti Karhu - guitarist and vocalist - and bassist Timo Tyynismaa provided the answers for a few questions we sent them, so without wasting anymore precious time, let's start.

AM: Hails. Is it full winter in Oulu already, or are you still waiting for the snow? Have you already dug up your skis and lubed them? So generally, how are the things?

Antti Karhu: Unfortunately we have to wait for the snow almost to Christmas and winter is not until when the snow covers the ground. Darkness is the dominant element on our climate now, so you have to find the light within yourself. But when viewing the world with curtains over windows, everything's really fine, thanks for asking. Heading smoothly towards the Christmas.

Timo Tyynismaa: In Finland we have this saying that if you don't have anything to talk about, you talk about the weather. So I'll skip this one...

AM: Clock Paradox is a cryptic name for a band, and may I add, bloody cool one too! Does it have something to do with human being's short time on Earth perhaps or what is it all about?

AK: Clock Paradox or Twin Paradox is a phenomenon that's related to time distortion and theory of relativity. When one of the twins is sent to space and the other stays on earth, the twin that returns from space is younger than the one that stayed on earth. That particular mind game seemed fun and we believe that Clock Paradox fits as a name to a band that plays slightly twisted music. The time distortion occurs also when we start to play something and the others get to the end of the song before me?!?

AM: Oh yes, twin paradox! Now it rings bells. Clock Paradox still sounds way cooler.
You are young as a band, as Clock Paradox formed only in the beginning of this year. Three of you guys (besides Antti, drummer Jani Kuorikoski and guitarist Jyrki Hiltunen) already knew each other, am I right? So what was the principle idea to form Clock Paradox?

AK: When IMPISH broke up in late 2008, it was obvious that me and Jyrki would continue our collaboration. So it was time for a new band and asking Jani to play drums was natural because I knew him through Depth Beyond One's where he had proven his unscrupulous drumming skills and also impressed me as being a fine human beign. The original idea was to make fast and aggressive metal but the style rapidly expanded to heavier and more distressing direction.

Clock Paradox from left to right: Jani Kuorikoski (drums), Jyrki Hiltunen
(guitar), Antti Karhu (guitar, vocals) and Timo Tyynismaa (bass).

AM: You still needed a bassist, and it didn't take long to find one, right?

AK: The luck was on our side when we got Timo to join our ranks via the public bass player search. We made a challenging search notice fearing that nobody would have what it takes to respond. However, one brave person did it and that was enough! It feels like I had been playing with Timo for years because I think that the chemistry works so well within the band. Line up won't get any better than this!

AM: In Clock Paradox's music, many different styles rub shoulders, and actually get into coitus. But the same happens in Antti's and Jani's other band, Depth Beyond One's. Anyway, I hear thrash metal and death metal, but also sludgy stuff, as well as proggy bits. I find it pretty unique. How do you describe your music and what pieces does it include?

AK: I believe that people will find even more genres from our music when we get to release our second record. As I told before, the basis for the band was to make fast and aggressive metal in vein of Strapping Young Lad and others, but we got to realize soon that our style had broaden to heavier and more straightforward delivery. We try consciously to keep the progressive elements controlled and the songs tight enough. I feel that it's important to feel the music that I play. It shouldn't be just showing off, that has been tried for too many years in the past.

AM: Your debut demo (self-titled) was unleashed in September, and a fine slab of heaviness and zig-zag it is. In a bit over twenty minutes it shows, that Clock Paradox do not stay behind any genre fences. Were you even a bit afraid how people will accept it? And how has it been accepted? How you feel about it now, a few months after its release?

AK: We released the remixed version of our first recording ('Promo 2009') at our website recently and also 50 more CDs have been printed. This is because we felt that we weren't satisfied enough in the overall sound of the release and decided to do something about it. But that's history and now we're into making the next record. We believe strongly in our material and we don't have the need to think about other's views about it because, for example, there isn't any economical risks involved in our releases. Anyway I can't say that people's opinions don't mean anything, of course they do, but it won't effect on our music or the way we do it.

TT: You can't worry about stuff such as people's opinions. I'm playing in a band that plays/composes the kind of music I would normally listen to and you got to rely on your own taste. So far not that much knowledge of the feedback but generally guys like growling and girls love melodic vocals.

AM: What do you sing about? "Reservoir Dogs" is mentioned on the cover letter for the promo...

AK: So far the lyrical side have been put on my shoulders so maybe I can tell something about it. My lyrics usually tend to take a stance on issues. Sometimes seriously and sometimes not so seriously or provoking on purpose. I try to leave a lot of room for interpretation and I believe that the reader thinks different about the stories and subjects than I do and he/she can't connect them to the situations that I've written them about. This is a good thing! My favorite subjects: Love, nature and scolding the lambs. I know, not too original, but good stuff can be born when changing the head that you view the world from. Making lyrics is a hard working field so I try to put a lot of effort to it.

AM: Well love is even weirder science than relativity theory and such...
You are already preparing your second demo. Will it include those old songs - how "old" are they, if the band was formed this year - that can be heard on your YouTube page or will it contain new goods?

AK: The new release will have some "old" tunes (which were played on our first gig) and probably at least one unheard song. We try to clean the table before the end of the year so we get to delve into the new material next year with full force. And by new material I mean stuff that hasn't been even written yet. Recording of the second promo will begin soon. The artwork is
under way and there's a lot of enthusiasm in the band.

AM: So, we've reached the end... Of this interview anyways. Anything else you want to say?

AK: We try to publish every demo and video through our website for free, as soon as the material gets ready. So remember to follow our pages regulalry and leave feedback. Till next time!

TT: Come check us out live! We're much better looking on stage than in photos.

Interviewed by Lane.

11/22/2009 16:39