Cardinals Folly Interview

All questions are answered by me, Mikko (Bass / Vocals).

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

We´re a finnish doom metal trio. We originally got started in late 2004 as THE COVEN. Under that moniker, we made a few demo EP´s and one live recording. In 2007 we became CARDINALS FOLLY, and that´s the road we´re on. Since changing the name, we´ve made 2 EP´s, one full-length album and now we released this compilation CD, "Strange Conflicts of the Past", which features most of the material on those EP´s, along with three unreleased tracks.

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> 2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Traditionality from the 70´s heavy metal bands combined with thrusty NWOBHM elements from the 80´s, along with some darker doom metal boost from the 90´s and finally, something new as well.

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> 3. Your song lyrics cover alot of occult topics and classic horror writers, how would you describe your views on Occultism?

It´s difficult to explain. It´s like a life-long obsession with no ending. You know when it appeals to you, you really know it. Without my passion for classic horror movies or literature, it´s unlikely I would be doing this at all. Everything relates to everything, and to me it´s very important to knit the whole package together. Music, lyrics and cover arts must collaborate. If you look at our visual side, listen to our music and read the lyrics, you might understand what I mean? I´ve had these visions of the band since the very beginning, but developing as a band, planning visual stuff with our drummer Sebu (who paints/draws our cover arts) and combining this lyrical influence, heavy sound and those visuals... that´s when things started to happen. It´s the most inspiring stuff for me ever, to being some story like They Found Atlantis or The Spear of Destiny into heavy metal reality. But to be honest, it´s all in vain without the right guys to do it with. Right now, we have a strong line-up and everyone knows what it´s all about.

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> 4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

There are many meanings. I originally found the name from a 1930´s black magic horror novel. I remember sending a text message to our guitarist Jyri back then: "how about Cardinals Folly?" he answered: "yeah, probably a cool pub to meet!". He actually thought I was suggesting a place to drink! As if Cardinals Folly was an irish pub. That surely settled it, hahaha! I also think you´d have to have plenty of healthy folly in you, to keep going with a stuff like this.

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> 5. The band started out as The Coven, what was the decision behind the name change?

Well, how many The Covens are there in the world? I started the band when I was 18-19. I guess making up titles wasn´t as easy as nowadays... :-)

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> 6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

There´s been few good shows with older line-ups. But I think somehow we have grown into another stage and the ones worth mentioning specially are ahead. We recently had the first few gigs with our new line-up and they were promising. Next one is just a week from here: looking forward.

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> 7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

I think it depends on forces beyond our reach. The compilation CD is getting nice reviews and media exposure in the web at least. We´re recording our second album this month as well. All good gig/touring opportunities will be considered within our possibilities and schedule. All offers are welcome.

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> 8. Recently Shadow Kingdom put out a compilation, what are your thoughts on the final product?

I think it´s very cool. We had the idea about this with Sebu for a long time, and about a year ago I asked Tim if he was interested and we got the ball rolling. I remember buying some reissued compilations from bands which had sold out their early/demo works and being all excited on that nostalgic trip. I also feel it was important to offer something new as well. We also made a new layout, front cover etc... one third of that compilation consists on unreleased tracks from the same period: one old The Coven song played with Cardinals Folly´s 2009 line-up, Kraftwerk song handled in doom-chedelic style and finally, the outro track: what can you say. Stab the spear of destiny?

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> 9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and heavy metal?

It´s been mostly positive. I think people are identifying our unique charm. I think they are seeing at least partially what´s there. You know, when people get sucked into some band seriously, they start to see under the surface. I think this band has ALWAYS consisted of three guys, whose musicianship creates a valley of wickedness to immerse yourself in. When you combine that with my lyrical passions and our visual side... I think more people should hear from us, and I don´t care if someone thinks I´m arrogant in saying this.

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> 10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We have the new album composed, and we will enter the studio on 26th of this month. Shadow Kingdom described our music by saying we´re a classic doom band with black metal ingredients and even a dash of punk. I think it still describes us quite well. The new album consists of 8 tracks spanning over 55 minutes. Some song titles are "Our Cult Continues!", "The Lover´s Crypt" and "Fallout Ritualist". It´s catchier and more in-your-face than our debut album. There are also some new elements. I think one should always be able to give something new to discover with every album. Seems to be happening. Ah, it fucking kills. Just wait.

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> 11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Our musical taste is fairly wide. To cut a long story short, we like 70´s power-trio bands, NWOBHM, black metal, doom, some death metal, gothic, some punk, even classical because Richard Wagner is the world´s heaviest shit... we´ve recently chatted about bands like ELECTRIC WIZARD, CIRITH UNGOL, UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS, PRIMORDIAL, WITCH MOUNTAIN, HAWKWIND, WITCHFINDER GENERAL, BATHORY, JEX THOTH, BLACK HOLE, MGLA, ANGEL WITCH, URFAUST.... must I go on?

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> 12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Literature, old horror movies, relationship, pets, LUCIFER, travelling, getting caught with a beer in my hand... also sometimes I like to hit the punching bag. Random presence in different places. Stalking. Records? Oh, but that´s music again.

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> 13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Heavy Metal Hails, N.W.O.F.D.M to the grave!

Have a good time drinking beer and listening to our BLUES FOR SATAN!

Cheers.