30/06/2006
Don't Mess With Mess
By: Alon Miasnikov
Interview With: Jari Kainulainen (Bass), Mess
Jari Kainulainen is mostly known to power metal fans for his tenure with power metal giants Stradovarious, but during the band's recent termoils, he left and set out to create music of his own. The epitome of that music is Mess, somewhat of a Finnish metal supergroup, with guitars being handeld by the talented Elias Vilijanen, and vocals by Tarot man Tommi Salmela. With a new demo out, Jari was kind enough to give us some short, and concise answers about the band.
Hey Jari, I'd like to start with the latest news regarding Mess, I Understand there's a demo out, what can you tell us about it?
We are very happy about it. We where all excited like little boys waiting for Christmas, and that’s easy to hear from the demo.
How would you describe the band's music?
Mess music is more like old-school metal, with a Black Sabbath/Dio meets Pantera sound. With no keyboards and choirs!
Who's responsible for the production on the demo?
The whole band and mixing-guy Samu Oittinen at Fantom studio in Tampere, Finland.
The music sounds very much like traditional metal, not the kind of power metal that is currently very popular in Finland, what are you're main influence in writing such music?
Black Sabbath, Dio and Pantera mainly. There are to many power metal bands in the world already.
Elias's guitar playing is very reminiscent of both Dimebag Darrel's and Zakk Wylde's, are these influences that you like him throwing into the mix?
I think Elias sounds like himself. Of course there is nothing bad if he sounds like those guys!
Now to some history, why did you originally leave Stratovarius?
Because it was time to move on!
Was it difficult, leaving a band that you've been a member off for so long?
No. It was very easy, because I wanted to play some different music.
Why were you not a part of the band's reunion?
I was there when Kotipelto and Jörg came back, I played on the last album, but then it was time to leave.
How did you decide on creating Mess originally?
Me and Atte wanted to put a band together, that plays a bit more metal. That happened first time in 2001.
Why was the band put on hiatus after its creation?
Because we couldn't find the right singer for the band. We tried so many, but none of them had the right sound!
Why did you pick Tommi Salmela as your vocalist?
Because he has the right sound and attitude for this band!
Are band members still involved with any other band?
Yes. Elias has his solo project called E,Vil. Atte plays in Ajattara and Verenpisara, and Tommi is singing background vocals in Tarot. But of course Mess is the main priority for everybody.
Do you have any labels in mind regarding the band's first release?
Yes...
What kind of live shows did you do, or are you planning to do?
We are ready to do all kinds of shows, at this point, and we are also completely ready to do tours!
Do you view the band as a kind of a superstar metal group, or a regular
band?
It's a very good metal band, with lots of talent!
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