Delve into the realm of Finnish melodic death metal with Beyond The Hate as they unveil their debut full-length album, “Darkest Times”, slated for release on March 8th, 2024. In our forthcoming interview, gain exclusive insights into the band and the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating this twelve-song monument. “Darkest Times” is the result of three years of hard work and demonstrates impressive Beyond The Hate’s evolution. Join us as we explore the path of their musical journey and the live events that shaped this impressive addition to the melodic death metal genre.
Meet Beyond The Hate
The hot summer days have faded into cosy memories while outside the landscape wears the white coat of winter. Beyond The Hate released three singles of their upcoming album “Darkest Times” already and the national Finnish metal scene has begun to acknowledge their deeds.
Beyond The Hate are
Niko Kalinainen –Vocals
Kimmo Perälehto – Guitars
Jyrki Karhu – Guitars and Orchestrations
Mikko Monto – Bass
Tommy Uhtio – Drums
I met Niko, Mikko, and Jyrki in the noisy guts of the Dark River Festival in summer 2023. They attend the festival as visitors. We sit in an open tent in between the merch area as soundchecks and gigs proceed. They are a thrilled, but the setting of our meeting – their favourite festival – easily breaks the ice. However, we need to shout to each other and still find it hard to understand each other. Due to the noise and to get Tommy and Kimmo in, we discussed some questions texting later.
Defining Milestones
The Dark River Festival
How come Beyond The Hate, a band from Kotka has yet to play on the Dark River Festival?
The guys erupt in an excited chatter. Each of them is eager to play here, but Jyrki admits: “Let’s say, a little bit unknown band.” Apart from their drummer, they all are from Kotka, Mikko explains and naturally “… our dream is to play here. Maybe hopefully next year or so after the album is released.”
The guys, just like practically everybody in and around Kotka are proud of the Dark River Festival. It is natural to attend Mikko has been here for approximately 15 years, he says, and one of his band colleagues even lives only a 10-minute walk away.
“It’s the best festival in Finland”, I hear amidst the chatter. “With bands like Dark Tranquillity playing here, it’s a surrealistic feeling.” Right this development has become a challenge of its own for local bands. Everything has grown, the festival as well as the bands playing here. Jyrki: “I know nowadays, all the bands are like big names here. So earlier, it was more like local bands playing here, and it was easier to get a slot, you know. But now, nowadays, you need to prove yourself a little bit more. Otherwise, they are taking slot for some bigger band.” Mikko agrees: “We are really an underground band, still. So it’s really difficult to get the slot from here.“
A proper release gig in Helsinki
But they all promise that their upcoming album will make all the difference so that they will get their chance. They also urgently want to have a proper release gig for the album. Therefore, they would love to play that in a famous Helsinki downtown club such as “On The Rocks” or “Kuudes Linja”. Naturally, they would also love to have a little tour to promote the album, perhaps as a support act for some bigger band.
This was there wish back in summer. At the moment, there is no information on a release gig available.