Straight from the booming Melodic Power Metal scene in Finland is ULTIMATIUM, a fairly seasoned yet lesser known act that harkens back to an older style in their genre. While established acts such as NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, DREAMTALE, SONATA ARTICA and TWILIGHTNING have revamped their sounds into something barely recognizable to their core fans, and the long time pioneers of the scene STRATOVARIUS have been silent in the recording studio for a few years due to lineup shifts, this outfit has flown in below the radar and maintained the original traditions established by albums such as STRATOVARIUS’ “Episode” and “Visions”. We were able to catch up with the band recently to discuss their career thus far and particularly their well polished and latest studio effort “Hwainoo”.

Matti, as one of the founding members and principle songwriter of the band, would you tell us the history behind ULTIMATIUM?

Matti: Well, to sum a little bit (longer version can be found @ www.ultimatium.com History-section), I started all this back in 2001, as a solo project and for the two first demos I had singers singing songs from such bands as TERÄSBETONI and HEAVY METAL PERSE. So basically I was the only actual band member, until Harri came along after second demo and Tuomo joined as bass player. For the third demo (which got ourselves a recording deal with Mastervox Records) and debut album “New Dawn” we got singer JT Partanen to do the vocals as a full time member. After two gigs JT left the band for personal reasons and I immediately called to Tomi Viiltola (ex-DREAMTALE), who I knew from previous co-operation in band called SANHYR. Drummer at that time was Petteri Moilanen from OUT OF TUNE, but eventually we found Toni Qvick (ex-AGONIZER) to match our style better. After couple of rehearsals with Toni (and couple of demoing sessions with Tomi) we started recording “Hwainoo”, which took about 1 years due many many delays and the final release took place 2.5 years after album was mastered. But I guess everything good is worth waiting for ;)

There are some obvious and not so obvious influences in your sound, what bands and what kinds of music have had the biggest impact on your sound?

Matti: STRATOVARIUS is of course the first one to hear from the songs, but it all just comes in the end from the bands such as DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW, HELLOWEEN and such. Personal influences vary quite a much, Harri listens to a lot heavier Metal, where Tomi is more 80's and Prog-Power and Toni has quite a large scale of bands where his influences come. We just then try to combine all these elements to songs, but I think influences shows more on our technical performance, rather than songs, since song writing is currently done by me.

There has been a trend lately where many Power Metal bands have started changing their sound by introducing Industrial, Groove, and Metalcore influences. What is your opinion on these changes and do you plan to do any similar experimentation?

Matti: Basically every band has to change in some point, but I'm still kind of sad, that many of those newer Power Metal bands have so easily and totally forgot power and concentrated on something else, without much of a transition or 'evolution'. We're not planning to go to any of those directions, but we will have a bit different approach to our third album than in “Hwainoo”, and we're having some new influences as well. But it's more of evolution than conscientious choice.

What has been your touring experience since the band was formed? What other bands have you toured with and what countries has the band performed in?

Matti: We've done four gigs, one with our current line-up (second one is coming, in concert related to Heikki Kovalainen karting (go-karts) race), so there's not much to tell. We've played with TO/DIE/FOR and BLEAK CROWD and only in Finland so far.

Regarding your latest studio offering, I really enjoyed the varied songwriting and overall atmosphere of “Hwainoo”; in what way do you see the album as different from the debut “New Dawn”?

Matti: Well, first of all, the production of this album was something totally different, since we were on charge more than in the time of “New Dawn” and we knew what we were doing and knew what kind of album we wanted to do. New members of course made the album quite different and the songs are somewhat more 'developed' than in “New Dawn”.

How was the recording experience different this time as opposed to the “New Dawn” sessions?

Matti: Recording was mostly done by me and Harri, with Mastervox's mobile unit, so recordings were more relaxed and that is what you also hear on album. Overall our own effort for this album was greater than in “New Dawn”, so it's basically album of the players, not a producer. The mixing and mastering was also done so, that we (and Immu Ilmarinen, our producer) don't break the sound of actual playing with Pro Tools and make it too 'standard Power Metal sound'. But after all, it was a lot funnier than recording “New Dawn”. And oh yeah, recordings were mentally influenced by ELÄKELÄISET (meaning we did things in serious way, but not seriously) :D

For anyone not familiar with the word, can you tell us the meaning behind the album title “Hwainoo” and how it relates to the music?

Matti: Hwainoo is an ancient name for the areas residing in both sides of the Gulf of Bothnia that are these days parts of Finland and Sweden. Currently the modern name for Hwainoo is Kainuu that is still used for the eastern parts of Finland. Basically it doesn't relate to songs of the album, but more to ourselves and the actual recordings of the album.

I really like the album art as well, give my complements to Joe Petagno for his work. Is there any kind of hidden meaning behind the flaming skulled guy with the sword driving the 2 horse drawn sleigh? Is a band mascot similar to IRON MAIDEN’s Eddie or MEGADETH’s Vic potentially in the works?

Matti: To be honest, our label boss Immu just said to Petagno that he should draw something related to northern Finland and winter or so. So there's no meaning, other than related to name itself. I don't think we'll have any mascot coming, at least not now. But we do have our own crest, if that counts.

What is your favorite song out of the ones recorded on “Hwainoo” and why?

Matti: I think it's “Play The Game”, since it's quite emotional and is most ULTIMATIUM song on “Hwainoo”, and it kind of points in the direction that our music is going.

To bring the others into the conversation, Tomi, with no offense intended towards Matti and the others, I still regard your work on DREAMTALE’s “Ocean’s Heart” as one of the greatest studio performances by a Melodic Metal vocalist in the past decade. How was this project different from that one or any others that you’ve been involved in?

Tomi: Thanks for your kind words, about my singing ;) As for your question, I have to say that “Hwainoo” was more relaxed session for me to do and atmosphere was quite different.

Although you successfully pull off the high end of the KOLTIPELTO range on “Hwainoo”, your voice seems to have a deeper and darker character than many in the genre. Could you tell us how large your vocal range is? Is your full voice range in the tenor or baritone register?

Tomi: It is quite large and I’m not talking about my penis ;) Seriously speaking, my natural voice is quite low, but I have always wanted to explore the limits of my voice... practice makes perfect... I think I am a baritone.

Who would you say are your primary vocal influences or heroes?

Tomi: Elvis was first as a kid. Then came Eric Adams and I knew that this is the way to sing heavy metal. Then there is Geoff Tate, Bruce Dickinson, Russell Allen, Warrel Dane (I love NEVERMORE) and also the first KAMELOT singer Mark Vanderbilt.

You also took an active part in the lyric writing on this album. Were lyric writing duties split equally between you and Matti or did one of you have a few more ideas than the other?

Tomi: My part was quite small in lyric department. I just changed some things to ease my singing =D

Do you prefer the varied subjects approach to the lyrics on “Hwainoo” to the singular conceptual subject style of an album such as “Ocean’s Heart”?

Tomi: It depends... Sometimes it is nice to do concept things and sometimes variation is the key.

Do you have a favorite song of the ones you sang on “Hwainoo” and for what reasons?

Tomi: “On The Edge”, because it is so dark and moody... Happy people make me sad ;)

Harri, I noticed a much greater emphasis on the guitar on “Hwainoo” in comparison to “New Dawn”, as well as more technically ambitious riffs and lead breaks. Did you adapt your guitar parts from keyboard ideas throw to you by Matti? Did you compose the solos?

Harri: Yes, “Hwainoo” is more versatile album than “New Dawn” and it’s more fun and challenging to play. More things happens at same time in songs and that’s only good thing and keeps interest on. Of course me and whole band has evolved and keeps evolving. Matti has base form for the songs and I ended with something own by improvisation. Of course we did arrangements with Matti how to play different part in songs and what is needed for songs to make it a nice package. Solos are made very much by improvisation on studio. I just did some takes and listening what I like and evolving from that. I had some parts ready or some ideas for solos like some tapping parts before studio.

Your rhythm guitar sound also had a nice crunchy tone to it. Did you use any particular distortion pedals or effects processors to get that sound or did it come straight from the amplifier?

Harri: The rhythm sound is made by 2 different sounds and 4 guitar tracks. There are no pedals or effects used on recording. One sound was a Marshall setup: JMP-1 preamp, 9005 power amp and some Mesa Boogie cabinet. Cab was recorded with 2 Shure 57 microphones and some Neumann condenser microphone. For second sound preamp was changed to Mesa Boogie Triaxis. Solo sound is a Marshall setup with some effects from the studio. Live sound is a Marshall setup except the cabinet is home made. The guitar is a Japanese made Jackson Soloist with EMG pickups.

Was there a particular song or riff on this album that gave you any trouble or required a lot of takes before you were happy with what you had?

Harri: Maybe the hardest thing was to play 4 rhythm guitar tracks exactly the same way. Every note and hit must be same on every track and I want play very tight and focused for sound that I want. When you play all day you loose your concentration and start to make mistakes.

Is there a particular guitarist or small group of guitarists who you would say heavily influenced you style?

Harri: I take lots of influences from many artists like Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Richie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, Dimebag Darrel, Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore… The list is endless. Should I say, I’m influenced by all and make my on thing out of that.

What was your favorite of the 8 songs on “Hwainoo” and why?

Harri: “On The Edge” is my favorite. I just like the atmosphere and it differs from other songs being darker and mystic sounded. It’s fast, versatile and fun to play.

Toni, compared to ULTIMATIUM’s previous drummers, you seem to be the fastest and most aggressive in your approach. Do you listen to and carry any influences from the more extreme Metal genres? Who were your biggest influences?

Toni: I mostly listen to Rock/Heavy but when I'm driving I often switch radio to traditional humppa-music channel, because sounds and playing touch on that kind of music are great and the music is nicely ongoing and it's good counterbalance for Heavy Metal. Reason for my aggressive style is Lars Ulrich, he's my biggest influence when it comes to playing and style. Jörg Michael has influenced me also, STRATOVARIUS's "Visions" is awesome and of course some thing on my playing comes from there.

I particularly enjoyed your fast work on “On The Edge”; did that song test your endurance as a drummer when recording it?

Toni: Every song in "Hwainoo" put me to a test, but I think the most challenging ones were "Fight The Time" and "Play The Game". "On The Edge" is rough song to play live, though... 8)

Have you preformed or rehearsed any songs from “New Dawn”, and if so, are they easier to handle than the material on “Hwainoo”?

Toni: I've rehearsed couple of songs from "New Dawn" and there's some challenging sing too, but "Hwainoo" is more challenging, because I think it's a heavier album and I like to do little tricks with drums while playing so that playing wouldn't be boring at any time.

Do you have a favorite song out of the ones on “Hwainoo” and why?

Toni: "Play The Game" and "Whispers (Of The World)" are absolutely best, I really can't differ which one would be better!! Both of the songs are challenging to play and when I play them live, with full power, I get cold wavelet through my spine and the feeling is something unbelievable X) It's that feeling that keeps me doing this thing! \,,/

Back to Matti, I understand that right now you are working on getting distribution in Japan and the rest of Europe. What is the state of that?

Matti: “Hwainoo” is released in Japan 25^th of September, by Soundholic records, but we're still working on with getting “Hwainoo” to rest of European markets as well (*winks* towards European labels :D)

I certainly hope that the album sells well in those areas. I’m not sure how America will shape up as most of us seem pretty obsessed with Metalcore and Emo, but I personally think you have a real winner here. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today and good luck converting the masses. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Matti: Well, I'd like to point out that “Hwainoo” can be ordered directly from www.mastervox.fi to anywhere in the world with decent 20€ price. And remember to check our homepage www.ultimatium.com for samples, pictures, and additional links to Ultimatium around the web. And thanks for your support as well!!!

Discography:

2001: Call Of The Twilight (CD Demo, self-released)

2002: End Of Darkness (CD Demo, self-released)

2003: Follow The Star (CD Demo, self-released)

2004: New Dawn (CD, Mastervox Records)

2008: Hwainoo (CD, Mastervox Records)