Interview

Anfinnsaas Discusses Upcoming Debut Self-Titled Album

A new entry on the Norwegian metal scene, the intriguing duo Anfinnsaas will release a self-titled debut album in just over two weeks.

Members Knut Finsaas and Geir Anfinn Halland Johansen had previously checked in to give us a recent Pit Story from a Mayhem show, and now we've convinced the twosome to divulge more details on the coming album, including how the band originally came together, getting hooked up with AutumnSongs Records, and recording in a WWII bunker filled with lava lamps and prog rock posters.

xFiruath: Anfinnsaas is a fairly new band, having only been around for about two years. Can you give me a brief history of the band as far as how you two met up and what the group has done so far?

Johansen: We met at Nord-Trøndelag University, where we both took our degree in teaching music. We started Anfinnsaas a couple of years after we met. So far we've made a lot of music, and developed the band’s sound to what it is today. We've also played a handful of concerts, which is always a lot of fun. And, of course, made this record.

xFiruath: What's your history in music and the metal scene like? Have you been in bands prior to this and when did you first get interested in music as a serious occupation?

Finsaas: I've been in a lot of bands in different genres, but never really in a metal band. Most of them have been pop or rock bands, which has been great. I've always been into metal and noise music though, so it isn't a new thing for me. Music has been my main interest ever since I started to play when I was 12. The level of production and activity has varied throughout the years, but it's all I really know so I've never thought about doing something else.

Johansen: During college I mostly played bodhran in an Irish traditional folk music band at the local pubs. I have been in and out of some black metal bands too, but nothing really serious until we started Anfinnsaas. I guess I became interested in music as a serious occupation when I took my degree in music teaching a few years ago. I got the opportunity to play lots of concerts and to record probably hundreds of demos and some EPs. I really enjoyed playing live shows and to record, so I decided to try to make drumming my main occupation.

xFiruath: Where did you record this upcoming self-titled album and how did that process go overall?

Johansen: We recorded it in Autumnsongs Recording Studio, with Rhys Marsh. The studio is located in an old bunker from WW2 with no wifi or telephone reception or other distractions. It had lots of lava lamps and prog rock posters, though. The process was fast and efficient, and everything was recorded live in two days. We were well prepared.

xFiruath: As a newer musical entity that hasn't yet reached a wide audience, can you explain to our readers about the overall sound you are going for with Anfinnsaas? What sort of established style or genre is most prevalent here and what's new and unexpected?

Johansen: As far as genres goes, we play metal. Our music has elements from a lot of styles, such as black, death and doom. Our sound is raw, somewhat chaotic and energetic, and it’s full of dynamic varieties, both in volume and tempo.

xFiruath: Anfinnsaas is more of an instrumental project so there aren't lyrics telling a story, but is there still any sort of overall theme or idea being presented with the music on this album?

Johansen: Most of the tunes are based on Nordic-folk snare drum tunes, but the overall idea of the record is music that fits each other well.

xFiruath: Who handled the cover artwork and how does it connect to the release?

Johansen: That's Viviana Gonzalez, who’s also worked with Opeth. Rhys used her artwork on an earlier Autumnsongs Records release, and we really liked it. We got in touch, sent her the songs, presented and discussed some ideas, and it worked out really well.

xFiruath: I wasn't familiar with AutumnSongs Records before discovering Anfinnsaas – can you tell me a bit about the label and how you got hooked up with them?

Johansen: Autumnsongs Records is a Trondheim-based record label run by Rhys Marsh. I have worked with him as a session drummer for some other projects and I really liked his way of recording and releasing albums. We started talking about working together with the Anfinnsaas project and so we did!

xFiruath: You mentioned before playing a few shows, will there be any upcoming live appearances after the album's release?

Johansen: Anfinnsaas is an ongoing project both live and in the studio. We are currently booking concerts anywhere we can to support the album!

xFiruath: In the metal realm, what's on your musical rotation these days?

Finsaas: Daniel Norgren – “Alabursy” and Cannibal Corpse - “Torture.” Also looking forward to the new Dungen record!

Johansen: Slayer - “Reign in Blood” and Immortal - “Sons of Northern Darkness.” We just played support for another Norwegian band, Red Mountains, on their album release. Their brand new album, “Sun,” is really worth listening to if you are into sludgy and doomy stoner rock.