Timo's sonic adventures

201

2012-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

This is post #201, folks. So what.

The reason for this post is a song I call "Release the hounds". Blame it on the Simpsons. The title, I mean... Anyway, this one has a drum solo in it. Wear a helmet for your own safety.

Release the hounds already

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There is unrest in the forest

2012-01-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Wrote this one yesterday, finished recording it just now. Nothing much, just a simple little ballad in 5/4. No melody, just guitar and keyboard solo on top of the whole thing. Hope you like it.

Among the trees

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The game is on

2011-12-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a song for an upcoming iPhone game was composed and recorded. All this was mostly MIDI, but I got to record some cymbal rolls and one splash hit in it, too. I really had to push my abilities to figure out what was needed and to come up with a fast solution to any suggestions they had. Anyway, the customer is happy. An efx track was also compiled, from which they edit out the samples they need for the game.

I recently wrote two pop songs for my singing friend, I'm starting to get hooked on this thing.

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Finally some time off

2011-12-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

Soon, very soon I get to concentrate my energy on new songs, sauna and all other good things. I have a number of songs to work on during next 2+ weeks. Some tunes are almost finished, some I haven't even started to record yet, music for an iPhone game will be written from scratch with the developers, a pop tune for my friend is in the works, and some fusion stuff will be made and time permitting, maybe even some improvements to already existing (but unpublished) tunes.

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Black Mail

2011-12-17T05:13:00.001-08:00

Mail is here. Late last night and this morning I put together the last pieces to this eccentric and rather complex piece of music. In some parts the drums were recorded first (!) but mostly they were the last thing to go on "tape".

There is no sensible form to this song, things appear rather chaotic and out of the blue. But don't believe me, check out the song here:

Black Mail

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When the postman arriveth...

2011-12-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

...there will be some hardcore fusion action available. I've been working on a song for the past few days, and I've already finished well over 4 minutes of it. There will be more to this, a hectic coda is in the works next. The ending might take a bit more time to write and record, but I feel optimistic about it. Also, some multiple drum takes were necessary due to the compositional approach but more of that later.

During the holidays, I will be making more music for a iPhone game my friends are putting together. This is their third one.

I also hope I finally get to demo the new Tuhkaus songs, it's almost half a year since they were written. Lazy bastard...

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Post-rock?

2011-11-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

Maybe this is just that? I dunno. Anyway, another song very quickly put together today. A little peace and quiet times for the weekend, before the everyday chaos begins again.

It is happening again

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Chili = love

2011-11-09T07:54:00.001-08:00

Just finished a new song entitled "Chili concussion". Very shoddily played, but maybe someone likes it anyway. There's plenty of action and dangerous situations!

You can hear it HERE, and check out some other tunes as well, while you're at it.

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Soliloquy

2011-10-24T02:47:00.000-07:00

Referring to the previous post, I skipped the part where I re-record the drums, so here it is:

Soliloquy (featuring Kristian Kokko on guitar). I hope you'll like it.

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Nylon mix

2011-10-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I started mixing the first nylon tune, maybe I'll continue on it later today. Bumped into some noise problems, hopefully those are manageable. Otherwise it sounds sweet, except that I'm considering doing the drums all over again. That might take some time, as the tempo is a bit challenging.

In other news, I've recently gotten in contact with old bass player buddy from Denmark, thru Facebook, of course. This dude plays with fierce Gary Willis style, and I already sent him one song for him to play on. Can't wait to hear it! I'm tired of MIDI-bass anyway... The song in question is the other, faster nylon string song. Maybe it gets finished one day...?!

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Pop goes the weasel

2011-10-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

For the past week I've been recording some pop arrangements for an acquaintance. Very much fun and I get to do and try stuff I definitely don't usually do! And, the songs are just great! Lots of steel string guitar and intricate synth imaging, not to mention plenty of modulations : ) I'm also experimenting with multiple drum takes in a song, which I've never really done so far, as I like to discipline myself with "intact take policy". This usually includes some (or plenty) mistakes but such is life : )

I doubt these will never be published here, as the singer/songwriter is doing this only for hobby, so artist permitting, we will consider releasing these.

Last night I received the fully edited nylon string tracks for one of the songs we recorded few weeks ago. I will mix the song next weekend, if not earlier. Results may be found here, as usual.

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Malaria

2011-09-26T04:02:00.000-07:00

Recently finished a new fusion song entitled "Malaria". This one was very quickly put together, and not surprisingly, it started with the groove idea. It's based on 11/8 throughout (4 + 4 + 3, except for the percussion loop in the beginning).

Hope you like it.

Listen to it HERE

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Nylon island

2011-09-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

The first session with the nylon guitar is behind us and one of the songs (entitled "Soliloquy") was improved with plenty of guitar tracks. Next step, some inventive editing and we may start mixing the whole thing. Sounds great to my ears and I can't wait to hear the fully edited version. Kristian agreed to edit the guitar tracks himself so the ball is in his court now. Also some small synth parts may be added later.

We also started recording the other song and got a satisfactory version of the theme and some preliminary takes on his solo. To be continued.

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Nylon strings

2011-08-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Many interesting things coming up during next few weeks. One of them is the nylon string guitar tracks I will record for at least two new songs which I wrote during the summer. My old school buddy will be playing, and I can't wait to hear his guitar on those "vehicles"! The first song has a melody part, plus a guitar solo (of course), whereas the other song has no melody written for it at all (unless he wrote one, I haven't been told really) but his guitar has the main role in it. The latter song is a relaxed mood piece with very simple harmonies, but I'm sure the guitar will bring new dimensions to it. The basic tracks for those songs have already been recorded, only the guitar is missing (and perhaps some synth things which cannot be added before the guitar tracks). The results will be published here as usual. Stay tuned.

Today I finished my first remix track ever. This will be released sometime soon as a digital download (details escape me at the moment) of an upcoming Høxbroe/Umpff EP. I did have my way with the vocal track. Yes, it has some digital trumpet, too. Oh dear. Anyway, the client liked the results, so I guess we're all happy. More details here later, if I remember to post them!

Also, I gave birth to a vocal ballad the other day, and this happened quite accidentally. I have already made some queries about a female vocalist (whom I've never met) who is reportedly interested in recording this piece. The song itself needs a text and some vocal arranging but the main idea is there. Remains to be seen where this one goes.... and when! Maybe I'll record some basic tracks for it this weekend.

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And the winner is...

2011-07-27T23:36:00.001-07:00

Here's the tune mentioned in the previous post. I call it Rat Race King and consider yourself warned, it contains lots of cheesy synth sounds and explicit melodies. File under easylistening.

Listen to it here.

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Rehearsing, recording and... a video!

2011-07-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Lots of things still going on.

Started rehearsals with Death By Snoo Snoo, as we're playing at the Puntala festival Saturday the 30th of this month.

Just finished recording an easylistening poppish instrumental - untitled as of yet. Lots of cheesy keyboard sounds are present and there are some guitar solos in there, too! Soon to be released.

Umpff's better half has made a really nice video of the earlier posted track, "Munkejazz på Jarmers Plads". You can view it HERE.

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Munkejazz

2011-06-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a little sample of things I'm currently working on. Here I overdubbed a little drums, unlike on the other songs where I mostly play only guitar and maybe some synth.

Munkejazz på Jarmers Plads

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Plenty of action

2011-06-22T02:57:00.000-07:00

Many different things going on right now. I believe I have reached a passable version for the flamenco song on drums, though I might be able to squeeze a better version one of these days. At the same time I've been working on two other songs, of which at least the other one will be used in this project. But not such luck with the drums yet in these. The basic ideas are there but getting them on "tape" is quite another thing...

Also working on some guitar tracks for my buddy's project in Denmark, he has something like 13-15 songs which require my attention. Happily I have complete freedom to do anything with these tracks so I get to experiment and hopefully bring some life to them.

Furthermore, I intend to continue working on more songs in the GRP style, I have 4 songs so far. I feel this improves my discipline as I tend to choose tempos which are not so easy for me to play in. The songs are very cheesy but I get to use harmonies and productional ideas which don't necessarily fit my other styles. Plus, they're fun to do, so why the hell not?! If I could only find a sax player willing to play these songs...

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Flamenco

2011-05-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Just re-connected with an old buddy of mine, who plays flamenco guitar. While he visited me, we did a short test recording of his excellent guitar and quickly decided we will try to recreate one of his songs in a trio setting. I will try to record the drums for it first and add bass and his guitar later on. The song is very cool and it will require some extra efforts from my part. Challenging but fun! I also will try my hand at writing a song where I can use my friend's unique abilities. Yet another challenge!

Now that summer's almost here, there will be periods of time when either of us will be unavailable but luckily there are no deadlines. More news as stuff happens.

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None shall pass

2011-04-29T01:02:00.000-07:00

I went through some old hard drives and found this silly little thing. I call it "None shall pass" and it is in 13/8 time. Nothing too serious, just fooling around really. Maybe someone likes it?!

Check it out HERE.

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GRP side of things

2011-04-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

I've been writing and recording several GRP-sounding songs lately and 3 of them are finished. I doubt I will ever upload these anywhere as they are not something I normally do. They are just sort of vehicles for improving my groove playing and testing out some production ideas.

Other ideas have surfaced meantime and I will tell more about them as soon as something happens.

Later,

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When water burns

2011-03-31T09:42:00.001-07:00

Just finished recording the tune mentioned in the previous post. It's entitled "Firewater" and it's a very happy, if not jolly, number. This was not my intention in the beginning, but sometimes the unexpected happens. As in my case, most of the time. Anyway, I take pride in the scarce usage of the bass drum in the first half of the song. And for those who didn't read the previous post, this song was VERY heavily influenced by a Steps Ahead song from 1989. Their album "N.Y.C." is one of my all-time fusion favorites, so go check it out. No one does shit like that anymore.

Check out Firewater HERE.

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New steps

2011-03-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

Working currently on a song which is *very* heavily inspired by a song from the Steps Ahead "N.Y.C." album. It's a more upbeat tune with simple melodies and I hope I can nail the groove required for this one. Can't say yet when this is finished but I'm looking forward to working on it more during the coming days. Except for some minor embellishments and additional melodic passages and guitar melody doubles, the basic MIDI tracks are more or less finished, so I can concentrate on the drums this week.

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Let's boogie

2011-03-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

A little more recent song which has been buried under more interesting things for few weeks now has been uploaded. This one is a groove piece with plastic-sounding horn section. It doesn't groove nearly as much as I had hoped but I like some things in it anyway.

Listen to it here.

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Past aliens

2011-03-10T01:05:00.001-08:00

Last night I listened to some older recordings and decided to upload 3 songs from one session. These are relatively short pieces and owe great thanks to G. Husband's "Diary of a plastic box" recordings for inspiration. The songs are really just sort of vehicles for the solo keyboard, kind of audio paintings. Maybe somebody likes them.

The songs are entitled:

1) A cosmic ballet
2) The Formalist
3) The Jester

Listen

T
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Things are quiet

2011-03-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Things have been quiet on this blog, but not elsewhere. I've been working on a doom (or actually sludge, sometimes) metal project with Antti from Scumfusion for past weeks. There will be about 1 hour of material finished in the coming days. Read more detailed reports on the Mood:Doom blog.

T
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Sketches Of Pain

2011-02-04T04:54:00.000-08:00

Fusion suite nr. 2 is finished. As mentioned earlier, this work features some abstract odd-meter playing, some ambient elements and almost heavy metal in the end. Synopsis as follows:

Sketches Of Pain

I - Naja Naja
II - Damn The Gravity [Part I]
III - Dark Constellation
IV - Damn The Gravity [Part II]

[Duration: 11 min 51 sec]

Listen to it here.

Enjoy,

T
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A new suite

2011-02-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Been working on several pieces lately. Another suite is on its way, 3 out of 4 parts are finished, more or less. The suite is entitled "Sketches of pain" (an obvious reworking of the famous Miles Davis title). It will have some very abstract odd-meter playing and some simpler prog-rock kind of parts.

Part I is in 7/4 time with one 5/4 bar in it. Two other parts are in 9/4 time. I'm thinking of adding a fourth part which consists entirely of ambient elements. Estimated length 10-11 minutes.

One very Holdsworth-esque fusion tune has already a finished theme, only the solo section needs some working out, plus the entire structure might need some enhancing.

Also a jazzy ballad is in the works, the compositional process is over. Now it's only a matter of transferring those notes into the computer.

Also will be testing a Sabian 18" crash this weekend, which should be fun!

T
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They are circling above

2011-01-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

Here's another little piece for you, entitled "Vulture Colony". It's in 9/8 time with a pentatonic melody and real bass(!). There's not much more to tell than: enjoy!

Vulture Colony

T
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Biking music

2011-01-14T04:49:00.000-08:00

I recorded a piece of music this morning for an upcoming YouTube ad for a local bike manufacturer. The client is an old acquaintance and he brought original music to the session, where he played guitars and bass himself. I only overdubbed the drums later. The music style is very close to The Shadows and it's a happy tune, folks!

Now I only need to mix the whole thing (the duration is only slightly over 2 minutes) and that's it. As soon as the video is up, I hope I'll remember to link it here so you can check out the song! I have no idea when the video will be shot, but as always, there will be more news as shit happens.

T
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Ice Sculptures I & III

2010-12-31T02:31:00.000-08:00

Several new fusion songs finished, but not all of them deserve to be published. Things need to be re-recorded before that happens. If ever : )

Anyway, here are two songs, the first of which is not a *real* song, just a mood really. Slow stuff for those who need to put their feet up and relax. The second one is more in the Holdsworth vein in style. Hope you like them.

You can check them out here.

Have a better new year everyone!

T
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The Poet And The Plague

2010-12-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to present:

"The Poet And The Plague",
a suite in 5 movements.

Synopsis is as follows:

I - Passion
II - Envy
III - Ridicule
IV - Resentment & Decadence
V - Death

Duration 15 minutes.

All movements played attacca, and this opus may be heard

H E R E

Hope you like it.

T
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Suite you,sir!

2010-12-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a suite of fusion songs at the moment, and it will have 5 or 6 parts. Total length unknown at the moment as some of the parts are only in their planning stages. Three parts are already finished, though.

The parts (or movements, if you will) will cover many hugely different styles and it remains to be seen - or more accurately, heard - whether they fit together or not. Then again, I'm even more interested in surprises than "stereotypical and predictable fusion choices" in style. I can reveal that the last movement is a piano arrangement of a piece for string quartet I wrote over a year ago.

Some of the themes, or grooves are from abandoned pieces which didn't evolve into "that particular something" I originally was after. Recycling is the keyword here. I hope some listeners find something interesting in the results anyway.

The working title for this is "The poet and the plague".

More info to come.

T
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Mata Hari

2010-12-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

Hello all you happy people!

Here's another fusion song entitled "Foul Temptress". It is actually an old song nowadays, as it has dwelled on my hard drive for almost a year. Finally got around to re-record the drums and the guitar solo. Hope you like it.

Listen to it here.

T
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Silence!

2010-11-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

New fusion song finished today, entitled "Torn in silence". Totally inspired by a certain Jeff Beal recording. Anyway, it's a song in 6/4 time and it desperately needs a sax or fluegelhorn track.

Listen to it here.

Been also recording guitar and drums for next Locobrigida product. Cover songs this time, they is. More of them later.

T
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Speaking in tongues

2010-11-17T02:21:00.000-08:00

Another fusion extravaganza finished, you can check it out here:

Timo's Mikseri page

Also another one finished half an hour ago, but haven't uploaded it anywhere yet. More of that later.

T
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Phantomorph IV

2010-11-08T22:58:00.000-08:00

Just finished the fourth Phantomorph "album", entitled "The dunes of Enceladus". It contains 6 tracks, duration slightly under 73 minutes.

Tracklist:

01 - Crater's Edge
02 - Lunar Ice Canyon
03 - Zephyria Tholus
04 - The Fracture
05 - Spiral Corrugation
06 - Cold Light Particles

This work has almost no atonal elements in it, most of the material is just slow chords moving, or more accurately, trudging towards the inevitable end. The album does not present an immensely varied soundscape but it describes a frozen beauty only found in imaginary regions of outer space of immense distance, though some of the titles refer to real places.

Anyway, the songs are designed to assist you to fall asleep or create a soft mood while you work on computer.

Download link will direct you to a folder which also includes the previous 3 albums.

mp3 | 320 kbps | ~ 158 MB | .zip

DOWNLOAD

T
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Exiting the lunar shuttle

2010-09-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my jazziest tunes entitled "Landing on the moon". It's all done very quickly but I hope it doesn't sound too bad.

DOWNLOAD

T
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A dark garment or a stellar phenomenon

2010-09-09T03:39:00.000-07:00

Amazing I get to finish something amidst all this chaos, but here we go. Another fusion song, in 6/4 time, which was not an easy task, mostly because of the tempo. Still far from perfect but life's a box of... something.

Black belt

T
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I'm outta here

2010-08-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a re-warmed up version of an old song, which I wanted to redo for a long time. I would imagine it might work nicely when listened to while driving your car.

I Must Go Now 2

[mp3, 224 kbps]

T
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The wind thief

2010-08-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Finished the drums for this one earlier today. It's a fusion tune based on (or maybe I should say, inspired by) the outro vamp of Sting's "If I ever lose my faith in you". It doesn't groove quite as much, but there you go.

The Wind Thief

mp3 | 224 kbps

T
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Aliens among us

2010-08-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

Here's a new fusion ballad with 7/4 and 4/4 time signatures for the curious. Nothing spectacular but check it out anyway.

Alien Calisthenics II

The song is available in mp3 format (224 kbps). Enjoy it if you dare.

T
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A song clip with the new ride cymbal

2010-07-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here we go.

Anyone interested may download this clip of a song entitled "Delicate cargo". It features the Zildjian Pre-aged 20" ride seen on previous post. The song is very GRP in style, so don't hurt yourself...

DOWNLOAD

T
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Daddy's got a brand new (cymbal) bag!

2010-06-24T01:33:00.000-07:00

I finally have a Zildjian K 20" Pre-Aged Dry Light ride cymbal. Even though this one isn't in production anymore, amazingly, the local music shop had one in stock.
I think she's just gorgeous.

Some sound clips, or complete new songs will surely be available in near future : )

T
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Zero On Legs

2010-06-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Oh, almost forgot.

Recently dubbed the drums and guitars to this old song lying around my harddrive. I just never got to finish it. It's a silly fusion song, not entirely short of humour. Anyway, there's a 224 kbps mp3 version for you to download, should it be of any interest.

DOWNLOAD

T
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Slow progress

2010-06-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Really started to go ahead with mixing the Torture Pulse "DevilRoot" product. I expect this to be ready in bit over week's time. Let us hope so. The guys have been anxious to hear the results, so I hope I can make it.

More news as shit happens.

T
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Yet another video

2010-06-14T02:58:00.000-07:00

Oh dear. Another video has been uploaded. This time there's more action and less accuracy.

T
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Sound proof

2010-06-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some short samples comparing the bass drum sound with and without the new subkick.

There are three versions of the same 20 second drum thing.

1) Bass drum with no plugins whatsoever.
2) Bass drum with plugins (high-end EQ, noise gate and compression added).
3) Bass drum with plugins and subkick.

You'll hear the subkick without any processing. Nothing is added or taken from that track at all. The differences are most evident with quality headphones.

All files 24-bit wav audio. Zip-file size 14 MB.

DOWNLOAD

T

The Subkick Experience

2010-06-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Man,

this one was fun to build! I've seen people using these things called subkick microphone on several videos but I've never had the chance to try one out myself. I found out some drummer nerds have built these things, so I figured, why the hell not! I found nice instructional websites telling me what to get and what to do, so ahead I went and ordered some assorted pieces of gear. This microphone is actually a speaker which is placed right in front of the bass drum. It's attached inside of a small drum, e.g. a tom. You just need to switch the polarity on the speaker and it works just like a microphone, picking up all those bombastic frequencies. It is used adjacent to a normal bass drum mic, which picks up the higher frequencies.

Here we go:

01) The main parts needed for this:

A tom-tom, speaker, mesh head and two plugs (jack + XLR).

02) Removing the drum heads and the thingy protecting the airhole on the side of the drum. The airhole proved to be the exact size for the jack female plug, which meant one less hole for me to drill. Convenient!

03) Next I had to drill a hole for the XLR male connector:

04) Also, a couple of holes for attaching the XLR male connector. First, I needed to mark the spots where to drill the holes.

05) After drilling these I went through a box of screws, nails and other paraphernalia and found two screws which fitted perfectly to attach the XLR connector to the tom shell. Here's how both plugs look installed.

06) Local hardware shop provided me with the angle brackets for attaching the speaker right below the "top" head. The other one had to be modified slightly, and an extra hole had to be drilled. The other end of angle bracket is attached to the speaker rim, the other goes under the screw holding the drum lugs. Here's how the angle brackets looked before assembly:

07) Next step, installation of the speaker:

08) Attaching the drum head. Naturally this head needs to be something that lets air through, therefore a mesh head (which are usually used with drum triggers).

09) Obviously, we need the signal to move from the speaker cone to the plugs, so we can record the damn thing! I chose to use both XLR and the jack plugs just because you never know where this mic will be used and what the circumstances are. And, there are never too many options, right? First, I soldered the XLR cable:

10) My assistant was unavailable during this project.

11) Anyway, the jack female plug also had to be connected to the speaker

12) Almost there! I only need to screw back the bottom head and the whole damn thing is ready for mounting on a cymbal stand right next to my bass drum!

13) Here's how it looks after attaching it to the cymbal stand. Done!

Now I only wish my sleepy-head assistant would wake up and go on his nightly prowl, so I can start making experiments. The fact is, I don't even know yet if this thing works at all.....!!!!!

T

It's here

2010-06-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here's an old song, entitled "Tunturi," which I improved a bit. I just composed a new ending, instead of just fading out. The playing is far from perfect but I hope you like it nevertheless!

Alternatively, just download the mp3.

T
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New video coming soon

2010-06-08T00:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday finished shooting the upcoming video. Nothing too fancy really, I just wanted to re-record this old song, and soundwise it actually is much better. I just need to update my skills with the video editing software and you'll see some results right after I get to it.

T
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Shooting and playing

2010-06-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

last few days I've been trying to record the drums for an old song, which I wanted to re-record because of certain improvements in my recording system since the older version was recorded (approximately 2 years ago). The other basic tracks for this song have already been completed (minus the guitar solo), so it's just a matter of nailing those cans "on tape". At the same time I have the videocamera rolling, so this might result in a new drum video, should there be an acceptable take. Also I've been thinking about shooting the guitar solo as well, so I might eventually combine those two takes, or cut them into two separate videos.

I will build a subkick microphone for the bass drum in near future. All the parts have been ordered and assembly will commence as soon as I have everything here at home. This should add some extra boom to the mix. I will probably make some pictures available when the building process starts.

Oh, and I got me a brand new second hand 10" Zildjian Avedis splash. Yummy!

T
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Subtle

2010-05-09T17:12:00.001-07:00

Oh, also forgot to mention that I finally managed to upload something on YouTube. Isn't that something? Ok, it's an old video but who cares.

T

I forgot...

2010-05-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

...to mention that I opened another blog for the metal and punk things I do. You'll find it here:

The Other Side

T

More Phantomorph

2010-05-09T02:49:00.000-07:00

The third Phantomorph CD is now complete, entitled "The Radiation Phantom".
This is another dark ambient effort consisting of 9 tracks, playing time almost 80 minutes.
Or maybe some of the tracks have certain lighter ambient elements. Good stuff to fall asleep to.
The few low piano notes might wake you up occasionally, though.
I, however, deny all responsibility for any loss of sleep caused by this CD.
Again, special thanks to AEUK for perfecting that cover picture above!

zipfolder | 9 files | mp3 | 320 kbps | 160 MB

DOWNLOAD

The link brings you to a folder with all 3 Phantomorph releases. Enjoy!

More torture!

2010-05-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today the first two recording sessions were held for the follow-up of Torture Pulse's "Plague Poetry". I don't know if I am allowed to reveal the name of this upcoming EP, so I shut up. So far, all the drums, bass and 3/4 of the guitars have been successfully recorded. Next, I believe we will continue with the vocals.

So far the sound is already better than last time, and we have only a preliminary rough mix to compare with. In other words, things look very promising. In addition, the sessions have been much smoother, which makes everyone happy.

T

April's cool

2010-04-16T03:47:00.000-07:00

Ciao,

here's another generic fusion song entitled "Different Light". Slight nod to the Chad Wackerman school of thought, but more GRP than Chad's stuff. Both FLAC and mp3 versions are available.

DOWNLOAD

Later,

T

It's death metal time!

2010-03-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody.

Recently I've been exploring the death metal side of things. I can offer you one old number ("The Vultures"), and a brand new one, which was written, recorded and mixed during the same day. I call that one "Disciples Of Ignorance".

The pieces are available in mp3 format (224 kbps).

DOWNLOAD

T

Still alive + video

2010-03-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody.

The Brutopia/Suohauta tour is happily over now and everyone is alive and well. More about the tour after I finish editing the 2,5 hours of tour video material.

Meanwhile, another video was released featuring yours truly on guitar. This is a new track by Locobrigida, entitled Mary Jane. Enjoy!

T

Whacky things indeed

2010-02-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

Tried out some things recently. Including recording my own clean, tonal (non-growled) vocals. Not to be released ever. Period. Some things are just not meant for the human ear. Believe me. The song is ok, I guess. I only need to locate a person with a voice willing to do this one for me.

Despite that I have this little side-product here which someone might like. It was originally intended to be a part of the mega piece but it just gives nothing new to that one. It has some whacky guitar on it, though. I didn't say good. Whacky. I don't know what else to call this but "Interruptus".

DOWNLOAD [mp3 224 kbp$]

T

Everybody dance

2010-02-16T04:13:00.001-08:00

Here's a little waltz I've been working on for the last couple of days. Probably to be a part of the aforementioned mega piece, but I think it might work alone as well. The orchestral sounds are a bit archaic but try it for size anyway.

DOWNLOAD

T

A little taste

2010-02-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a little sample of what's happening with the grand megalomaniac piece I'm working on currently. I call this song "Repercussions". Please note, this is only a rough mix.

There is little over 9 minutes (of almost finished) material already, lots more coming.

[mp3 file 224 kbps]

DOWNLOAD

T

More stuff coming up

2010-02-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Amidst all this chaos I have managed to create some new music with one of my good friends in Denmark. It's more pop in nature than anything else I've done for a long time. Loads of fun, nevertheless! I have only contributed some guitar parts, but the total artistic freedom made the experience very rewarding. Anyhow, I will find out soon if I am allowed to post these things here and will do so in near future.

I have plans for another drum video, of the "9th galaxy" song posted here earlier. This will happen as time and circumstances (and my cat) allow. Can't wait to bang the living crap out of my new A Custom 18'' crash cymbal : )

I have already started on another recording project, which got started during my exile in Ireland couple of years back. Although, then it was only plotted as sketches on paper, left to wait for better times. It will be a more abstract piece of work consisting of many different musical styles and ideas, and it will be instrumental. IF it will have any vocals on it, no lyrics have been, nor will be outlined. The difficulty with this one will be extracting all the very best from the abundance of ideas I recorded on paper. Not to mention, being able to give them the proper and ideal audial conception. It will be one long track, changing between moods and atmospheres and it will have some disturbing moments contrasting the more subtle ideas. I know, it sounds megalomaniac, but I guess I'm built that way.

Later,

T

A Lossidian Threnody

2010-01-26T01:06:00.000-08:00

the latest effort by Scumfusion, is completed!

The whole package is ready for download (including covers and lyrics sheet). There are 16 tracks altogether, totalling slightly over 28 minutes. And there was much rejoicing!

Scumfusion official blog here.

A Lossidian Threnody - mp3 download

T

Scumfusion and other things

2010-01-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

The Scumfusion project has really taken off the ground, we have 16 tracks (I think) for upcoming release! Blastbeats, ambient and death metal mixed with a good dose of d-beat. Half the vocals are still to be done, then on to mixing the whole thing. We might add some synth efx and a couple of guitar solos to the package after finishing the basic tracks, who knows.

The prog metal project is going forward slowly but surely. We have chosen the first two tracks to be recorded, whilst we continue learning new material. No schedule yet, but this happens as time allows.

Suohauta mixing hasn't started yet properly because all aforementioned things, but I expect to have a version of some kind of each song by the end of the month.

Also, Tuhkaus has been offered to Reset Not Equal Zero, as was the case with Brutopia and Epätasavalta/Noituus-split CDr's. Hopefully this will happen so we will have a CD for sale on our North-Scandinavian tour in March.

T

Two albums of ambient

2010-01-16T05:47:00.001-08:00

This is a side-product of other projects. Two albums of ambient naptime music designed to put you to sleep in no time. Don't play too loud though, as most of the material is quite dynamic.

Filmed on location on a desert planet
in a galaxy far, far away,
where the sulphur fumes
ignite the hallucinations
and the black winds
blow your skin away

The files are in mp3 format, 320 kbps.

Phantomorph - Sun Of Moon

| 1 zip file 115 MB | 6 tracks |
playing time approx. 62 minutes.

Phantomorph - Poison Terrain Manifest

| 1 zip file 144 MB | 4 tracks |
playing time approx. 69 minutes.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Phantomorph @ last.fm

Sweet dreams : )

T

Approaching The 9th Galaxy

2010-01-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

Never totally satisfied with the results, but here it is anyway: The Chick Corea inspired fusion song entitled "Approaching The 9th Galaxy". (In this version I played everything myself, I have other versions with guests, maybe they will be published, who knows....)

Get it here.

There are two versions, FLAC (level6) and mp3 (CBR 320 kbps).

T

Tour warm-up shows coming up!

2010-01-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

4 bands at Ykän Pub, friday 29th January. Be there!

BRUTOPIA & SUOHAUTA Tourdates

2010-01-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

Looks like this so far:

fr 29.1. Oulu @ Ykän Pub
sa 30.1. Rovaniemi @ Grande
-------------------------------------
fr 12.3. Umeå - Sweden @ Charlies
sa 13.3. Östersund - Sweden
su 14.3. Trondheim - Norway @ Uffa Huset
mo 15.3. Mo i Rana - Norway @ Gruben Samfunnshus
tu 16.3. Bodø - Kafe Kafka (tbc)
we 17.3. Harstad - Norway @ Det Sorte Får
th 18.3. Tromsø - Norway @ Bastard Bar
fr 19.3. Kiruna - Sweden
sa 20.3. Luleå - Sweden @ Föreningsgatan 7

T

Busy start

2010-01-05T00:38:00.001-08:00

Lots of plans at the moment.

ScumFusion seems to be making a proper "comeback", the upcoming release will have at least 9 tracks, in somewhat near future. Other projects include mixing/mastering a split CD with Suohauta and Brutopia before our tour in North Scandinavia (Finland, Sweden and Norway) in March, supporting the "Punk In Lapland" movement.

T

TUHKAUS

2009-12-29T21:50:00.001-08:00

is the title of the new hardcore punk project. I'm happy to announce that the vocals are now done! We have 17 raging tracks mocking and criticizing everything from Big Brother TV show to sellout anarchists. The session still needs to be mixed and appropriate samples need to be added, but we expect to have some sample tracks available for you before the end of the year. Send us a friend request if you dare!

Tuhkaus MySpace

I finally managed to play some acceptable drum tracks to the Chick Corea-ish track mentioned earlier, only the guitar solo is missing. Let's see how long before that happens....

Also, new stuff coming from ScumFusion come January. Plus some pop tracks coming from Denmark which need to have my guitar on them. Brilliant.

T

That time of the year

2009-12-22T22:45:00.000-08:00

is here again. Been trying to put the drums in place for a couple of tunes but no luck so far. Too complicated stuff for this old dog, I guess. But it's close.... so close. There's two tunes, the other one is a sort of tribute to early Chick Corea's Return To Forever stuff (Hymn of the seventh galaxy and that lot), and the other one has a tempo that challenges me very much. But I still have my persistence. Maybe today...

The rehearsals for the prog metal project continue. We're making progress though (hah!).

The hardcore thingy will have vocals on it next week, the recording starts monday. A proper way to end the year, I'd say!

Also, finished writing and recording music for a iPhone game. The game is not completely finished as of yet, so I won't disclose any more info on that (except that the sonic results are something like a twilight near a Lord Of The Rings Orc factory with appropriate industrial sounds). Lovely.

T

Making haste

2009-11-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

Lots of things happening at the moment. Work-wise it's the busiest time of the year and I've been recording all kinds of stuff all the time.

There's new, yet untitled, punk/hardcore project in the works, the vocals for it will be recorded in few weeks time. I wrote all the music and played the instruments. The basic tracks were finished couple of weeks ago. Veikki from Noituus will be doing the vocals and lyrics. This will rock double-good-plus, what?!

Rehearsals for a new progmetal project have started and we will be recording some songs for promo purposes once I get to know the songs. That might take a while as the stuff is, as I said, progressive. Long songs with lots of things to remember. In addition to the drums, I will be probably doing the lyrics as well for this one. I get to enjoy lots of artistic freedom, which is nice.

Also I've been recording a bit guitar for my old buddy in Denmark for a couple of songs, which was loads of fun. After that I will play drums for 2 pop songs for my friend Seppo Silaste.

When I find the time I will be doing my own stuff, hopefully before the end of this year. Maybe I will upload something soon, who knows...

T

Here's the folder link

2009-10-05T02:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the earlier links led to the respective songs. Here's the entire folder.

T

2009-10-05T02:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know. Next week... and a month's gone by. Been busy though. Here are some songs for the curious.

Chromatic Impulse Protocol (An attempt of megalomaniac proportions)
Grand Negus (Zawinul-esque groove kinda thang)

Those links probably show you the entire contents of that folder, there are other songs available as well. Go nuts.

T

Oops

2009-09-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

Geez,

it's been almost 3 months since last entry. Time flies. Been recording a LOT lately, little unsure as to if the stuff is releaseable or not. Some of the songs might be ok but there are definitely some which don't pass inspection. More songs are forming in my tiny head each day, so if any of you want to hear more, there's still hope.

Other than that, renovating my house at the moment. Also "bolted" the bass drum to the floor to stop the inevitable (and ultra-annoying) sliding. That sucker stays put from now on.

I try to find the time to upload some stuff next week.

T

Distress Call

2009-06-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a quickie, so to speak. Took me about 45 minutes to finish. Improvised sounds for drums and guitar. Includes both FLAC and mp3 versions.

Distress Call

T

Whisper not

2009-06-02T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hey,

new song from my recording plant. This one's a slow, megalomaniac Eurovision style pop instrumental, with a certain amount of tongue-in-cheek attitude. Both mp3 and FLAC versions are available in the folder which can be accessed here.

T

Another missing link discovered

2009-05-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

Ok,

finally, here's the link to the FLAC folder on MediaFire:

CLICK HERE

Read previous post for details.

Thanks,

T

Best Of links

2009-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hello,

After finding some of my earlier musical endeavours in fusion posted on fusion blogs, I figured maybe there's someone out there liking this kind of music.
Here's a bunch of songs recorded and composed by me during 2007-9, solely for my own self-indulgent purposes. Please note, these songs were never intended to be released, but if you think there's something worth hearing in them, enjoy.

The song styles range from ambient to hc fusion to instrumental pop. There may also be great differences in sound quality and mastering levels as the songs were recorded over a lengthy period of time. These songs also contain loads of mistakes and whatnot, mainly because I recorded them for demo purposes only. So, forgive me the wrong notes and "off" drum strokes.
: ) Anyway, these are converted from original files, so the quality should be no problem.

All audio files in FLAC format:

01 - Clumsy Ballerina
02 - I must Go Now
03 - Tunturi
04 - Charybdis
05 - Paha Tapa
06 - Untitled Prog Rock Tune
07 - Moulinex Breakfast
08 - Mercury
09 - Subtle
10 - Legerdemain
11 - I Stand Corrected
12 - The Great Elusion
13 - Inflict Of Conterest

There's also a (zipped) drum video of the song "Subtle" (though the drum take is not the same than on the audio version).

Playing time about 67 minutes (+video).

No password is needed. All songs in FLAC format. If you need help in converting the files into wav, leave a comment. Enjoy.

- Timo

New links coming soon!!

Weird things apparently do happen

2009-05-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the internet the other day, going through the usual blogs and sites and I find that someone has uploaded our Balance CD from 2000. It seems some fusion freaks have really liked the CD. I felt compelled to contact the guitar player from that band and it turned out that he still has plenty of those CD's at his place! I was absolutely sure they were long gone. I already got some requests, so this news should please some people.
After this I've been processing an update for those fusion-hungry people in form of my "best of" compilation which is being uploaded as I write this. Should be available early next week at latest. It will contain about 73 minutes of various fusion songs from years 2007-9. Blatant self-promotion, yes, but if anyone is willing to hear those songs, why not. I never intended to make a truckload of money making this music, obviously.

Anyway, soon commencing mixing the Torture Pulse album, starting monday probably. I have some preliminary comments for the test mix, so I have an idea of what to fix to make the guys happy. After we've got the first song right, it should be a relatively quick process from there on. It sounds brutal already, so there's a chance I can't botch this one up.!

Take care,

Timo

Tortured

2009-04-27T02:54:00.001-07:00

Hey there,

last week was busy. Torture Pulse is recording their debut album at my place, and only the vocals are missing. Those will be recorded this week, probably. Follow their Myspace page and read the studio reportage, it's all good!

T

New crap coming up

2009-04-21T02:44:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

some new songs will be added in near future, I only need to finish them first. A good friend will be playing guitar on those, and I think it'll be worth the wait. Other than that, Torture Pulse demo/LP will be recorded at my place this week, which will be heavy indeed.

T

Incredibile

2009-03-11T01:18:00.000-07:00

Long time since last post. But, I've been busy or unable to record anything for some time. Anyway, I managed to finish my 2nd string quartet, total timing around 13 minutes (nicknamed "Cornucopia"). The score still needs some finishing touches and that's it.

Also got myself a new snare drum and it sounds great! Pearl has so far been the best brand for snares in my opinion (at least in my price range, heh) and this was no exception. Also got myself an electric piano (a loaner) which should be killer. I only need to fix some cable issues and I can start making new music. Already have some ideas for new fusion songs.

Later,

T

Correction

2009-01-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

Been recording stuff lately as usual, but not all of it was good enough to be presented here. Anyway, here's a brand new fusion song entitled

I Stand Corrected

Hope you like it,

T

Elusive

2009-01-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

Hey,

here's a new fusion song. The ending chord changes were ripped from Genesis' "Afterglow", with a modulation, though.

The Great Elusion

Enjoy,

T

Apinaconda!

2008-12-31T08:03:00.000-08:00

Hey all.

Watched a movie the other day, it had some music in the ending credits which inspired me to do these "Homer sleep now!" techno ambient audio-sleeping-pills. Who knows, someone might like them.....!

Get 'em here.

T

Classic!

2008-12-07T03:35:00.000-08:00

Just finished a song for mezzo-soprano and cello, entitled "Vedenylitys", which is based on Sylvia Plath's poem "Crossing The Water"(my translation). Song duration about 6 minutes, I hope to hear it performed one day.

Not so much recording these days. I should mix the Brutopia album. It's been long overdue.

T

Here it is

2008-11-21T02:09:00.000-08:00

I know it's crappy by any standards but I guess you got start somewhere...

Subtle - The Drum Video

T

Hyperaction

2008-11-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Been very busy lately, got new software for movie editing, which I'm studying at the moment. I did a recording of the previously blogged song called "Subtle", and in this case I re-recorded the drums while filming it with a camera. Then transferred the crap onto my Mac and after mixdown I added the newly recorded audio. Looks weird to see oneself playing, to be honest. Just a test recording really, but once I make any progress, I will post it somewhere for those who are interested in this sort of thing.

We have been writing new songs with Pathos Gazzette, in which I play guitar these days. We have three brand new songs, which obviously require some finetuning and whatnot, but they will be quite brutal. We are heading South Finland at the end of the month for 3 shows with Brutopia, which is brilliant, of course!

Also I've been composing for string quartet for some time now, the first quartet is completed (it has three parts, duration approx 10 minutes). Maybe some minor editing needs to be done, but that's it. Started right away with the 2nd string quartet with female voice (mezzo-soprano) and the first part is half-finished. I hope I can keep up this pace. I also hope I get to hear these works performed one day, the chances are good, though.

Later dudes,

T

Winter's here

2008-11-07T04:05:00.000-08:00

Hey you.

Crustober took some of my 19 lives, it was quite heavy an experience. But fun. Great bands played there (Luleå, Sweden and Oulu, Finland). To begin with, go check out Torture Pulse, Valium Kiharat and Polttoitsemurha if you don't know them yet.

And, here's the first mac song I'm presenting to anyone interested. It's is actually an old song re-recorded but the difference in sound was so huge I thought it might be interesting to hear. The playing is the same ole same ole usual predictable what have you, but there you go.

Subtle II

T

Latest ETV

2008-10-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

Seems like I forgot to post the link for the latest Epätasavalta download folder? Here it is:

Split With Noituus

T

Finally there's some action

2008-10-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

Holy crap!

Finally got my new MacBook up and running with my also new firewire soundcard and software. Did some test recordings today and it seems it will be sweet indeed once I'm done getting familiar with the software. I only need more plug-ins and that's it. I also need to remix the Brutopia album because of this transition, but that should be fun anyway.

Resta in ascolto...

T

I know...

2008-10-08T05:19:00.001-07:00

it's been a while. Been super busy renovating the sauna, it should be ready for use in a week or so. After frequent problems with my PC, I got myself a Mac finally and I'm currently waiting for my new sound card to arrive. After that I expect to be seriously busy recording all kinds of crap after this looooong break. Stay tuned.

T

Brutopia / Lähdön Aika Split 7'' Download

2008-07-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

Here we go.

If you don't have this one yet, download the Brutopia songs from the upcoming split 7" here. It's a single file with three songs in it, playing time slightly over 6 minutes. Mp3, filesize 9.8 MB, 224 kbps.

Lähdön Aika is almost finished with their mastering process and very soon the promos will be sent around, so that you will have the opportunity to get the vinyl version. Anyway, have a listen but don't hurt yourself...

T

Mr P.C.

2008-06-19T02:04:00.001-07:00

Huge problems with my crappy PC. All mixing and recording will commence right after these problems are solved (or right after I've become a millionaire).

Today we're having the first rehearsal for this new band in which I play the guitar. Oh, the suspense...

Meanwhile listen to something nice for a change and have a killer midsummerfest. If you're drinking irresponsibly, stay off boats, people!

T

2 more songs

2008-06-05T00:25:00.001-07:00

Here are two more songs, the other (Spiral) has the bass solo as I mentioned in an earlier post. It also features some brush playing dubbed on top of it. I can't honestly remember the last time I used those. The mood reminds me of some Vital Information and/or Weckl recordings. The other song (Rabid) was done very quickly as a demo for a possible upcoming band where I should play the guitar.

Download here.

T

Subtle as in a morning sun dies

2008-05-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

And all of a sudden one of these unfinished songs got finished. It can be downloaded here. It's a pure and clean Steve Smith-era Steps Ahead ripoff, at least I think so. Just translate the guitar solo into being played by vibraphone in your head and to me it sounds something like the opening track from N.Y.C. album. Enough already. Have a listen.

T

It's a split

2008-05-22T02:16:00.000-07:00

Finally we have finished mixing the upcoming split and it seems like everyone's happy with the results. I believe the rest of the songs will be mixed lot faster now that we have the basic settings sort of fixed. It looks like we are omitting one song, though, as no one really thinks it's the best Brutopia can offer, but who knows, it might be used on one of those Japanese special editions....heh. Anyhow, there will be 14 songs on the full-length, which should be more than enough to get your spirit crushed properly.

Still working (slowly) on those other fusion things mentioned earlier, it remains to be seen whether I will release them for public download or not.

T

Brutopia / Lähdön Aika Split 7''

2008-05-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm currently forging the upcoming split with Brutopia and crustmetal-doomsters Lähdön Aika. Did some preliminary mixes today to find the correct spots for the samples, and there will be many of them. Hopefully the use of samples is justified to everyone else's ears as well. Our version of the yet undisclosed L.A. song sounds totally killer, and in addition to that there will be two original songs on this one entitled "Köyhät Kyykkyyn" and "Huono ihminen". Needless to say, I can't wait to hear L.A.'s version of one of our older songs called "Stupidity contest"! L.A. just finished their studio session last weekend (I believe), so this one should be out before long. The split cover is also on its way, designed (once again) by zerominded.com.

It will be later decided whether a digital version of this split will be made available or not, and in which form. If you're running a label, and are interested in releasing our stuff, get in touch, heh!

More songs to come soon, I've almost conquered another fusion obstacle, with an unpredicted revelation of a bass solo! My oh my, what's next, one might ask...

T