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INTERVIEW - HEAVEN'S METAL - ISSUE #79
February 1, 2009
INTERVIEW WITH HB'S JOHANNA AALTONEN BY CHRIS BECK
Hailing from Finland and playing melodic metal with orchestral elements since 2002, HB finally broke through internationally with their last album, 'Frozen Inside'. With the release of their new album, 'Piikki Lihassa', this female-fronted quintet hopes to continue the momentum and follow where the Lord leads them. We recently had a chance to interview lead singer Johanna Aaltonen about the recent developments with HB.
CB: HB's lyrics are very Christ-oriented. How does the band approach writing lyrics?
JA: Antti Niskala, who plays the keys and composes our music, also writes the lyrics. Telling about our faith and our Lord is the reason why this band exists. We don't want to hide our message, though some people find it irritating that our lyrics are so straight-forward. Basically, the lyrics are about normal Christian life - the sorrows and pains we might have, but also about happier times and being grateful to God.
CB: What was the process of recording 'Frozen Inside' in English after originally recording it in Finnish?
JA: Probably the hardest part was writing the lyrics. It's not easy to express the same thoughts and feelings in a different language, especially when you are not a native speaker. We received a lot of help from a friend who speaks English as her first language. We are also eager to record our new album, 'Piikki Lihassa', in English. Hopefully that will be possible in the near future.
CB: Are there any difficulties with being the only woman in the band?
JA: I kind of feel like I just have a bunch of big brothers that I'm hanging out with. We argue, laugh and sometimes even cry together. In the past, we've had other girls play in HB which was really fun, but I've gotten used to being the only woman in the band. I've had a really good time being with the guys, though I hear a lot of jokes about being a blonde and am constantly asked to carry the heaviest stuff when we are on the road, ha-ha!
CB: Are we missing an opportunity to reach the world because there are so few femal-fronted Christian bands that play symphonic/gothic/melodic metal?
JA: Perhaps the perception is metal is considered to be more guys stuff and that girls prefer softer kinds of music. Also, some people don't understand that heavier music can be suitable for Christians. Whatever the reason is, I definitely encourage all Christians to do what they have a passion for and follow what God is calling them to do.
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