Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Lost Society frontman Samy Elbanna reflected on performing Children of Bodom material with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in a Chaoszine interview. He described the Finnish Broadcasting Company’s orchestral metal showcase as a special moment for the country’s music culture.
Elbanna said the concert brought together two of Finland’s musical strengths and praised its performers, arrangements and production:
“Honestly, to base this whole thing, it’s been a fantastic year altogether, but the beginning of the fall has been incredible. And to be able to be participating in something that special and something that unique was mind-blowing. As we all know, Finland is known for metal music, that’s a given. But clashing these two worlds together, because obviously there’s a lot of incredible classical music and classical musicians that come from this country, bringing these two things together and creating something that unique, and the production that was incredible in itself. But being able to be even a little part of that was an absolute honor. I watched it back a couple of times because I didn’t have the chance to see everyone’s performance, because I was busy getting ready. The whole thing itself, the set list, the performers, everything was incredible. And the arrangements, it was something that’s going to be talked about for a long time. I feel like when we were in the situation itself, we all knew there was something special in the air. We all just wanted to breathe as much of it in as we could and cherish the moment, because stuff like that doesn’t happen every day. It’s beautiful that the national broadcaster wanted to bring something so important in Finnish culture and history into prime-time TV with such a big production. I’m very happy and I think everyone can be very proud to be bringing Finnish metal music back into prime time, where it should be.”
He believes the orchestral arrangements also introduced metal to listeners who would not ordinarily engage with the genre:
“It’s been incredible, the numbers of what I’ve heard. It’s a testament to the fact that people are interested in this little thing that we do. Bringing the classical elements and mixing all of that together was also a very human way of bringing metal music to people who don’t necessarily listen to metal music or have a different perception of it. When you break it down to instruments that people are more used to, it’ll give them a different angle, because that’s where the melody is, that’s where the intensity, the drama and the beauty of the melody really show up. It’s a beautiful combination of two worlds.”
The singer said the response extended beyond established metal fans, with messages describing parents and grandparents discovering the music through the broadcast:
“One hundred percent. We knew that combining two worlds would definitely bring two different kinds of audiences. A lot of people love both, but it’s definitely going to bring a new audience, and it’s been really cool to see that. I’ve got so many lovely messages that I simply haven’t had time to answer, where people are saying that their friends or their parents or their grandparents, who aren’t very involved with metal or rock normally, are asking, ‘Did you see this?’ That’s beautiful. I hope there’s going to be a new generation of people who watched that and pinpointed some cool moments within the songs and thought, ‘I want to do that too,’ because I’m a kid who had that same experience with so many different artists, and obviously with Children of Bodom. I feel honored that I was able to bring those incredible solos, melodies and arrangements to that stage for that particular night.”
Elbanna hopes the performance will inspire a new generation of musicians. He has also spoken about the emotional responsibility of honouring Alexi Laiho’s legacy.
Watch the full Chaoszine interview below.
