Getting the chance to interview none other than Juha-Pekka from CHARON, I gathered what seemed to be the some current topics that I wanted to reach some points of interest. Since reviewing CHARON’s CD I was thrilled listening to the bands current material that - I am sure - is going to reach a broader horizon of profound acclaim. CHARON’s latest release entitled The Dying Daylights has received some high reviews and has put the mark of the band into the frontline of Finland’s musical spotlight rankings. The band is embarking upon a new path that stems from the low points of the band replacing guitarist Jasse to CHARON being the only band that is needed to focus the attention to. What makes this album unique, are the special guest appearances by Angry Patrol (additional backing vocals on No Saint), Ex-Tarot lead vocalist/bassist for Nightwish/Sinergy Marco Hietala (backing vocals) and Jenny Heinonen leading her harmonies to mix. Marco/Jenny performed a related part on the prior last CHARON albums, Downhearted and Tearstained. Now letting loose the questions prepared I unleash Juha-Pekka to give his insight to what makes CHARON, CHARON!

Jessie: So tell me with the current release of new material and touring to promote it, CHARON seems to be heading into a new path than previous, was there something different taken into this recording than the ones of past?
Juha-Pekka: The experience of live shows has colored our playing and I think it’s the most important thing which has influenced our recordings also.

Jessie: The band has toured with Nightwish and Sentenced and played numerous festivals with Europe. Any touring with new bands at the moment?
Juha-Pekka: Don’t know yet. Hopefully soon. At the moment we are doing some gigs in Finland but this spring is still open...

Jessie: Since the departure of guitarist Jasse, has it been somewhat difficult to find a replacement for him since he was one of the main founding members of CHARON?
Juha-Pekka: Not at all! Actually we had Lauri before Jasse ever left cause we knew what was going to happen. And to be honest, it’s better this way.

Jessie: How will this change affect the band since the band has put out the new material, and tour promoting?
Juha-Pekka: The situation was clear when we were recording The Dying Daylights so we didn’t panic. It didn’t affect on anything.

Jessie: Has there been some difficulties since you were involved with another musical project (Poisonblack) as well as CHARON?
Juha-Pekka: For me it was difficult to settle things between PB and CHARON, cause both bands were touring so there was no time to do anything else. I found myself in the middle of identity crisis and I decided to flee Poisonblack to concentrate 100% to CHARON, which is my whole life.

Jessie: The album cover concept, what was the idea for that? To me it seems to be a ghostly like vision on the front of a woman from a time of past, what inspired that image to be used for The Dying Daylights?
Juha-Pekka: Travis Smith, (artist creator for cover work for such bands as Katatonia, Death, Testament, Opeth, and others) who made the cover, came up with that idea while we had discussed about the principal ideas what I had in my mind at the first place. I gave him few lyrics to follow and I think he found something that I’ve chased also. Ghostly, dreamy atmosphere and something out of this world...

Jessie: CHARON seems to be labeled to some as Goth metal music and some say Melodic Metal Rock, what is your take on that since the band has no gothic style to current sound on recent release?
Juha-Pekka: The word "gothic" still sounds weird to me. I don’t know... it’s too difficult to label your own music and sometimes it’s better to leave it up to people who know how to do it. Maybe we fit somewhere in the middle of goth’n roll...

Goth-n-Roll is more like the description of CHARON’s musical sound. Way to go Juha-Pekka! Now getting ready for the more serious questions to ask him for his nature is directed to the interview that he seems to be elusive since that is the essence of the band.

Jessie: What are some of CHARON’s influences?
Juha-Pekka: For me some important bands are The Doors, The Cult, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds but influences itself are a little bit complicated thing, cause I don’t know how do they actually effect to our composing work... It’s unconscious and therefore under control. That’s why the influences are your own musical history.

Jessie: Being with Spinefarm Records how has that been since leaving DieHard Progress?
Juha-Pekka: It opened totally new doors for us. CHARON would be training underground without our decision move to the Spinefarm.

Jessie: Bands that you would like to share a tour with?
Juha-Pekka: For ex. Type O, Moonspell (most awesome guys ever met, that’s why!), The Cult (of course).

2003 held the band in high status for the two singles that were released from The Dying Daylights hit Finland’s the top ten coming in at No. 8 was Religious/Delicious and making its way to the No. 1 spot was In Trust Of No One. CHARON far exceeds bands of that can only envision their musical talents. This proves yet again creativity and substance flourishes within the musical workings of this group as well as members whom see this vision. Basking in the glory of what is Juha-Pekka reflects in question.

Jessie: Finland seems to be a place where talented bands such as The 69 Eyes, Lullacry, Nightwish, Entwine, Sentenced, and others seem to pave there way for others as influences, it is something of a trademark in Finland that puts out such artists like yourselves?
Juha-Pekka: I think the main reason for that is Finnish fans who keep supporting this kind of music even the mainstream radio stations wouldn’t do that. Finnish radio stations are full of shit so it’s great to hit number one charts while they’re playing fucking Timberlake.

Jessie: Are there other side projects from CHARON that some of the band members belong to as well?
Juha-Pekka: Nope! I think everyone wants to concentrate only to CHARON at the moment.

Jessie: Who does most of the lyric writing for the band?
Juha-Pekka: Me.

Jessie: If you were not in CHARON, what would you be doing?
Juha-Pekka: I think it would be still something with music since it’s the only passion for me.

Jessie: What can one expect when listening to The Dying Daylights?
Juha-Pekka: Chills in a world beyond our touch. Strange melodies that hits you after hearing them. Timeless metal songs.

Jessie: Final word thoughts?
Juha-Pekka: From the world you have been but never seen, we bring you the image to touch and to feel... Thank you very much!

1/2004 ©  Jessie Gough  • Charon •