Unleash The Beast

An Interview With Katra Solopuro
by Taliesin Athor Govannon

L to R: Jaakko Jarvensivu, Johannes Tolonen, Katra Solopuro, Jani Wilund, Kristian Kangasniemi

To the science fiction geek, a "katra" is the immortal, living spirit of a Vulcan. When a Vulcan is close to death, he or she will typically transfer their katra into the mind of an associate or close friend, who is then expected to convey the katra to the homeworld.

To a geographer (or sociologist) "Katra" is a town and a nagar panchayat in Gonda district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (population 6,430).

For the music fan, 2009 will be the year that "Katra" will become notorious for being the name of one of the most exciting bands to come from the Finnish music scene in a decade, as well as the first name of their vocalist, Katra Solopuro. Founded in 2006, Ms. Solopuro brought together former members of Lovex, My Fate, Minerva, Sonicmind, and the popular Nocturn to form a bold, exciting new experiment in Gothic metal. A classically trained singer, Ms. Solopuro began her career as a backing vocalist for Essentia and Loves before venturing into centre stage. Once formed, the band quickly made an impression in their native Finland, scoring a huge radio hit with "Sahara" A debut album quickly followed, sung entirely in Finnish, which caught the attention of Napalm Records. Their international debut, The Beast Within, was released in August, and the buzz about the band is rapidly spreading (to read my review of "Beast Within", )

Recently, lead vocalist Katra Solopuro took the time to answer a few questions about the band, the album, and making the transition from local stars to an international rock band.

Taliesin: Your first album was sung largely in Finnish, while "Beast Within" is almost entirely in English. Was that a challenge for you?
Katra: I'd say no. It was a big decision to change the language and we had been thinking about it several times. But maybe because we dealt with the issue so many times, the final changing project turned out to be quite easy and really positive. I like more to write the lyrics and sing in English.

Taliesin: Some songs were repeated between the two releases...are the lyrics direct translations?
Katra: Beast Within is an international version of our debut album, which was released in Finland 2007. So it is mostly a remake. We recorded the vocals anew, remixed the whole album and wrote couple of new songs as representative of KATRA today. In those older songs the lyrics aren't direct translations. The songs have whole new spirits as well as lyrics. And in the new songs, I wrote the lyrics in English in the beginning.

Taliesin: Your final song on "Beast Within", "Kuunpoika", is the lone Finnish language track...why include that track where you did?
Katra: Kuunpoika is a cover song of Mecano's "Hijo Dela luna". The original song is in Spanish. When we were looking for a cover song to play at the gigs, I heard that song in Finnish by Tuula Amberla. Both melody and lyrics made a huge impression, so I suggested that song to guys. They liked it too, so we have been playing it at gigs since then. It is one of our favorite songs at live, so I wanted it also in our album. I can't sing Spanish and there are no translations of that song in English. It would have taken too long time to apply the rights to write it in English. So I just sang it in the language in which it had already been translated - in Finnish.

Taliesin: Unlike other symphonic metal bands, where the keyboardist is primarily there for orchestral sound effects, Katra's music employs far more acoustic piano, in the rocking tunes as well as in the ballads. Was this a consesnsus decision, or more the influence of Keyboardist Jani Wilund?
Katra: I think it is a bit of both. Jani likes far more acoustic sounds and the sound of 70's (for example the sound of Hammond (organ).) I have been playing piano since I was six, so I also like acoustic piano. A matter of fact I think the whole band prefers more acoustic sounds and more straight forward attitude.

Taliesin: I'm struck by the lyrics of "Beast Within"...it seems to say that the very things that we find most attractive about people can be the very things that bite back. Was that the intention, and do you find it difficult to express your ideas in a non-native tongue?
Katra: Yes. It tells a story of what can happen in a relationship, when things go really wrong. When you can't recognize yourself anymore trough all that shouting and rage. You turn to something inhuman... You release your beast within. I think it is sometimes easier to express yourself in a non-native tongue.

Taliesin: In many other symphonic metal bands, the guitarist seems almost like a second-stringer. Guitarist Kristian Kangasniemi is a real presence on this album, however, and drives many of the arrangements. There are also some impressive solos. (Editor's note: he kicks ass!) Was this also band consensus, or just something that happens when you have Kristian Kangasniem in your band?
Katra: We wanted guitars to be one of the strongest and biggest elements in our album. Some of the guitar solos have been played by Tom Gardiner. He was our second guitarist, but he had to leave the band before our record was released. There was no drama involved, though. He is still a good friend. =).

Taliesin: The look for your first video from "Beast Within", the title track, seems more stripped-down and almost industiral, especially when compared to past releases like "Tietaja"...was this intentional, or more budgetary?
Katra: It is a bit of both again, but more intentional. The song Beast within represents the music of KATRA as it is today and what can be expected from our next album. The concept is going to be more stripped down, with more straight forward "rockish" attitude and a bit rawer perspective both in sounds and in lyrics.

Taliesin: One standout track, for me, was "Mist of Dawn"...in my review, I called it "a tender, haunting melody that wouldn't be out of place in an Andrew Lloyd Webber production...until the end, when it rocks with an intense, yet still mystically transcendent fury..." Is this the kind of song you'd like to experement with more in the future?
Katra: Yes. I'm a fan of musicals. I have a lot of respect for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer. I want to have some musical point of views in KATRA's music too.

Taliesin: Big question: any plans on touring the US in 2009?
Katra: I can't answer to that question yet, but I sincerely hope there are =).

Taliesin: Anything else you'd like to add?
Katra: KATRA-band wishes everyone a heartwarming Christmas. We hope to see you at gigs!

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