- Since 1998 Pimentola is a one-man Band… Why this choice? Can you talk a bit of the past releases? Will you continue composing only-instrumental material in the future?
Well, shortly after the release of the first Pimentola demo the interest and activity of the other member (Turja) started decreasing, and so I decided to continue with Pimentola on my own, as that was not a problem for me. After Turja left Pimentola I didn't feel like I had to have some new members or anything, and there probably won't be any in the future either, except for session musicians perhaps.
The past two demos are quite different musically, if compared to the latest Pimentola release.
Both demos are somewhere near darkmetal, but the second demo has much more emphasis on synths.The first demo (Demo -1) was created by me and Turja, but the second demo (Demo '98)I did on my own. The first demo was recorded with our own equipment, and the second partly at a studio. Yes, I'll most likely be composing only instrumental material with Pimentola in the future... Who knows, maybe I will include some vocals in the future, I don't know... But not my own voice, heh.
- As I read in your biography, the name ‘Pimentola’ is taken by the national Epic “Kalevala”…what is it about? Has it influenced also your third release (that actually it’s the only one I had the chance to listen to) ‘H¨m¨r¨n Seepele’ (that, as I’ve written in my review, ‘is a marriage between pompous Neoclassical tunes and epic echoes’)?
Well, Kalevala is the finnish National Epic, and it is a creational saga which tells about the birth of the world according to Finns, and the heroic/tragic lives of the Gods, demi-Gods and men which habited Finland in the past. The place, "Pimentola" in the Kalevala, is a dark kingdom partly in the North and partly in the Abyss, sometimes also called "Ultima Thule" and occasionally referred as the same place as "Tuonela" (Netherworld, the realm of the dead).
I wouldn't say that "Hämärän Seppele" MCD is really a "Kalevala concept album". It's not necessary to have read Kalevala to understand or to be able to enjoy it's music. "Hämärän Seppele" is not meant to reflect any particular times/events/people, it's more interesting to let people listen the music, close their eyes and create the images/interpretations themselves. Therefore, there arent any lyrics either. So I'm not trying to intentionally describe this or that chapter from Kalevala with my music, but for sure the it must have somekind influence on it.
-Well, with this last MCD you’re looking for a record Label to sign with…how has the response to ‘H¨m¨r¨n Seepele’ been by now?
I have only heard good feedback about this MCD from people! Sure many of the record labels I sent this MCD didn't even respond if they liked it or not...but it did receive interest from some smaller labels. Actually, Palace of Worms from your country is interested in releasing my future material!
-In your future plans I see a partecipation in the first Compilation edited by Art Vision (the Label of Mr. Karsten Hamre)…more details on this project? Any other projects?
Yes, Karsten aproached me after hearing the "Hämärän Seppele" MCD, which he said he liked. He's going to include track III. from this MCD to the compilation, "Lost Illusions". As far as I know, some of the other bands that will be on the compilation are Stillife (russia), Doleful Shade (Sweden), Endiche Vis.Sat. and Karsten's own project Veiled Allusions. This compilation is planned to be released as a DAM CD through mp3.com and as a regular CD. I don't know yet when exactly.
I have also been recording one (or maybe I'll divide it into two tracks) new track recently, and it might be included in another compilation, but I can't give more info at the moment, because this is not certain yet...
- Art is “timeless”, so Music is…and with your Music you create a “timeless” dimension in which the listener can wander…a sort of refuge from the grey and mad reality…do u agree with my impression?
Totally! I myself write and listen to music to escape the "mundane" world and it's troubles, but also do this with other art forms...films, paintings, books, and so forth. I think I'd have accomplished a lot if I can make people find this kind of refuge by listening my music! I could, and should give a lot more detailed answer to this question, but the words aren't here right now, sorry.
- And here comes the end…I beg your pardon if my questions sounded a bit boering but after a long period of “silence” it was really hard to come back….so feel free to add anything you may find necessary…
Thanks for doing this interview, and supporting Pimentola! This wasn't boring at all, heh. Keep up the good work with your 'zine! If anyone is interested in obtaining the "Hämärän Seppele" MCD from me, I'd suggest them to hurry, because the last copies are going (and only 100 were pressed)! When contacting Pimentola, please allow some time for reply, because I'll be starting my military service soon...

:contact:
lempo.pimentola@pp.inet.fi
http://personal.inet.fi/musikki/pimentola