Turmion Kätilöt continues its ascend.
Formed in 2003 in Finland as a studio project by MC Raaka Pee (vocals) and DJ Vastapallo (guitar), the band eventually began performing live while releasing albums on a fairly regular basis. Now consisting of MC Raaka Pee (vocals), Master Bates (bass), Bobby Undertaker (guitar), RunQ (keyboards), DQ (drums) and Shag-U (vocals, Fear Of Domination), the band has announced the release of Omen X, their tenth album, on Nuclear Blast.
Totuus, the first track, immediately reveals raw energy with catchy Industrial sounds, quickly joined by the two vocalists as well as by efficient riffs the band combines with festive sounds before Gabriel takes over with a martial pattern. Again, vocals and keyboards perfectly fit the band’s aggressive approach, just like on Vie Se Pois and its mysterious introduction which will call again for the heady mix with this contrast between darkness and soaring sounds. If you’re looking for energy, Pyhä Kolminaisuus will satisfy you with groovy riffs and electro elements feeding this majestic and chaotic atmosphere populated with choirs and this catchy saturation before Puoli Valtakuntaa unveils a melancholic introduction. But don’t be fooled, the lively and rhythmic mix will quickly resurface along with aggressive vocal parts that will conquer us for sure, followed by Verestä Sokea, a track driven by a metallic groove and a much more raw approach. Finnish language is really exotic on this track, just like on Isä Meidän and the introduction made of children’s choirs. The contrast between the aggressive elements and these mysterious choirs is incredibly catchy, and the two meet on some insanely heavy parts before Sormenjälki some more playful riffs again, supported by the keyboards and samples. The track remains extremely festive despite the visceral vocals (you know which part I’m talking about), as does Käy Tanssiin, whose meaning I’ll let you translate, and its dark sounds. We find massive parts again accompanied by double kick and catchy keyboards, then Kun Kesä Kuoli recurs with an extremely catchy rhythmic which sometimes gives way to more haunting and heavy choruses which also stick to the band’s musical aesthetics. The end of the album is already taking shape with Kuolettavia Vammoja, the last track, whose atmosphere is much too soft for the name of the song (I again invite you to use our favorite translation tool), but which is perfect to close this album.
Turmion Kätilöt’s sound mix is very specific, and it will certainly put some people off. But since I discovered the band more than ten years ago, I’ve been hooked on this unusual and incredibly effective sound of Metal, Industrial and dancing Disco, and Omen X is no exception. I shout it loud and clear: Disco Vapauttaa!
90/100
Few questions to MC Raaka Pee, vocalist and creator of the band Turmion Kätilöt.
Hello and first of all, thank you very much for your time! Could you please introduce yourself and the band Turmion Kätilöt without using the usual “Metal” labels?
MC Raaka Pee (vocals): MC Raaka Pee answering. We are a Techno band, but not traditional in any area. Disco liberates and transforms itself across genre boundaries.
What is the link between the band’s name and the music you play?
MC Raaka Pee: You can only find out by listening to our music. The logo features the skeleton of an innocent fetus, but with horns and a tail.
Omen X, your new record, will be out early 2023. How do you feel about it? Do you already have some feedback?
MC Raaka Pee: Lots of good feedback about singles. The record is dangerous and reflects what it looks like when you look out the window.
How did you deal with the composition process for this album? Were there any changes with the previous one? What about its name and artwork?
MC Raaka Pee: The compositions were made between the keyboard player, the guitarist and me. We had another album of songs left over. It was really hard to choose an album from such great songs. So we have a lot of material in our hard drives.
What inspires you to create your music? Same question for the lyrics.
MC Raaka Pee: The commands of the universe force you to make music and lyrics. If you don’t, you will wither away. I don’t know why and I’m never going to ask.
I actually follow the band for more than ten years, and I noticed some songs (I mainly use Google Translate, as I don’t speak finnish except “perkele” and Kiitos) have a more serious meaning, like Isä Meidän or Kun Kesä Kuoli. Do you feel any evolution?
MC Raaka Pee: We’ve had more serious lyrics since the beginning. Even songs that seem like humor contain harrowing experiences. You can always try to smile through the pain.
I saw you live twice, opening for Nightwish alongside Beast in Black in Paris, and opening for Beast in Black back in 2019, how did you feel about playing in France? How do you feel about playing live in general?
MC Raaka Pee: Performing live is something truly wonderful. You get the kind of energy from it that could resurrect the dead. Has revived a sometimes half-dead artist. On gig days, I can’t focus on local attractions. The audience has always been really great in France.
You will be back in Europe in 2023 for a headline tour, what can we expect of this tour with Bloodred Hourglass?
MC Raaka Pee: Hellish raves spiced up with brutal fists of love. Let’s mix in some more extreme metal and a salute from the kitchen.
Do you have more plans for the band’s future?
MC Raaka Pee: Of course, touring and releasing new material when the world is ready.
Are there any musicians or bands you would like to collaborate with? Whether it is for one song, an album…
MC Raaka Pee: We have many cooperation plans that are waiting for the right moment. I can’t tell you more about them at this moment.
Last question: with which bands would you love to tour with? I let you create a tour (or just a single show) with Turmion Kätilöt as opener and three other bands!
MC Raaka Pee: Beast In Black, Tarot, Nightwish.
That was the last question for me, so thank you very much for your time and your music, last words are yours!
MC Raaka Pee: The European part of the tour starts in February 2023. See the concert venues here: https://www.turmionkatilot.com Be ready!