Interview with Arctis (whole band)
ARCTIS fuses nature and technology, inspired by Finland’s seasonal extremes, capturing the imagination of fans through storytelling that goes beyond the music itself. Led by the enigmatic Alva, the eternal Ice Queen Rebel Leader who shines with an ethereal presence, the band is rounded out by the formidable Björn the Captain, Michael the Magician, Mats the Rambler and Mika the Sage. ARCTIS creates a dynamic and captivating energy and elevates to new heights. Here they are to tell us many interesting things on TrueMetal!
Can you please introduce the band to the italian readers?
Alva:
Ciao, Italia! We’re Arctis, a band born in the heart of Finland, where the winters are long and the nights feel eternal. Our music is a fusion of those landscapes: powerful, dark, and cinematic, but always with a melody you can grab onto. I’m Alva, the Ice Queen, leading the charge with vocals that tell stories of battles and resilience. Beside me is Björn, our Captain, on guitar – who brings both passion and grit to our sound. Then we have Mika, holding down the rhythm with a sense of calm, and Michael, who brings his mystical energy to the guitar. Together, we’re Arctis, and we’re here to create an experience that goes beyond metal. We’re a modern metal band, but we draw inspiration from so much more pop, Nordic mythology, and even the cinematic soundscapes you’d hear in epic film scores. Arctis is like a world in itself, a place where heavy riffs, icy melodies, and haunting lyrics all collide. We’re thrilled to share this debut album with the world, and we can’t wait to bring Arctis to life on stage, especially for all of you in Italy. Grazie mille for welcoming us!
Your new release, Arctis, was produced by multi-platinum, award-winning Jimmy Westerlund (Sturm und Drang), mixed by Stefan Glaumann (Rammstein), and mastered by two-time Grammy-nominated Svante Forsbäck (Rammstein). What can you tell us about the production of the album?
Alva:
Working with Jimmy was super intense but also fun! He wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best, which meant pushing us sometimes to our breaking points. There was one night I remember so clearly when we were working on the vocals for “WWM”, Jimmy had me singing take after take, trying to capture this raw, fierce energy, and even though I was exhausted, he kept saying, “One more. Just one more.” That’s Jimmy in a nutshell he sees potential you didn’t even know you had, and he won’t let you walk away until you find it. By the end of those sessions, I felt like I’d been through a war, but it was worth it. The songs feel alive because he helped us pour our souls into them.
Björn:
To say it was intense would be putting it lightly. Jimmy’s studio in Sipoo became our home away from home. There were endless nights of recording, editing, re-recording going over every little detail until we got it just right. Jimmy’s got this ability to bring out the magic in a track, and he really helped us discover what Arctis could sound like. He’s also got a wicked sense of humor, which you need after the tenth take at 3 a.m. When Stefan Glaumann came in to mix, it felt like we were passing the baton to another master. Stefan’s touch made everything feel cohesive, polished, and full of punch. And here’s the kicker: Stefan had mixed the original “Bimbo” back in the day, so when he came in to mix our version, it was like everything was coming full circle.
Mika:
By the time it got to Svante, we knew we’d crafted something we were proud of, and he was the perfect guy to finish it off. I’ve always admired his work he brings this clarity and power to the final sound that makes everything hit just right. He’s super professional but so easygoing, and he has this sixth sense for what a track needs to come alive. For me, one of the most memorable parts of the process was just seeing how all these people with such talent brought out something unique in each song. I guess that’s the beauty of music production you start with ideas, but by the end, those ideas have become something bigger than you imagined.
Michael:
It’s wild to think about how much work went into creating these tracks. Jimmy, Stefan, and Svante all had their own special roles in shaping the final sound of Arctis, and each one of them left a mark. Jimmy brought the fire, Stefan polished it, and Svante gave it the perfect sendoff. We’re just grateful to have had them with us on this journey. We walked away with an album that feels like it’s telling our story as a band and as people who are still discovering what Arctis is, every day.
How would you describe the Arctis’ sound to a potential new fan?
Alva:
The sound of Arctis is like stepping into a powerful, mystical world it’s heavy, emotional, and a bit otherworldly, yet also catchy and accessible. We wanted it to feel like an epic journey where you’re not just listening to music but stepping into a whole new experience. There’s this contrast that defines us, something between light and dark, rawness and refinement. You’ll find elements of metal, of course, but we blend it with these cinematic soundscapes, pop hooks, and a bit of electronic texture. Our goal was to make each song feel intense but still melodic, something that pulls you in emotionally.
Björn:
The core of Arctis is metal, but we don’t like to stay within any one boundary. We draw from everything pop, symphonic sounds, even a bit of the Nordic melancholy. There’s a mix of big, anthemic choruses and raw, heavy riffs that keep it grounded. Think of it like a storm intense, powerful, and ever-shifting. We also wanted that balance of hard and soft, to reflect the energy of the north: dark winters, bright summers, icy landscapes, and modern energy. And as a guitarist, I can say we had a lot of fun blending those contrasts in the instrumentation.
Michael:
We’re a band that loves exploring the unexpected. You’ll hear metal, sure, but also these haunting, almost ethereal elements that give it a different vibe. I always try to bring something unique into the guitar work echoes, spacey delays, and a bit of weirdness to add that extra layer of mystery. We all come from different musical backgrounds, and I think that shows in our sound. If I had to sum it up, I’d say Arctis is like a cinematic metal journey. It’s immersive, and there’s always something new to discover with each listen.
Mika:
For me, the sound of Arctis is about creating an atmosphere something intense but also surprisingly calm at times. I wanted the drums to feel like they’re driving each song forward, but not in the way you’d expect in traditional metal. There are moments where the rhythm is more subtle, almost like a heartbeat in the background, and others where it’s thunderous. It’s a mix of contrasts, and we love playing around with that. We’re trying to connect with people on different levels, not just with volume or speed, but with depth.
What can you tell us about the visual aspect of the album and the importance of physical formats in this digital age?
Alva:
For us, the visual side of Arctis is just as important as the music itself. The album cover, created by Holger Fichtner, is all about capturing the feel of our music it’s this vast landscape with an Arctic mountain and a massive moon in the background. It’s dark and mysterious, but there’s also a certain stillness to it. It’s a bit like the north itself: quiet, powerful, and a little haunting. We wanted it to give you that sense of entering a timeless, almost mythical world where the music lives.
Mika:
The physical format was essential for us, especially since we’re trying to create an experience that goes beyond just streaming a song. There’s something special about holding an album in your hands, seeing the cover art up close, feeling the weight of iy makes the whole experience more real, more immersive. We’re huge fans of vinyl, and seeing Arctis pressed onto a record is a bit of a dream come true. There’s just a different connection with the music when you’ve got the vinyl spinning and the artwork right in front of you.
Björn:
There’s this sense of permanence with physical formats that you don’t get with digital music. In the digital age, music can feel a bit disposable. We wanted our album to feel like something you can keep, look at, and experience fully. It’s about inviting fans into this universe we’ve built and giving them something they can hold onto.
Any thoughts you can share about the lyrical side of the album?
Alva:
The lyrics are an essential part of Arctis. They’re deeply personal but also universal, these songs capture themes of struggle, resilience, and freedom. I wanted the lyrics to feel like they were reaching into the darker parts of life, the moments where you’re fighting both yourself and the world around you. We talk about battling internal demons, breaking free from things that hold us back, and finding strength even in the hardest times. It’s about standing up when everything feels against you, even if you’re scared. And while there’s darkness, there’s also a lot of hope, because I think those two always go hand in hand. Each song is like a chapter in that ongoing story.
Björn:
For me, the lyrics are about resilience. There’s a lot in there about facing hardship and moving through it, but there’s also a sense of adventure and loyalty, like a call to arms, but also a call to stay true to yourself and the people around you. It’s a bit like being on a journey with your closest allies, knowing that even when things get tough, you’ve got each other’s backs. We all contributed to the stories behind these songs in our own ways, so you’ll see themes of loyalty, defiance, and strength throughout. We wanted it to feel like there’s always something worth fighting for, no matter what.
Mika:
There’s a lot of introspection in our lyrics, too. We explore themes like anxiety and doub, those internal battles that aren’t always easy to talk about but that everyone faces in some way. It’s like a search for peace and meaning amid the noise, and that’s something I connect with a lot. The lyrics often reflect that duality, where you’re searching for strength even when you feel uncertain or lost. That’s something I think a lot of our listeners will relate to on a personal level.
Michael:
A lot of the lyrics tap into that idea of transformation of going through something difficult and coming out the other side a little stronger, maybe a little different. There’s a sense of mystery in the lyrics, too, where not everything is spelled out. I think that open-endedness invites listeners to find their own meaning in the songs, to connect in their own way. We’re all bringing pieces of our lives and experiences into these lyrics, so there’s a mix of personal battles, wild energy, and even a touch of myth.
Which are your main inspirations in terms of musicians and bands?
Björn:
I draw a lot from symphonic movie scores, those big, sweeping soundscapes that add tension and depth to every scene. They inspire me to create something larger-than-life with our music, something that feels cinematic. And we’re all about pushing boundaries in modern metal, so bands like Bring Me The Horizon are also a big influence on us. They mix genres and bring in different elements, from electronic to pop, without losing any of their intensity, which is exactly what we’re after in Arctis.
Alva:
For me, I admire vocalists who can command a song with both power and grace. Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation and Floor Jansen from Nightwish are those influences, they both have that incredible range and presence that make each song feel like a story. But mostly I am influenced by the vibe of the climate we live in, this dark Nordic atmosphere that gives mystique to everything we create. I love the melancholia and mystique of the North.
Mika:
I’m drawn to dark electronic music and nu-metal, there’s something about the gritty sound of artists like Deftones and Korn that resonates with me. That darker, raw vibe really adds an edge, and I try to bring that same feeling into my drumming. There’s a kind of pulse and rhythm in electronic music that’s hypnotic, and combining that with heavier influences gives our music a unique depth and energy.
Michael:
For me, it’s all about that heavy, modern sound with a twist. bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Spiritbox and Sleep Token are massive influences. They’re both so innovative, blending heavy riffs with softer, more haunting elements. That’s exactly what we’re after in Arctis in the future, balancing intensity with melody. Those bands inspire me to experiment and keep things fresh, so our sound always feels like it’s evolving and keeps listeners hooked.
What shall the fans expect from your forthcoming tour?
Alva:
This is our first time stepping onto a stage as Arctis, so we’re just as curious as the fans to see what it’ll be like! We’ve put everything into preparing for this, but there’s only so much you can plan, the real magic happens when the energy of the crowd mixes with ours. It’s a bit terrifying, honestly, but that’s part of the excitement. We want fans to feel like they’re stepping into our world with us, and we’ll be bringing every ounce of energy we have. It’s going to be intense, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together live.
Björn:
We’re jumping into the deep end with this tour, especially getting to share the stage with Apocalyptica right off the bat. We’re prepared, we’re hyped, but at the same time, we don’t fully know what to expect yet! What I do know is that we’re bringing everything we’ve got to every single show, and we’re ready to give our all for the fans. We’ve put a ton of effort into rehearsing, but there’s nothing like that first time feeling the crowd’s energy. So, here’s to the unknown and seeing where it takes us!
Are you satisfied with working with a legendary label such as Napalm Records?
Alva:
Absolutely! Working with Napalm Records has been a huge honor and honestly feels a bit surreal. They’ve been incredibly supportive of our vision for Arctis. Napalm is known for nurturing bands with unique identities, and that’s been key for us.
Björn:
Working with a label as established as Napalm gives us a real sense of backing. It’s like they’re this seasoned ship that knows exactly how to navigate the music industry’s wild seas, and they’re helping steer Arctis in the right direction. What’s cool about Napalm is that they really understood what we wanted to do and encouraged us to keep pushing ourselves. Plus, they have a solid history with some of our favorite bands, so to join that roster is both humbling and motivating. We want to live up to that legacy and give our best.
Michael:
One of the best parts of working with Napalm is that they totally understand the artistic side of things. As a newcomer, having that trust from a label with their reputation is huge. They’re not just about putting out albums, they’re about helping bands grow and connect with their audience on a deeper level. That kind of support means everything, especially as a new band stepping into this intense industry.
Finland has a solid tradition of amazing rock and metal music: how is such music perceived by let’s say ordinary Finnish people?
Alva:
In Finland, metal is almost woven into the culture; it’s not just music, it’s an identity. People here see metal as something that resonates with real emotions: strength, defiance, even sorrow and I think that’s why it’s so widely embraced. It’s not unusual to hear metal on the radio or see big metal festivals that bring together fans from all walks of life. For Arctis, that means we’re building on a strong tradition but also adding our own twists.
Björn:
Metal has a special place in the hearts of Finns. It’s something you grow up with, even if you’re not a musician or a dedicated metalhead. It’s like a common language that anyone can connect with here, from teenagers to people in their 60s. I think it’s partly because metal captures a lot of the grit and resilience that defines Finnish culture. It’s honest, raw, and unfiltered, and that’s something people respect. That said, we’re seeing a lot of Finnish bands, including us, experimenting and expanding what metal can be, bringing in new elements while staying true to that core. We’re proud to be part of that movement and to represent Finland in our own way.
Alva:
Honestly, in Finland, you don’t just hear metal on the radio, you hear it in the grocery store. You could be picking out vegetables, and suddenly you’re headbanging in the produce aisle to some death metal track. Metal is everywhere, from summer festivals to karaoke bars. I think it’s the only country where you can win a karaoke competition singing a growling version of “Enter Sandman.”
Björn:
Yeah, it’s like, here in Finland, metal is basically a birthright. You’re practically issued a black hoodie and a pair of headphones with Nightwish playing on repeat the moment you’re born. If you’re not in a band by age 12, you’re probably considered a bit of a rebel!
Mika:
And let’s just say, metal isn’t just music here, it’s a sport. There’s nothing quite like seeing a Finnish mosh pit; you’d think it’s a synchronized workout routine. The level of commitment is serious. But hey, we’re ready to bring that same energy to our shows, so let’s see if we can get people moshing in the produce aisle in Italy too!
Which final message and greeting would you send to your Italian fans?
Alva:
To our incredible Italian fans: grazie mille! We can’t express how excited we are to finally bring Arctis to Italy. We’re building a whole world with our music, and we’re beyond thrilled to invite you into it. It’s going to be intense, loud, and full of energy, and we know the Italian crowd is going to bring just as much fire.
Björn:
Yes, Italy, you guys know how to show up with passion, and we’re ready for it! We’ll be bringing every bit of that Nordic energy. We’ve heard how epic Italian crowds can be, so let’s make the show unforgettable. And hey, we might even pick up a few Italian phrases along the way!
Mika:
Absolutely. Italian fans, you’re already part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to meet you, to feel your energy, and to share the Arctis experience together. Bring your voices, your passion, and maybe a few food recommendations (we’re dead serious about that one)! Until then, stay metal and get ready, because it’s going to be unforgettable. Ci vediamo presto, Italia!
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