Daniel Lioneye is the side project from a few of the members of the Finnish band HIM. The band consists of Linde aka Daniel Lioneye (HIM) on guitars, bass and vocals, Burton (HIM) on keyboards and Bolton (Enochian Crescent) on drums. Daniel Lioneye's debut album, The King Of Rock 'N' Roll, was only released in Finland and Germany and was considered to be a psychedelic, stoner rock album infused with blue-grass, classic rock guitar riffs, and deep vocals. As some of you may know, the title track eventually became the theme song for Bam Margera's TV show, Viva La Bam.

These guys are back since forming in 2001, with their second album appropriately titled,Volume II and this time around the band decided to go with a completely different sound for their first North American release. I was given an early listen before its April 27th release, and let me tell you, I was blown away at how shockingly, but pleasantly surprising it was. It has an extreme, slightly black metal vibe to it that sort of slaps you in the face upon first listen. It may be surprising to some that such insane screams and intricate guitar riffs are coming from the quiet Fin that plays in a love metal band.

Being that Linde aka Daniel Lioneye is known for being very soft-spoken (or hardly spoken) I was honored when told he would do an interview for Crusher Magazine, (not to mention he is one of my personal favorite guitar players). I had the privilege of chatting with him at his hotel on the first U.S. tour date for his band HIM in Philadelphia. He generously gave me all the time I wanted to talk about the beautifully twisted new album, musical influences, his love for animals, and about life and insanity in general. He was as down to earth and interesting as I expected him to be, and through our conversation it all made sense as to why he created the Daniel Lioneye persona in the first place.

JELENA GLAVIC: So I’ve been listening to the new album non-stop for the past week, and I actually wasn’t sooo surprised that it was heavy metal. I kind of get the feeling that it’s the quiet ones in the band that are hiding their inner “black metal”.

DANIEL LIONEYE: [laughs slyly] Might be...

JG: So where were you hiding this? Have you always wanted to do a black metal album?

DL: No it’s not something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I’ve been into black metal bands going back about 10 years or so. I just had a five-year episode in my life; I had a lot of trouble in my personal life, and anger was building up inside of me. We had already done one Daniel Lioneye album so I thought that it fit perfectly to make this one so heavy because he’s Daniel Lioneye and well, he can do whatever he wants.

JG: How did the Daniel Lioneye/split personality come about?

DL: Oh yeah I suppose it is like a split personality type of thing. Back in the day I used to get really drunk. My mind was no longer there. It was like someone else was in my body, blah blah blah. [laughs]

JG: Wow, long story short. Haha.

DL: On this album, I talked to my best friend who is a very good metal drummer, Bolton about some ideas and riffs I had. I did the guitar and bass, and then Burton (the keyboardist from HIM) added the keyboards later.

JG: So this is your way of letting your inner turmoil out.

DL: Exactly.

JG: And without even understanding the lyrics, because even after listening to the songs over and over again, they are pretty difficult to make out…but it almost didn’t even matter because the music speaks for itself.

DL: Yeah the vocals are not the main thing on this album. There will eventually be a booklet with the lyrics though. Haha.

JG: Oh good! I did gather that in a couple of the songs you mention finding yourself. Do you feel any closer to self discovery at this point in your life after writing this album?

DL: Yeah definitely, it was like a journey. It’s for real; it’s coming from real emotions. I didn’t write this album to please anybody except for myself.

JG: So who are you? [laughing] A lot of your fans have always been curious about you because you don’t do a lot of interviews, if any, as far as I know.

DL: No, I don’t. [smiles coyly]

JG: So how would you describe yourself to somebody (without getting too personal)?

DL: Oh boy, that’s a difficult one. Haha. I suppose, let the music do the talking; I keep myself to myself. I’m not the most social person.

JG: See, those quiet ones are always the super-talented ones. (Just sayin’.)

DL: Oh, I don’t know about that, but thank you! [laughing]

JG: There is obviously an abundance of amazing black/heavy metal bands in the Scandinavian countries, why do you suppose there isn’t nearly as many here in the U.S.?

DL: It’s so cold and dark over there. People are so happy over here.

JG: That’s no excuse!

DL: I know; I’m pretty much into Strapping Young Lad, that kind of vibe. I like them a lot.

JG: They’re Canadians! [both laughing] So what are some of your favorite bands from overseas?

DL: Hmm, well I like Enochian Crescent. They’re from Finland.

JG: Do you listen to Meshuggah?

DL: No. I mean they’re great at what they do, but too technical for me. I’m actually not a huge metalhead; I’m not very narrow-minded when it comes to music.

JG: You’re not a huge metalhead?

DL: In a way I am, but I like to listen to different kinds of music. I like Elvis; I love Frank Sinatra as well.

JG: Well it’s good that you like all types of music. You must enjoy being in two completely different sounding bands, Daniel Lioneye and HIM. It’s a good balance.

DL: It is. It really is. And now that we did the Daniel Lioneye thing completely different, it turned out to be great balance.

JG: Do you plan on touring Daniel Lioneye?

DL: Yes we would love to do that.

JG: Not while HIM is on tour though.

DL: No, we have been talking about doing some festivals, if there is time for that. So when we get back home from this (HIM) tour, we (Daniel Lioneye) can get our shit together and hopefully do some shows. It would definitely be a spectacle.

JG: You have to play a show in New York City! If rock’n’roll is alive anywhere, it’s here. There’s always going to be a venue, an audience. Sadly though, the music industry is in the shitter. Is that affecting your band(s) these days?

DL: Of course. It affects everybody because record sales are going down. But I don’t know if there’s anything to be scared of, I mean, the world is changing all the time. I don’t think music will die or disappear. There’s always going to be people who want to listen to music and there will be a way to make money off of it, too. People will still download music on the internet, and pay something for it so, I’m not scared. Haha.

JG: So in terms of guitar players, you’ve always been on my list of most underrated guitar players. You’re amazing. Who are some of your favorites?

DL: This guy that used to play with Iggy Pop, “Mighty” Whitey Kirst. I think he’s pretty underrated. Nobody really knows about him. I like him a lot. And then of course Devin Townsend is a great guitar player. I don’t know if he’s necessarily underrated, but he’s brilliant. Then there’s this band from Finland called Kingston Wall, which broke up ages ago and the singer/guitar player named Petri Walli died ages ago, but he was a brilliant guitar player, very talented and very unknown to people.

JG: It’s such a shame when there’s so much talent that never sees the light of day, because they’re not “mainstream” or radio friendly. You’ve got to dig deep to find the good stuff because it’s usually not on the radio. I’m surprised at how many people don’t know who I’m talking about when I mention you or even HIM sometimes.

DL: Yeah I suppose with our band, HIM, that the main focus is on Ville and it’s been like that since day 1…and I don’t mind at all. I don’t want to be in the limelight. I don’t want to be the center of attention. It makes me nauseous. [both laughing]

JG: So other than the band and playing music, what else do you do to let your anger out? Some of your other passions?

DL: Well I love animals. I have four Sphynx cats back home and a huge white German Shepherd. He’s a big boy.

JG: That’s awesome! Does he get along with the cats?

DL: He does, actually, but not with other dogs. He’s very protective. I have been taking him to dog school three times a week for over a year now, but I love him.

JG: That’s quite often. [laughing]

DL: I know!

JG: Where did you get the Sphynx cats?

DL: In Finland. They’re not so rare over there. I’ve always had a cat since I was born, and then I became allergic to cats so I found out about this breed. (They’re hairless.)

JG: I’m allergic too. I should consider the Sphynx.

DL: They really touch my soul. I actually prefer animals to most human beings.

JG: I’ve said that I prefer animals to humans many times. People think I’m insane. [Both laughing] So do you play any sports? [Again, both laughing]

DL: Nooo! I think our drummer Gas is a hockey freak. You know, he’s a pretty big guy…

JG: Player or observer?

DL: Observer. Haha.

JG: I’ve never been to Finland before, what should I put on my list of things to do/see (aside from going to tons of shows)?

DL: You should probably go to Lapland. I’ve never been there myself, but you should go see the Northern Lights. They’re something to experience.

JG: Oh yes, I’ve heard about that! Ever been to Rovaniemi? The Arctic Circle?

DL: Ah yes! I’ve been to Rovaniemi but not all the way to the top, never been to the Arctic Circle.

JG: You’ve been to Croatia right? My homeland.

DL: No I haven’t actually.

JG: You’ve never played a show there?

DL: Oh yes! Sorry. Haha. We never get to spend much time exploring though. Unfortunately we spend any free time in the hotels.

JG: Do you remember which city you were in?

DL: I believe it was Zagreb.

JG: Most likely.

DL: It’s funny, our bass player and our drummer, both of their wives are from Croatia.

JG: Oh really? Interesting. [laughs] Too bad you couldn’t really experience the country. It’s beautiful!

DL: Oh yes, I’ve heard. I’ve heard. Same thing with a lot of places. We don’t really get to see it.

JG: They need to space out your schedule a bit more …

DL: I agree, but unfortunately we’re not there to have fun.

JG: So you guys have been here in Philadelphia for a few days now. Did you notice how friendly and social the people are here?

DL: Yeah they really are. It’s very different in Finland; everyone is quiet and keeps to themselves. Like if somebody talks to some random stranger they think you’re a lunatic. But they are kind-hearted anyway.

JG: That’s very true. Sometimes Eastern Europeans can come off harsh but we mean well…we have hearts! We actually appreciate sadness, and that’s particularly why I love your music because it is heavily Slavic sounding and always has that melancholic vibe to it. It’s like a celebration of sadness, a happy sadness, if you will.

DL: Yes exactly. That’s a good way of putting it. I suppose it’s in the blood. We’re all pretty whiney. [Both laughing]

JG: We’re moody bastards.

DL: Oh yes we are.

JG: You had a lot of guitar solos on Venus Doom (HIM) and it was overall your heaviest album to date. How exciting was it making that album for you?

DL: I enjoyed it very much. I love doing guitar solos and Venus Doom was heavy and very guitar orientated. I loved making that album.

JG: I personally love Venus Doom. That album needed to happen. I just wish it got more promotion, airplay, something! What happened?

DL: I think the main problem with that album was that it leaked many months before it was released, and that affected everything, album sales, etc. And it wasn’t a very radio-friendly album, you know, because they’re scared of harsh guitars.

JG: That’s terrible. There could’ve been some great music videos off that album. Any plans to a video for the first Daniel Lioneye single?

DL: Yes, we’re actually planning to have a video contest where anybody can make the video. We’re going to put up another song on our MySpace, and then people can choose either song and make a video; it can be whatever they want.

JG: Oh wow, great idea! So you guys aren’t going to be in the video at all?

DL: Nope. I don’t want to make another boring video where the band is just playing.

JG: Yeah Frantz told me him and Bam probably won’t make another HIM video but that’s only because they’ve done five or six of them already.

DL: I don’t know that we’ll never work on one together again; we just haven’t talked about it. I haven’t talked to either him or Bam in a long time. We’ve done many videos with them, so we don’t want to start repeating ourselves.

JG: Yeah in the words of Frantz, “We don’t want to beat a dead horse!”

DL: Haha, yes exactly.

JG: You obviously went in a different, more simplistic direction with HIM’s latest video for “Scared To Death”. Did you use an American director?

DL: No he is an English guy. I unfortunately can’t remember his name, but he was a great guy, and he was cheap too! [Both laughing]

JG: It was mentioned that you talk about letting go in the new Daniel Lioneye album. Whether they are minor or completely overpowering your life, how do you personally let go of things in your life?

DL: Hmm...Well, it’s not easy. I smoke pot, that’s one! It allows me to relax. I suppose life is one big lesson on letting go, ya know? People die, relationships end, and things happen. You just have to get used to it. Look at the stars and remember you’re not the only one here. Music is a great way to let shit go. I let so much out when I finished this (Daniel Lioneye) album so that part of my life has been dealt with, I don’t have to think about it anymore.

JG: Seems like the past few years have sucked for a lot of people. I know many people have been looking forward to 2010 and starting fresh. I could tell by listening to the new album that you had a lot of anger and aggression to get out--not that I enjoy reveling in other people’s misery, but it makes for a great album! I know it was cathartic for you to make it but it was probably just as much for me to listen to it over and over.

DL: Yeah I definitely agree. I was feeling really bad and it really helped me get through things. There’s something about a good double-bass..

JG: Haha. Yeah. It’s like therapy!

DL: I know it really is for me too!

JG: Some of the songs are very reminiscent of Cradle of Filth.

DL: That’s quite a compliment. Thank you.

JG: Were they a direct influence?

DL: Oh yeah. I’ve been listening to them a lot, yeah.

JG: When I first listened to the album, I was shocked because it’s so in your face and not what I was expecting at all, considering the first one was practically bluegrass. I especially liked “Neolithic Way” because you combined metal and oriental music very well. It’s amazing.

DL: Oh thank you. That’s really great to hear because that was definitely part of the plan.
(At this point Seppo, HIM’s long-time manager, casually walks over and kindly introduces himself. He talks to Linde briefly about sound check and whatnot. Super nice guy!)

JG: So HIM is playing Irving Plaza three nights in a row in May, ending the tour in New York City. That’s pretty damn exciting!

DL: Yeah they originally had booked one show there. You know, we wanted to end the tour in style and not perform in front of like, three people. But I guess it sold out right away so they added a second and third date at the same venue. We played at Irving Plaza a few years back, it was a disaster. It was kind of hilarious. Not if you were in the band, but for the audience.

JG: It must be much more enjoyable now playing live (with Ville Valo being sober).

DL: Yeah it really is. We had a really good tour so far. The shows in the U.K. were perfect. The audience was great.

JG: And what better place for it to end than in New York City? There’s a ways to go (until May) but that’s great to hear that the tour is going so well!

DL: Yeah. We’re also doing a Daniel Lioneye listening party in New York City sometime in May as well.

JG: Oh nice! I’ll definitely be there!

DL: Oh absolutely. Yeah, it’ll be great. The whole band will be there, the drummer is coming from Finland.

JG: I was going to ask you, why didn’t Ville return on drums for the second album?

DL: He’s a rock’n’roll drummer, a really great one, by the way. But this was a heavy album. I did the bass myself, but Mige (HIM) will be playing bass at the lives shows. He promised to perform on stage naked. [Both laughing]

JG: Excellent! Now that’s a sight to see!

DL: Mige and I actually wrote most of the songs together. He’s a very good song writer.

JG: I can’t wait until the album actually comes out so I can read the lyrics!

DL: I actually hardly ever buy CDs. Mostly I buy music on iTunes simply because I want it, like, now.

JG: You don’t enjoy buying a cd, going home and flipping through the artwork and reading the lyrics as you listen to it for the first time?!

DL: No, that doesn’t matter to me. You can find lyrics to songs anywhere on the internet. Of course CDs are nice, but vinyl is much nicer. The artwork looks a lot better on vinyl because it’s bigger and just much better than a cd. There is going to be a booklet with the Daniel Lioneye CD and some beautiful pictures and paintings that a dear friend of mine did.

JG: Very cool! Where did you record the album?

DL: In Helsinki. First we went to this big studio in Helsinki for five days where we did guitars and drums and then I recorded the vocals and bass at my home studio. Then Burton recorded the keyboards in his home studio. We used the same producer from the first Daniel Lioneye album who also produced the first HIM album as well as Love Metal. He’s a great guy and very talented.

JG: Do you generally prefer to work with Finnish producers?

DL: I don’t mind really. We worked with Matt Squire, who’s an American guy, on the newest HIM album and he’s a great guy, younger than we are [laughing], but at the end of the day he made a great album and he’s a great guy.

JG: That’s all that really matters.

DL: Yup, exactly.

JG: Well I think I’ve taken up plenty of your time. It was a real pleasure meeting you. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to sit down and chat.

DL: [Laughing] Thank you, thank you! Pleasure meeting you as well; see you at the show tonight.

JG: Good luck and safe travels on the rest of the tour.