Einherjar86
Active Member
So, after seeing Kiuas live in Helsinki, I feel obliged to share the conversation I had with Ilja Jalkanen (the lead singer of Kiuas) after the show.
A kid whom I met at the show informed me that Ilja was at the bar buying a drink. So, naturally, I approached the bar to introduce myself to this vocalist that I so enjoy listening to.
Now, it's important to emphasize this fact. Ilja is a notorious asshole
Just read his biography on the Kiuas website. He has a tremendous ego, and while others may not enjoy the band as much as I do, I believe that he deserves to hold himself in high regard (after all, "their secret is simple; they're simply better by far"). So, as I approached Ilja, I thought to myself "he probably gets complimented after every show; I'm sure he gets sick of it. He's probably going to be an asshole to me." So I mentally prepared myself.
I placed my hand on his back in a friendly manner and said "Ilja, excuse me... Ilja?"
He turned and looked at me, appearing almost somewhat confused.
I said, "My name's Patrick, I came over from America to see your show, and I just wanted to say that you guys absolutely blew me away. It was a phenomenal show."
Ilja then said the following: he put down his drink on the bar and said, "Well, let me ask you... Patrick, you said, right? (I nodded) Patrick," he said, "let me ask you something. What exactly did you think was so great about it?"
I hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Well, as far as power metal goes, I just think you guys are one of the best..."
He cut me off, shaking his head, and said, "Now wait just a minute; we're not power metal. We are heavy fucking metal!"
I laughed and agreed with him, and then explained that I thought his music was original and creative.
"Oh sure," he replied, "Original, creative, of course; innovative too probably, right? That's a good word."
I nodded and said that they were indeed innovative.
Ilja says, "and of course, their lead singer is absolutely amazing, right? I mean, the best ever."
At this point I hesitate, cock my head for a moment, and then look him in the eyes and say: "Wait, who's their lead singer."
Ilja's eyes went wide, and he then cried out as he pretended to cut his own heart from his chest.
That, more or less, was my introduction to Ilja Jalkanen, and I shall never forget it. He's actually a pretty nice guy.
A kid whom I met at the show informed me that Ilja was at the bar buying a drink. So, naturally, I approached the bar to introduce myself to this vocalist that I so enjoy listening to.
Now, it's important to emphasize this fact. Ilja is a notorious asshole
Just read his biography on the Kiuas website. He has a tremendous ego, and while others may not enjoy the band as much as I do, I believe that he deserves to hold himself in high regard (after all, "their secret is simple; they're simply better by far"). So, as I approached Ilja, I thought to myself "he probably gets complimented after every show; I'm sure he gets sick of it. He's probably going to be an asshole to me." So I mentally prepared myself.I placed my hand on his back in a friendly manner and said "Ilja, excuse me... Ilja?"
He turned and looked at me, appearing almost somewhat confused.
I said, "My name's Patrick, I came over from America to see your show, and I just wanted to say that you guys absolutely blew me away. It was a phenomenal show."
Ilja then said the following: he put down his drink on the bar and said, "Well, let me ask you... Patrick, you said, right? (I nodded) Patrick," he said, "let me ask you something. What exactly did you think was so great about it?"
I hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Well, as far as power metal goes, I just think you guys are one of the best..."
He cut me off, shaking his head, and said, "Now wait just a minute; we're not power metal. We are heavy fucking metal!"
I laughed and agreed with him, and then explained that I thought his music was original and creative.
"Oh sure," he replied, "Original, creative, of course; innovative too probably, right? That's a good word."
I nodded and said that they were indeed innovative.
Ilja says, "and of course, their lead singer is absolutely amazing, right? I mean, the best ever."
At this point I hesitate, cock my head for a moment, and then look him in the eyes and say: "Wait, who's their lead singer."
Ilja's eyes went wide, and he then cried out as he pretended to cut his own heart from his chest.
That, more or less, was my introduction to Ilja Jalkanen, and I shall never forget it. He's actually a pretty nice guy.
