Interview / Sepulchral Curse

Sepulchral Curse is a Finnish blackened death metal band from Turku, formed in 2013, known for blending dark fantasy, occult, spirituality, and mysticism themes in their music. Their lineup consists of vocalist Kari Kankaanpää, guitarists Jaakko Riihimäki and Aleksi Luukka, bassist and backing vocalist Niilas Nissilä, and drummer Johannes Rantala. Over the years, they have released four EPs: A Birth in Death (2014), At the Onset of Extinction (2016), Deathbed Sessions (2022), and Howl of the Cursed (2023), along with three full-length albums: Only Ashes Remain (2020), Abhorrent Dimensions (2023), and Crimson Moon Evocations (2025). Their latest album, Crimson Moon Evocations, was released on February 28, 2025.

First off, I’m really glad you guys loved the “Crimson Moon Evocations” review. I want to congratulate you on a phenomenal album. I didn’t set out to write a review. I just found myself completely absorbed in the music which led me to actually to put my thoughts on paper to share with my fellow metalheads. Your response about how our reaction to your music warms your cold hearts really cracked me up. So tell me, how cold are your hearts?

KARI: Not cold enough for a nice review to warm them? We are not that cold and menacing dudes at all! It truly gladdens me when I read a review where you can tell that the writer truly has gotten the idea on the album and it resonates strongly. Of course to all people, be it a fan or critic.

Joking aside, I have a little confession to make. I didn’t really know much about the band before listening to Crimson Moon Evocations. A friend introduced me to it, and I just dove in headfirst. So, for those like me who may be new to your world, was there a shift in your musical direction from your previous albums? Or is this just a continuation to your sound? Could you walk us through the evolution of your sound?

KARI: I am very certain that us signing to Dark Descent Records has really brought us to the radar of bigger audiences, so that is a victory in itself!

“Crimson Moon Evocations” is sort of a culmination and continuation of our sound. We began in much more crude and raw style, but over the years it shifted and shaped. With our sophomore album “Abhorrent Dimensions” I think our style and sound truly was found. The pieces fell to their place and our lineup was fortified. On our latest album, I think the same pieces are there, but the vision is just more crystallized, more clear. If you love what you hear on “Crimson Moon Evocations”, definitely check out our earlier material, especially “Abhorrent Dimensions”! I would call these two sibling albums.

When I listened to Crimson Moon Evocations, there was this weight to it, almost like a monolithic presence. The production, the title, the artwork, it all feels deeply connected, like one grand, overarching idea. Was that intentional, or did it naturally take shape that way?

KARI: It was definitely intentional. We had a clear artistic vision and sound-wise what we wanted. So, all this just goes naturally to the same direction. Cover, title and songs all need to fit together for a wholesome experience and creative journey. Before we hit the studio, we sat down and thought through the songs on which we will start rehearsing and then together hammer the songs into their final form. Though we did not take that much time before entering studio, I think we were more ready than ever before.

Let’s go back in time. What are the band’s roots? How did it all begin?

KARI: Beer and friendship! Sepulchral Curse started forming out form the friendship between me and Jaakko. We had been friends for a while and started discussing that we should join our stupid heads for a proper old school Death Metal band. I was singing in Solothus and he was playing in Gladenfold and Devastracktor, so neither one of us was playing Death Metal in the way we desired. It was one drunken night that we decided that it was time. This was back in 2013. After that Jaakko composed our first EP and Niilas and Tommi joined the band. Both were long time friends of Jaakko from his younger days. At the end of 2013 we had first rehearsals and rest is history.

Initial idea was to play raw and primitive Death Metal in the vein of the ancient gods, but it very quickly came clear that we were much more ambitious and wanted to go a much darker and twisted path and here we are now! We have had some slower moments, but now we are really moving onward with rapid speed with the band and the focus is right there where it should be!

Individually, what are your inspirations? Both musically and personally.

KARI: Personally, I just really love to sing (or growl). That is something that has always pushed me forward. More than that, performing live is a feeling that is very hard to duplicate, so gigs are what I thrive to do. On top of that I love to meet new people and see new bands and places, so playing gigs and touring is one of my biggest inspirations being in a band. If we go to a more deeper level, I would say it all began for me with Messiah Marcolin. He was the biggest influence to me to ever grab a microphone. I thought if a guy like that can be so cool and rock it, so can I. If we talk about death grunts, my biggest influences were Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom), Anders Johansson (Draconian), Craig Pillard (Incantation) and Mike Perun (Cianide). Lyrically I am inspired by so many things… Comics, books, movies and all kinds of things I pick up from life. I love to drape my visions and lyrics into thick mist of dark fantasy or sword & sorcery as that imaginary really speaks to me the most.

I noticed on a couple of songs that there is a shift in vocal style, a transition between growling and more intense, almost screaming sections. It really adds to the emotional impact. Who is behind that switch? Is it entirely Kari, or is someone else in the band contributing? Either way, it works incredibly well.

KARI: Yeah, it is entirely me. I have been doing 95% of all vocals on “Abhorrent Dimensions” and “Crimson Moon Evocations”. Prior to that we had also Niilas and Tommi doing more. Now Niilas does mostly backups. There are of course parts that he sings solo, but those are a bit more seldom. I used to do this black metallish scream in Yawning Void, so that is something that I can do also with my growls. It is something cool to shift the mood and when singing live, it works really well! I have been enjoying widening my spectrum a lot during past years as a vocalist. Who knows what we will have for our next album!

Let’s talk about Crimson Moon Evocations. What is the story behind it? What inspired the concept, and how did that shape the album? What was the writing and recording process like?

KARI: This time we had a bit looser concept, perhaps even abstract. Idea was more about the greater matters of life, ideas and emotions flowing through this world making us who we are as the pass. That is depicted in the cover and we wanted a grand scenic artwork to represent it. The cult below the ominous moon are performing a dread ritual where the power of the crimson moon takes them over and streams through them, moulding them. We are affected by everything around us, good and bad. The title and theme of “Crimson Moon Evocations” has been with me for a very long time, so just now the time was right to put it to use. I sometimes have these lines or ideas in my head that are without a place yet. As another example, the song “The Locust Scar” was also one that was still looking for the right song and now it found its home.

Jaakko and Aleksi are our composers. Usually, they come up with a song that is 99% ready and send it to the rest of us. Then we take it to rehearsal room and arrange it a bit together. Sometimes they stay in that form, but sometimes they change a bit. Johannes comes up with his drum parts and fills and I do my vocal arrangements. I think on last two albums we kind of thought songs more together and not just perform the composers vision. Something that I truly welcome to the band with open arms, so everyone can put their own input into the music. Recording process followed already successful formula. We went to the same studio as last time which is Oxroad Studios operated by phenomenal Tomi Uusitupa. Recording was as smooth as ever as Tomi is such a cool guy and ultimate pro. He understands what the band needs and executes perfectly. He feels like the sixth member of the band, he is that close to us.

One thing that struck me about this album is how immersive it is. It feels like a complete world rather than just a collection of songs. When you are writing, do you approach it with a conceptual mindset from the beginning, or does the vision come together as the music takes shape?

KARI: Since there are two composers, it takes the form on its self as we progress. Of course, since the musicians are us, it will sound like us, but songs are from two different peoples hands. I think earlier it was clearer which song was composed by whom, but now it feels like the music flows on with same rhythm and sound, it all sounds like Sepulchral Curse. Jaakko’s and Aleksi’s song-writing has clearly taken a step towards each other or they are in the point in their life that they just go in synchronization. We do have ideas like we want certain ending for the album, maybe a slower song there etc. but it is the music that takes control and makes the album what it is. Niilas is very good in thinking about the order of songs, and I think on our last two albums it was a lot of him making this vision, then we do some adjustments out of necessity.

Since I admitted I am new to your catalog but plan to fix that fast, where should I start? Do I go back to the beginning, or is there a specific album that best represents the essence of your band? Will I hear something similar to this record, or is each album its own beast?

KARI: First check out “Abhorrent Dimensions” and go back from there as you grow more primitive yourself and obsessed! “Abhorrent Dimensions” is most close to newest album and has the same (and final) line up. Like mentioned, I think our debut EP is somewhat different from what we are now. Piece by piece we have put together what we are and grown towards the vision what we will do.

Everybody knows about Finland’s deep connection to metal. It is honestly something I love. I visited Helsinki last summer and loved the scene. From your perspective, what is special about being a metal band in Finland? Do you feel the weight of that legacy, or does it just feel like home?

KARI: It has its pros and cons. First off people see Finnish Metal scene as very exotic and something different, so people might be more open minded towards bands from here. I do agree that there is certain kind of heaviness, melancholy and weirdness in many Death Metal bands from Finland. On the downside you will always get compared to 90s Death Metal bands. Of course those have been inspirational, but I do not think we sound that much like most of them. Heck, most of the 90s Death Metal bands from Finland don’t sound like each other either. I mean Rippikoulu? Xysma? Demlich? Purtenance? All sound completely different from each other to me. All in all, of course Finnish Death Metal scene feels like home. That is the stuff that surrounds us and that is the scene we are strongly part of and tied to and a lot of my good friends are made from the scene while playing together or sharing a beer.

There is a strong visual component to your work. The album art, the colors, even the track titles evoke a very distinct atmosphere. How much do visuals influence your creative process? Do you ever think of your music in terms of imagery, or does that come after the fact?

KARI: Visual of the band is extremely important to me. I think now I have been kind of driving force in certain aspects of the visual side, but if you buy one of our albums, you will find them filled with killer artwork from Niilas. While being awesome bassist and musicians, Niilas is also tremendously talented artist. He has been taking care of a lot of our merch designs and promotional material and videos. So naturally his touch on all things visual to us is immense. Though everyone has a say, if they feel like it. For music videos, album covers and promotional pictures, I have been more on the forefront of visuality and idea, but everything other than that from design to execution is strictly Niilas. It is actually really good asset to have a talented artist inside the band!

Every band has that one album, or even just a song, that feels like a turning point, either in how they see themselves or how the audience reacts. Looking back, was there a moment where you felt things shift for you as a band?

KARI: There definitely was a turning point and without a doubt it was “Abhorrent Dimensions” musically, conceptually and as a band. “Abhorrent Dimensions” was the first record to feature our current lineup. Before this our old drummer Tommi left and Johannes joined in. Johannes was a close friend of the band and me and Aleksi played with him in Yawning Void. So, he was pretty much the only choice with whom to continue Sepulchral Curse. If he would not have been up for the job, I do not think we would be here talking. The album stands as the monument and culmination of Sepulchral Curse as when Johannes joined the band, we shifted gears, and the motivation, friendship and dedication lifted to whole new level. Also, it was at that time when Sepulchral Curse became the number one priority for each member.

A lot of bands are putting out vinyl these days, which is awesome because I collect vinyl myself. But what really made me excited was seeing this album released on cassette. Cassette tapes have a deep emotional connection for me. They were my first medium of listening to music, and there is something special about just popping one in and letting it play. They are also super portable and have a kind of raw charm that is hard to replicate. What made you guys decide to release this album on cassette? Was it nostalgia, practicality, or something else entirely?

KARI: I have always loved all physical formats of music. I find tapes having certain kind of character and when touring, it is often cheaper format for fans to buy music. So, it was always a given that our music should come out in all formats. Of course, it is 100% about the label if they want to do it in different formats or not. So far, we have been lucky to have our music out in all formats. Though sometimes the presses have been a bit too small.

So, what is next for you guys? Are you already thinking about new material, planning tours, or just taking a well-earned breather after this release? What should fans be looking forward to?

KARI: No rest for the wicked! Our agents at Kallo Agency and Death Over Rome Booking are furiously filling our calendar for gigs, as that is what we love to do. For this year we have cool gigs and festivals (like Tuska and Kuolio Fest). So that will keep us busy! We did a tour last month, so no tours this year, but who knows what happens next year. Playing live is our main goal for couple of years to come. We already have material for our 4th album, but that will need to wait. We are planning on entering Oxroad Studios later this year (or more realistically next year) to record a song for a split and a bit more, but we can’t yet give any more details about that. All fans and cursed ones should come and catch us live, as Sepulchral Curse is equally well enjoyed live as on records! Stay cursed folks!

---

For more, visit the following links: Instagram | Bandcamp | Facebook  | Spotify