Pete Ahonen of Burning Point

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome back once again, guitarist/vocalist Pete Ahonen! This makes my THIRD interview wih Pete, a FIRST for both of us!!

West Side Dave: It`s been about three years since the bands` last release. What was the reason for the hiatus and what transpired during that time? Pete Ahonen: Basically we went through a very messy situation because of the very shitty label manager ( it was a label which initially licensed us to Limb Music ). He tried to claim us a huge sums of money etc and there were whole bunch of lawyers involved, you know, the whole nine yards : ) In the end the truth won, but we were force to make a new deal with Limb and they changed some clauses on the contract and we didn`t accept that...so, we left from the label. I don`t remember what made me send the old demo to Georg in Metal Heaven, but he was very excited about the quality of those songs and offered us a deal. Also, the new line-up: Jukka Jokikokko on bass and Pekka Kolivuori on guitars. So, now we back with a new label, new and very capable line-up and a killer new album!! WSD: In your opinion, how does the latest album "Burned Down The Enemy" compare to "Feeding The Flames"? PA: Well, of course all the elements have improved. Song writing, vocals, playing, you name it. There are lots more choir/harmony vocals, keyboards are playing a bigger part (because we now have a keyboardist, why hide it ?) I`d say that this is our most versatile album. WSD: It seems that you`ve moved away somewhat from the traditional Power Metal style of the previous two albums in favor of a more melodic Hard Rock sound. Was this a conscious move or did things just work out this way? PA: Although the labels and some of the reviewers put that power metal "sticker" on us, I`d still say we are a melodic heavy metal band above all. So, if you play within those "boundaries" you have more space to move in your songwriting etc. 80-85% of the songs were written in 2003-2004 so it was very natural progress and continuation to our previous album. My style of song writing is that i just pick up my guitar and start playing, you`ll never know what kind of song there will be, but there always will be a song hahah! WSD: Which songs from the CD do you feel best represent Burning Point 2007? PA: I think that the album as a whole. Versatility is the key word ; ) WSD: Could you pick out some tracks from the new album and explain the inspiration behind them? PA: I think that it`s like, the names have been chance to protect the innocent hah hah! Lyrics are from the facts and they`re spiced with some fiction. ;) WSD: You wrote al the music and lyrics for the album. Is this by default or do you prefer it that way? PA: It was the case this time, but with the new guys in the band this is going to be diffrent with the next album. Some of the new songs totally blew me away!

Burning Point 2007

WSD: How did you go about recording the album? PA: All went down very smoothly. We recorded the album in a few different sessions in the summer at the Helgate studios. The mixing happened at the Tonebox studios with Kari "Kakke" Vähäkuopus and mastering was done by Minerva Pappi in the famous Finnvox in Helsinki. WSD: What`s the current status of your other band, Ghost Machinery? PA: Basically the second album is written, but due to the unproffesionalism and huge financial problems with our former label we decided to leave. So, i think that when the "dust " settles down a little bit we are going to activate again. The new songs are excellent and there is a very "surprise" cover song also!;) Some of the labels have showed interest, but we`re not rushing in to things... WSD: And you also have yet ANOTHER band called Stargazery. Can you tell us a little about this band? PA: Well, i had this song called "How Many Miles " that didn`t quite fit neither the Burning Point or the Ghost Machinery...so, i decided to form another band heh heh...I`ve known these guys for a long time, but i haven`t played with them...so , in my book, a perfect choice :) We just released our debyt internet single Dying / Rescue it can be downloaded ( for free heh heh ) from our website, www.stargazery.com Line-up is Jari Tiura ( MSG, Snakegod ) / Vocals, Marco Sneck ( Poison Black, Kalmah ) / Keyboards, Jukka Jokikokko ( Burning Point, Scarlet Thread ) / Bass, Jarkko Huhtela / Drums and me in guitars : ) Our "official" world premiere on the stage is in 14th of April at the Anti-Open-Air Metal Festival in our Hometown Oulu. Also, we are doing a very surprise gig to support the Finnish metal pioneers Tarot in 24th of this month... WSD: What equipment are you currently using, and why? PA: Marshall amps and cabinets and very old a little bit customized Ibanez RG 550, also my handmade signature model and few others guitars. I just love how they sound and feel ! But of course, i am willing to change my mind...Endorsments, hello... heh heh WSD: What bands/artists have you been listening to lately? PA: I just bought the new Helloween DVD, it`s awesome! There are so many bands on my list because i`m a huge music consumer!:) Heavenly, Dreamland, Dragonland are few that recently were in my cd player... WSD: What are your future plans for Burning Point? PA: Gigs, interviews, video from the song Heart of gold, new album etc.... WSD: Final word, Pete! PA: Thanks Dave for the interview, again heh... I also hope that all you metal lovers out there who appreciates good quality and excellent songwriting would go to your nearest record store and demand our new killer album, Burned Down the Enemy !! And thank you very much for the support! Thank YOU, Pete! Can`t wait for interview number 4......