Interviews About Albums: AITTALA - False Pretenses (Re-Release) (2023)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Metal band AITTALA to ask some questions about their album "False Pretenses". 

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

It’s actually not new. It was originally released in 2019 on a different record label. Long story short, we’re now working with Exitus Stratagem Records (they released our latest album ‘Live to Regret’ in Nov 2022) and since our obligation with the other label was done, we decided to release ‘False Pretenses’ on ExSR.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

If you look up the meaning of ‘false pretenses’, it means ‘behavior intended to deceive others.’ When it came time to name the album, I noticed it was a lyrical theme throughout the album. The phrase is even used in a couple different songs. So I felt it was a fitting title.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Eric Aittala was the main music and lyric writer for this album. Eric also played all the guitars, keys, and bass (we were in between bass players at the time) as well as the lead vocals. Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith played the drums as well as the backing vocals.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

There are so many good songs on the album, it’s hard to choose just one. But I think I would go with ‘Funeral Procession’. I originally wrote that song in 1992 and the original version of Aittala played the song live back in that era. I love the orchestration of the middle section with the piano interlude and how it builds.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

I can’t say there is a special message in the album that comes to my mind, but, it’s really up to the ear of the beholder to listen to the lyrics and the music and find meaning in it.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

I really liked the chorus to ‘Black Coffin’ a lot, especially the way it comes together with the music: You barely got a foot out of the cradle You lost your footing ‘cause the ground’s unstable Fall in your grave and tuck yourself in And pound the last nail in your black coffin

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

The songs from the album were inspired by different things. For example, movies inspired ‘They Live’ (from the 80s horror movie of the same name) and ‘Debt’ (inspired by Frank from ‘Hellraiser). Politics inspired ‘Infamy’, ‘Nemesis’, ‘Disowned’ & ‘Afterthought’. And just general observation of life events inspired ‘Different Day’, ‘Black Coffin’, How Much Longer’ & ‘Funeral Procession’.

8. Something to add?

Always support your local music scene as well as discover new music from around the world!