From Death metal to prog to soaring ’70s-inspired driven riffs the solo project Octoploid from Olli has a wide range of influences and features guest appearances from friends and artists he has worked with over the years. I caught up with Olli to talk all about the forthcoming debut album “Beyond The Aeons” due out on July 5, 2024, via Reigning Phoenix Music.
OCTOPLOID is the solo band of Olli-Pekka Laine (bass, keyboards, backing vocals; AMORPHIS, BARREN EARTH, MANNHAI), and was formed in 2022 which has led to “Beyond The Aeons,” the act’s debut album which is due to be released on July 5, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). Combining elements from 90s death/black metal, 70s prog rock and 90s psychedelic rock, their music has its own place on the map.
In one phrase, OCTOPLOID’s sound is described as a “classic death prog.” Built around Laine, the core band includes four additional musicians: Well-seasoned and diverse drummer Mikko Pietinen brings experience from stoner rock (MANNHAI) to Finnish mainstream pop rock (KASMIR etc.), while lead/rhythm guitarist Peter Salonen (THE KINKY THING; a band performing Finnish psych rock legends KINGSTON WALL covers) is a quite new face in the scene. The five-piece is completed by keyboardist Kim Rantala (GIANT ROBOT, ex-AMORPHIS) and vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN etc.; live).
Pre-order the album in your preferred physical format (CD-digipak or eco-friendly/recycled “dusk of vex” marbled vinyl), pre-save it on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-order it digitally to instantly receive ‘The Hallowed Flame [feat. Mikko Kotamäki],’ ‘The Dawns In Nothingness [feat. Mikko Kotamäki],’ and ‘Human Amoral [feat. Tomi Joutsen].’ Order now, here: https://octoploid.rpm.link/beyondtheaeonsPR
OCTOPLOID are:
Mikko Kotamäki | vocals (live)
Peter Salonen | guitars
Kim Rantala | keyboards
Olli-Pekka Laine | bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Mikko Pietinen | drums, percussion
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