The Finnish modern metal group Arctis are in this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. They recently released their self-titled debut album. Vocalist Alva Sandström, guitarist Bjorn Johansson, guitarist Michael Mikander and drummer Mika Paananen introduce us to their band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Arctis.
Alva Sandström: Arctis began when we were working with our producer, Jimmy Westerlund, on some new material for a previous project. As we dove deeper into the writing, our sound started to take on a life of its own. It was catchy, cinematic, and a little unpredictable — something that didn’t quite fit with what we’d done before. After spending countless hours experimenting in the studio, we knew we were onto something different. That’s when we decided to start fresh and form Arctis, a project where we could fully explore this new musical landscape.
Björn Johansson: Arctis isn’t just a band for us; it’s like a world we’re creating piece by piece. Our vision is to bring together powerful contrasts — light and dark, heavy riffs and catchy hooks, nature and technology. We wanted the music, the visuals, and the story to feel like a journey through a frozen, mysterious landscape. There’s something about where we’re from that fuels this. Living up here in the North, you experience those extreme shifts between light and darkness, summer and winter. It’s intense, and that energy runs through everything we create.
Mika Paananen: The timing worked out, too. Around when we were ready to release, the world shut down due to COVID-19, and suddenly we had time to dive into developing the Arctis universe. Instead of just putting out an album, we decided to go all-in, working on our characters and story, planning out how we wanted to introduce Arctis to the world. It’s been years of work refining our sound, building our identity, and setting the stage for what we hope is a long journey. And now, with Napalm Records backing us, we’re ready to share this world with everyone.
Alva: So, Arctis isn’t just a band or a bunch of songs to us. It’s the embodiment of who we are as artists, and it’s where we want to take our fans. From the start, we envisioned Arctis as a big experience, something more immersive than just music. It’s a journey we want to bring people into, whether they’re listening to us on an album or seeing us live.
Describe the songwriting process for your self-titled album.
Alva: The songwriting process for Arctis was like nothing we’d done before. Working with our producer, Jimmy Westerlund, was intense—in the best possible way. We split our time between his studio in Sipoo and our own in Pietarsaari, and we practically lived in those studios. Jimmy pushed us not just to write songs, but to find the songs that would define Arctis. There were nights where it felt like we’d unlocked something new, something that would become part of Arctis’ identity.
Björn: The nights were long, but we didn’t care. We were on this mission to dig deeper, go beyond the usual riffs and melodies, and discover what Arctis could become. Jimmy was relentless in his own way, constantly pushing us to outdo ourselves. If a song felt close to what we wanted, he’d ask, “Okay, but what if it were better?” It was both inspiring and exhausting, but every time we’d sit back after a session, we’d know it was worth it. We’d listen to the track we just created, feeling that it was exactly what we were meant to do.
Mika: Each of us had our own part in this, our own creative touch, and the studio became this hive of experimentation and creation. We spent hours working on even the smallest details because every note had to mean something. It was like we were creating not just an album but a sonic world where each song tells its own story and also fits into the bigger picture of Arctis.
Alva: Those long nights were where the magic happened. We’d go from rewriting lyrics to experimenting with melodies, looking for that perfect blend of heaviness, melody, and emotional depth. It was during these late sessions that we really explored what Arctis could sound like — a mix of powerful vocals, intense riffs, and atmospheric elements that bring in that cold, Nordic feel. It’s a blend of metal with a cinematic and, dare I say, almost mythical quality. Every track we wrote had to feel epic, but also relatable—something you could feel on an emotional level.
Björn: It was a process that pushed each of us as musicians and songwriters. We’re all so proud of what came out of those late nights and endless takes. What we have with Arctis is a reflection of every bit of work we poured into it; heavy yet melodic, intense yet inviting. We wanted it to feel like stepping into a world, and that’s exactly what we’ve created.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Alva: One of my strongest memories has to be recording the vocals for “Tell Me Why.” It was the last song we made and recorded for the album and we were hitting this burnout point—imagine being in a dark studio all day when it’s summer, the only time we actually get real sunshine up here! So we decided to take a wild turn and relocated the whole setup to Mika’s summer cottage. It was our only way of actually being outside that summer, and it completely changed the vibe. Being out there in the middle of nature felt amazing, but it also brought its own challenges. Trying to capture the right sound in a space that isn’t a studio was definitely an adventure. While experiencing that studio-burnout, and having to set up and adapt to a new workspace, I had a complete mental block when it was time to work on the vocal harmonies. Still to this day I don’t really know what is going on with the harmonies, haha, but it sounds good on the record!
That summer cottage setting gave us this raw, fresh energy, and honestly, it was exactly what we needed. After getting through that blackout moment, it all came together, and the end result was worth every bit of effort. Working in the wilderness brought something special to the vocals on “Tell Me Why,” and I think you can hear that in the final track. Now, I honestly dream of having a studio that close to nature someday. It would be amazing to have a place where you could balance the dark studio space with the ability to step outside into the beautiful landscape. It would be the perfect blend—getting deep into the music indoors, then recharging right there in nature. Hopefully, in the future, that’s something we can make happen!
Björn: For me, it was the time we spent layering guitars for “Frozen Swan.” We wanted that song to feel like it was drifting in and out of a dream, heavy yet delicate. We spent hours adjusting tones, and it got to a point where we almost lost track of time. Jimmy has this incredible way of challenging us to go further, and he kept saying, “One more take,” even when we thought we’d nailed it. I was dead tired, but each pass felt like it was bringing something new to the track, adding another layer to the atmosphere. When we finally got it right, there was this quiet moment in the studio, and we all knew we’d captured something special.
Alva: And then there was the constant laughter. Recording wasn’t always serious and intense, there were times when we’d just break out laughing at something ridiculous someone said or did. At one point, I think we were all so sleep-deprived that anything could set us off. But those lighter moments kept us going. Jimmy has a wicked sense of humor, and he’d keep us on our toes with little jokes or challenges. It was like a balance between intense focus and letting loose, which made the whole experience unforgettable.
Björn: Those nights, the camaraderie, the grind—it all brought us closer as a band. Looking back, it wasn’t just about making an album. We were creating Arctis, shaping our identity, finding our sound. The memories we made during those recording sessions are part of us now, woven into every track on the album. We poured everything we had into it, and that journey is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
Björn: The biggest challenge was finding the right balance. We were blending a lot of elements: metal, pop hooks, cinematic layers; and it was easy for the sound to swing too far in one direction. We didn’t want to lose the raw energy that defines us as a metal band, but we also wanted to bring in that cinematic, even futuristic vibe. That balancing act took time, and there were moments when we’d be deep into a song, only to decide we needed to strip it back and rethink it. Every song had to feel true to the world of Arctis, and sometimes that meant reworking things we thought were already “finished.”
Alva: Vocally, this album was quite challenging for me, but I’m incredibly grateful for it because I discovered so much about myself and my voice in the process! The biggest challenge was piecing together all these new discoveries to deliver both power and vulnerability while still writing melodies and lyrics, sometimes simultaneously with recording. There was a lot happening all at once, and I really worked my ass off to pour all that power and emotion into this record! Working with Jimmy meant constantly pushing myself beyond what felt comfortable, both vocally and emotionally. If he sensed I had more to give, he wouldn’t let me rest until we captured it on tape. And as tough as it was at times, that extra push was exactly what the songs needed.
Björn: And beyond the music itself, COVID-19 threw a huge challenge at us. Right when we were ready to release, the world shut down, and we had to decide whether to wait or move forward. We chose to wait, which was tough, but it gave us time to deepen the concept, the visuals, the storytelling. Looking back, that challenge became an opportunity. So even though it was frustrating at the time, it ultimately made Arctis stronger.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
Björn: At the heart of it, Arctis is a metal band with a pop crown; something heavy, but that can still pull you in with melody and atmosphere. Our Finnish roots are in there too, with those icy, cold atmospheres. We weren’t afraid to try different sounds or mix things up; you’ll hear these powerful riffs right alongside softer, melodic moments. It’s not about fitting into a specific genre but finding the right balance between intensity and accessibility. We want people to feel something big and visceral when they listen, like they’re journeying through a vast, snow-covered world.
Mika: And I think part of the sound is that each song tells its own story but also connects to the larger Arctis experience. We’re giving people an immersive world where each track, each riff, each beat builds on that experience. Whether you’re a metalhead or someone who loves catchy melodies, there’s something in this album that pulls you in and takes you somewhere else.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
Alva: Our lyrics dive into themes of resilience, inner strength, and the battle between light and dark. A lot of it is about facing down inner demons — whether it’s fear, doubt, or personal struggles — and finding the courage to rise above. Tracks like “Tell Me Why” explore defiance, like standing up to forces that try to hold you back. It’s about saying, “I’m stronger than whatever’s coming at me.” And then there are songs like “Frozen Swan,” which are about breaking free and refusing to be confined by anyone else’s expectations.
There’s also a journey aspect to it. Some songs are more introspective, dealing with the shadows we all carry, while others celebrate the power of breaking through those shadows. I wanted the lyrics to feel like a mix of myth and reality, where listeners can find pieces of themselves but also escape into a world beyond. In a way, every song tells a different chapter of what it means to fight, fall, and rise again.
Mika: From my side, I’d say the lyrics often reflect the rugged beauty and solitude of where we’re from. WWM takes a darker tone, capturing the frustration and alienation people feel in today’s world. It’s about searching for meaning, finding strength in isolation, and sometimes even seeing beauty in the struggle. It’s a mix of personal and universal themes — freedo, m, transformation, overcoming — but through the eyes of our experiences here.
How did you decide to cover “Bimbo,” and what approach did you take in its arrangement?
Björn: The idea of covering “Bimbo” came up almost as a joke at first. Someone suggested it, and we laughed, but the more we thought about it, the more we realized it could actually be something special. “Bimbo” was this big hit in the early 2000s, and it’s got this catchy, rebellious energy that just doesn’t quit. It’s a song that we all remember from back in the day, but it’s almost like it got lost in time. We thought, “Why not bring it back to life but put it through the Arctis filter?” And the best part? When we listened to our version, it didn’t feel out of place at all. it was like “Bimbo” naturally belonged on the album.
Alva: We took the original energy and added our own edge, bringing in heavy guitars, some darker tones, and a bit more of that icy Arctis vibe. It’s playful but still has that raw intensity, and it’s got this bold spirit that fits right in with what we’re doing. And there’s a great backstory to it. When we found out that Stefan Glaumann, who was already mixing our album, had actually mixed the original “Bimbo” for Lambretta, it was like a full-circle moment. It felt meant to be, like the song had already been waiting to find its place with us.
How were the video shoots for “Bimbo” and “I’ll Give You Hell”?
Alva: The video shoots for “Bimbo” and “I’ll Give You Hell” were intense, to say the least! We shot both videos back-to-back over a single weekend at our director Petri’s house. He had this massive room all set up, and on the first day, it was decked out in white for the “Bimbo” video. We spent the entire day filming, and by the end, we were totally wiped out. There’s this energy in “Bimbo” that’s playful and rebellious, and we really wanted to capture that, but it took hours and hours of takes.
Björn: Yeah, and then the next day, we walked back into the same room, but Petri had transformed it completely. Everything was black for “I’ll Give You Hell.” We were already exhausted from the long day and night before, but this was the heavy-hitter shoot. The mood had shifted; it was darker and grittier, which suited the song perfectly. Everyone was running on fumes, but we pushed through with a bit of “refreshment” to keep the energy up. The exhaustion fed right into the intensity we wanted for “I’ll Give You Hell,” so in a way, it worked to our advantage.
Alva: By the time we wrapped that night, we celebrated with some lonkero, good old Finnish gin and grapefruit! It was exactly what we needed after a weekend like that. We fell asleep in total exhaustion, then got up early the next morning to catch a train back home. It was one of those weekends that felt like a whirlwind. Looking back, it’s kind of amazing we pulled it off, but that energy made its way into both videos. The contrast between the two days was perfect for the songs, and I think you can see that in the final results.
Björn: It was an unforgettable weekend. There was no time to think too much, we just threw ourselves into it and kept going until the end. The vibe of “Bimbo” is almost rebellious and light, while “I’ll Give You Hell” is dark and intense, so shooting them back-to-back like that brought out those contrasting sides of Arctis in a way we hadn’t planned but loved. A couple of lonkeros later, we were feeling accomplished—and maybe a bit relieved to get some rest. It was intense, exhausting, but worth every second.
How did you come to sign with Napalm Records?
Björn: Getting signed with Napalm Records was one of those moments that felt both surreal and totally right. We’d been working like mad on the album. Our manager, Stefan Hattinger, really helped us prepare, pushing us to polish every part of our presentation. When he finally got us in touch with Napalm, we knew we were ready. When we got the news that Napalm wanted to sign us, it was huge. They saw something in us that aligned with their vision, and the fact that they believed in our potential meant the world to us. But it wasn’t just a one-sided thing; we felt a strong connection with the Napalm team. They’ve worked with so many incredible artists, and they understand the value of a band with a unique identity.
Mika: Signing with Napalm felt like a door opening to the next level of Arctis. We’ve got all these plans and ideas that we couldn’t wait to bring to life, and with Napalm’s support, we felt empowered to think even bigger. It’s given us this opportunity to share our music and vision on a scale we could only dream of. And now, here we are, ready to take this journey out to the world with a label that truly believes in what we’re doing.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
Björn: Our expectations are high, but we’re keeping them real too. We know that, as a debut, this album is our introduction to the world. It’s our chance to show what Arctis stands for and invite people to come along on this journey with us. We’d love for this album to reach as many people as possible, but it’s not just about numbers. If we can create a loyal following, people who feel like they’re part of something bigger with us, then we’ve done our job.
Alva: So much of what we’re doing is about building a universe, and this album is just the beginning. We’re already working on the next album, writing new material, and even planning some visuals and effects that we’re eager to bring to the stage at some point. We’d love to keep growing and evolving with every release, taking Arctis to levels we haven’t even dreamed of yet.
Mika: We’re ready to see where it takes us. If it opens doors for more tours, more festivals, and maybe even some creative collaborations, that’s exactly what we’re hoping for. It’s all about keeping Arctis moving forward and reaching people who are ready for something a little different.
Björn: And in the end, we want people to see that we’re here to stay. This album is our foundation, but we’re already building on it, exploring new ideas, and pushing the boundaries of what we can create. Our goal is to keep surprising people, keep challenging ourselves, and see how far we can take this. We’re ready for the journey, and we hope our listeners are too.
What has been your most memorable Arctis live show?
Alva: Actually, we’re about to step on stage for the first time ever on our tour with Apocalyptica, so our most memorable show is yet to come! It’s a strange, surreal feeling to be preparing for such a big debut, knowing that our first time performing as Arctis will be in front of audiences across Europe. We’re both thrilled and a little terrified. It’s like we’re about to unleash everything we’ve been building in the studio and in our imaginations onto a live stage, and that’s something we can’t wait to experience.
Björn: I think knowing our first shows will be alongside Apocalyptica sets the bar pretty high. These are stages we’ve dreamed of, and we’re grateful for the chance to introduce Arctis to people in such a massive way. We’ve poured so much into preparing for these live performances and making sure our energy matches the power of the music.
Mika: This tour is going to be unforgettable for us, and I’m sure that first night on stage will be one we’ll never forget. There’s nothing like that first moment in front of a crowd, and I think the anticipation is building to something epic.
What are your upcoming tour plans?
Alva: We’re already working on booking more shows, festivals, and hopefully more tours to keep bringing Arctis to as many people as possible. We can’t share any details about this just yet, but keep your eyes open! This is just the beginning, and we’re ready to go wherever the music takes us. The fans have shown us so much support already, and we’re beyond excited to finally meet them, hear their stories, and share this experience face-to-face.
How did you get started in music?
Alva: Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember. My dad is a classical guitarist, and as a kid, I’d fall asleep listening to him practicing in the evenings. Singing was something that came naturally to me. Even before I could talk, I was singing, and ever since, I’ve always been humming, singing, and making up melodies in my head. And of course, singing along with Whitney Houston and Celine Dion! It wasn’t until I joined the music university in Pietarsaari, though, that I really got into being in a band. Everything changed when I joined our old band with these guys. It was my first time singing in a metal band, and the energy and intensity of heavy music really pulled me in. Vocally, I was out of my comfort zone, but I loved it because it challenged me in ways no other genre ever had. From that point on, I knew I wanted to do this as a career: singing in a band and making heavy music. And it’s thanks to these amazing (yet annoyingly weird) people that I found myself on this path.
Björn: Mika and I have been playing together since we were teens. We started our first band back then, just a group of friends trying to play as loud and fast as we could, and we never really stopped. It’s been one band after another ever since! We both ended up at the music university in Pietarsaari, where we met Alva and the rest of the crew. Playing with her added a whole new dimension to our sound. Her voice was something special; it had this power and raw emotion that just clicked with the music we wanted to create.
Mika: For me, it all started in third grade when I got my first taste of drumming in a school “big band.” It was my first experience playing in a group, and I loved every minute. Then I met Björn, and we formed a band as teens. We’ve been through a lot of music journeys together!
Michael Mikander: I started playing guitar by learning In Flames riffs as a teenager, totally obsessed with their melodies and intensity. Those early days of playing felt like unlocking a whole new world. I’d spend hours working through those riffs, trying to get every note right. When I joined up with the others, it was like taking that early energy and expanding it.
Who were some of your early influences and inspirations?
Björn: Growing up, I was drawn to composers who created entire worlds within their songs. Artists who bring a strong cinematic element to their music, composers like Howard Shore with his Lord of the Rings scores, are huge for me. It’s about creating a soundscape that feels like a place you can step into, which is exactly what we aim to do with Arctis.
Mika: Being a gamer, my influences stretch into the world of gaming music, which shapes the atmosphere in a lot of our songs. Soundtracks from games like Final Fantasy inspired me with their epic themes and sense of adventure. There’s something about gaming music that combines drama with melody in a way that’s both intense and beautiful, which resonates with our sound.
Alva: I grew up listening to my parents’ LP collection, which was a mix of ’70s progressive rock like Yes, Genesis, and Pink Floyd, classical music, and atmospheric ’80s alternative pop like Mike Oldfield and Eurythmics. Not exactly what every kid my age was listening to! But there was also some Queen and ABBA in the mix to keep me grounded with more familiar melodies instead of getting completely lost in space. (laughs) Alongside music, I’ve always been a true northern soul, deeply inspired by the nature and mystique of the Nordic region. To put it simply, I feel a kind of longing to sing to the land itself. And I mean it—if that’s not the spirit of the north, then I don’t know what is!
Michael: In Flames.
What was the first metal concert you attended?
Michael: My first concert was at the Finnish Metal Expo back in 2008. It was this huge eye-opener into the live metal scene. You could feel the energy the second you walked in, and it was packed with fans who were just as crazy about metal as I was. I remember being blown away by how intense everything was — the lights, the sound, the raw power of the music.
Mika: For me, it was Dream Theater at the Helsinki Ice Hall in 2005. Seeing them live was like watching true masters at work. Their musicianship was insane, and it inspired me to really take my drumming seriously. Watching Mike Portnoy play live was almost a spiritual experience. Every beat felt perfectly placed, and I just knew that this was something I wanted to aim for. The precision, the atmosphere, the entire production—it all left a huge impression on me.
Alva: My first metal concert was Rammstein, and wow, what an introduction to the genre! I was already interested in metal, but seeing Rammstein live took it to a whole new level. It was intense, dark, and powerful—it completely blew me away. That concert really opened my eyes to what metal could be as a live experience. With that as my first major inspiration, I’m beyond excited to soon deliver an intense live experience with my own band!
Mika: And Björn has yet to see one! Haha, just kidding.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Alva: I guess I like to keep an air of mystery, even with the band. Let’s just say I’m always up to something, but no one’s entirely sure what that something is! I tend to bounce between creative projects, and some occasional spontaneous adventure. It’s all about keeping things interesting, right?
Björn: Alright, so I’m a bit of a history buff. Okay, maybe a total nerd. I’ll dive deep into random historical documentaries and watch TV “the old-fashioned way” with actual channels. And I can’t resist a good guitar pedal. I’m always on the lookout for new ones, even though I probably have too many already. But hey, everyone needs a collection, right? Pedals are my little treasure trove.
Michael: I’m the resident gamer here. I’ve been a gamer at heart for as long as I can remember, so if I’m not with the band, I’m probably deep in some game world.
Mika: Wait… You guys have hobbies?!
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
We can’t wait to see you all on tour! This album has been such a journey for us, and we’re thrilled to finally share it with you. So give it a listen, share it with your friends, and let us know what you think—we love hearing from you! Your support means everything, and we’re so excited to bring Arctis to life on stage. See you out there!
(interview published November 9, 2024)
Watch Arctis – “I’ll Give You Hell” Video
