Interview: Virko Pirrus
Photo: Firebox

Hi, Johan! In the metalscene you are more known as the guitarist and the creative leader in a beauty-and-the-beast-type gothic/doom band called Draconian. As Draconian is quite active and fertile band, what caused you to unleash your own wicked solo project Doom:VS, which is by far heavier and mournful than Draconian? Inner demons? Karma debt?

No, no serious attentions behind the idea and concept of DOOM:VS. I just wanted to make something that was a bit heavier and darker. Of course it’s great to deal with some past stuff getting it out through the lyrics. This was really the case with “Dead Words Speak”.

If you should describe Doom:VS´ music for people who have not heard of the band before, without using the terms "doom" and "metal", how would you do that?

Dark, heavy, emotional and a bit meditative.

Where came the idea to use such strange formula in band´s name? Is it true that the name Doom:VS should be pronounced as Doom Us?

Yes, that would be the most correct way to pronounce it. The explanation behind the name is that “Domus” is the Latin word for “House”. You add another “O” in there it becomes DOOMUS” meaning “House of Doom”. The (:) marks is there because it can also mean DOOM=US, “US” referring to humanity. The writing of the U as a V is just more for it to look good. Also in history U has usually been written in a shape of a V

Both your first album "Aeternum Vale" and the new one "Dead Words Speak" have been accepted and reviewed very positively. As a composer in a style that sings praise to loneliness, depression and misanthropy, do you generally care of feedback of any kind? Or does it encourages you somehow to continue?

Of course I like the positive feedback. That some actually listens to your music is the best reward though. The good reviews always help other people to discover my music as well. If it’s bad no one will look you up.

Doom:VS´s musical atmosphere is often described in reviews as bleak and desolate, yet it is much more diversified (using clean voice and interludes) and melodic than of many other bands on the same playground. Was it intentional or does it unwillingly reflects you as a slave of melody?

Ha Ha, that’s a good way to put it . I guess I am a slave to melody. I sometimes try to leave them out but then I come up with some harmony or melody and it all becomes so much better, in my ears at least.

I have to say few words about the song texts. By my means Doom:VS´ lyrics are one the best examples how doom metal lyrics should be written - very minimal and simple, yet rich of melancholy and farewell-mood, even the aura of afterlife. Are you a depressive man? Or how these texts are born?

No, I’m not a very depressed man; I’ve certainly been at some point in my life and know how it can feel. In a way it’s a good way for me to deal with stuff and these kind of lyrics are the best to represent the music.

Do you keep your eye on doom metal in general? Are there any bands that have really impressed and surprised you lately?

I try to, I usually listen more to classic doom metal like Pentagram, Trouble more then death doom bands, but it all depends on the mood. I really like the latest The Gates of Slumber album. But that’s more trad. Metal with doom elements. I must say I listen mostly to older bands of the genre.

What next? Do you have any plans made already for future releases of both Doom:VS and Draconian? Is there any chance to see Doom:VS on stage some day in the future?

No, there will be no live shows for DOOM:VS, No plans are in the making.

All the be(a)st in your doings! Last doomy words are yours to say!

Doomy words; let’s see… BLEAK and DESOLATE



Kuula