Janne Hurme

Human Temple

Murder Of Crows made quite an impression to METAL TEMPLE and without any doubt set the flag of HUMAN TEMPLE on the European Hard Rock map. The band's singer Janne Hurme had some time to answer to METAL TEMPLE's questions. So, read on and get acquainted with this band...
By Maria Voutiriadou
December 26, 2009
Janne Hurme (Human Temple) interview
Hello Janne, hope you're having a good time these days, up there in the Finnish cold!

Hello there! You are so right, it's very cold in here and I am not a winter person. I like snow but not the cold, hrrr...  

So, for readers not familiar with the band already: what is the short story of HUMAN TEMPLE so far? Could you write a few words about members, albums etc?

Me and our drummer, Petri have played together over twenty years but not under the name of HUMAN TEMPLE. We had several bands through the years and many players along the way until we find Harri (our bass player) and Jori (our keyboardist). We, four, have played together now many years but our curse is that we haven't found a guitarist who can keep up with us. That is little weird because Finland is full of great guitar players... We did our first record Insomnia with Jari Salo, a very talented guitarist and very nice guy, but unfortunately he had to focus to other things in life.

How would you describe HUMAN TEMPLE's sound, really?

In a short way, it's real, pure Hard Rock at it's best with a tasty drops of AOR in it.

That is because of your home land? Many bands from Finland have history in such sounds.

Now, I have to disagree. I think our sound comes from the eighties and nineties American Metal and Hard Rock. I have listened that kind of music all my life and really love it from my heart. I still listen the same music, same bands and same singers.

How about your influences (bands, artists)? Which singer has inspired you the most? Any artist you would really like to work/write with if you were given the chance?

Too many to mention. Like I told, I love music. My first love has always been KISS and I really love W.A.S.P., MOTLEY CRUE, QUEENSRYCHE, DANGER DANGER, TALISMAN, FIREHOUSE, WHITESNAKE, DOKKEN, HOUSE OF LORDS... and the list goes on forever. My favourite singers are Geoff Tate, Paul Stanley, James Christian, David Coverdale, Blackie Lawless, Jorn Lande, Jeff Scott Soto, Steve Perry... My dream would be working with Paul Stanley or Blackie Lawless!

Murder Of Crows will be in stores in the middle of January, if I'm right; are you anxious in point of sales? What are the expectations in general?

Not really because I know how bad records sell these days and it's very sad that the new generation don't buy records anymore. Of course I am very happy if people find our music but we have our feed on the ground. And we are happy just to get our record out.

Tell us few words about Murder Of Crows. How the idea for this title came? Note that the title reminds me the name of a relative book of Richard Barrett (if you heard of him).

I'm a big fan of horror movies and one of my favourite is THE CROW (starring Brandon Lee). Also, in my other fav, The Simpsons, Homer said to Marge in bed: my dear, it's not a pack, it's called murder.... I really like that title and guys also love it.

Is it a concept album or not? What are the lyrics of the new album, anyway?

It's not a concept album, thou many of those songs tell about love. But they are just different stories, not a theme.

Are there any differences with the previous Insomnia CD? You think Murder Of Crows is more melodic than Insomnia or only the production is different?

You are right. Although the new record is some way heavier, it is also much more melodic than the first one. Ok, the production is also much better and the sounds are so much clearer and better.

How long did it take you to write the music for the new album? Did you face any difficulties during the recordings? Are you happy with the total result in the studio for the new album?

We had all the songs ready when we entered the studio so that was nice. Difficulties? Hell yeah! We ran out of time, out of money (we paid the whole thing ourselves!) and we used seven guitarists on the record cause we had some troubles with... well,with the guy who was in the band at the time... But after all these things, we are pretty happy.

Are there any plans for touring? Big summer festivals have already announced some names. Shall we have the chance to see you among others bands or is it too soon for you to make a step like this?

I think we are in little league so big tours and festivals are out of the question (sad but true), but we will do some gigs in Finland and of course if chance comes, we are more than happy to play somewhere else. So, let's keep our thumbs up!

Which band you would like to share the stage with really?

Again I have to say KISS, but that is impossible, so, I'd say GOTTHARD or HOUSE OF LORDS.

Future plans in general? After the new album will be in stores, what's next for HUMAN TEMPLE? Will you rest for awhile or you're already working on new material?

I have about 30-40 songs ready so I think our next step is to check and rehearsal some songs and when we get permission from our label, we will enter the studio as soon as possible. We have some really good material waiting...

What is your opinion about downloading music via Internet? Is it good or bad for bands that start a career nowadays?

I think it is a very bad thing. I, as a fan, am buying a record when I hear a good band and other people should also do that. Maybe you can spread your music better via internet but if everybody wants your music free, what's the point of doing it as an artist?

Janne, thanks for taking the time to answer the interview questions. We wish all the best for HUMAN TEMPLE's new album and we hope to have the chance to see you soon on stage. Is there anything you would like to add for METAL TEMPLE mag's readers?

Thank you very much. To all our old and new fans, enjoy the record and we hope to see you live somewhere. Happy year 2010 and all the best to you all! 

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