After nearly three decades of crafting their own brand of melodic death metal, Finland’s Omnium Gatherum return with their tenth studio album, “May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way”, out November 7th. Known for their seamless blend of aggression, melody, and melancholic beauty, the band continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. We caught up with frontman Jukka Pelkonen, who has been the voice of OG since 2006, to discuss the band’s journey, the making of the new record, and the eternal fire that fuels their passion for creating music and performing it live.
M.I. - Omnium Gatherum has been active since 1996, and you joined the band ten years later. How would you describe the band’s evolution leading up to the new album “May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way”?
It’s quite the classic story of young people wanting to start a band and make their own original music. Over time, things grew. The band got its first radio play, played the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, and eventually landed a record deal around the turn of the millennium. I joined in 2006, when everything was still very Finland-based. OG had only played a couple of foreign shows. But after “The Redshift” came out in 2008, things got more serious, we started touring internationally, and that experience confirmed we could actually make this work on a global level. Since then, it’s been steady growth: touring around the world, releasing albums regularly, and keeping the passion alive. Now with the new album out November 7th, we’re heading to North America, then Finland, then Europe, and after that, the festival season begins again. The cycle continues, and I love that we’ve been able to do this seriously for such a long time.
M.I. - You’ve been the voice of the band for many years. How do you feel your vocal style and emotional delivery have evolved since the early days?
Totally. It’s been 20 years, and of course, both body and mind change over time. I’m a very different person now, and that reflects in my vocals. I’ve become more mature lyrically, more thoughtful, and much more in control of my voice than in the early days, that comes from experience, practice, and constant touring. I respect what I wrote back then because it laid the groundwork for what came after, but I’m always evolving. Touring a couple of times a year keeps my voice sharp.
M.I. - How do you take care of your voice, especially during long tours?
I like to jog, it relaxes me and keeps me fit for performing. I drink lots of water and try to stay away from alcohol; maybe a beer here and there, but alcohol dries up your voice and reduces capacity fast. I always do vocal warm-ups before shows and cool-downs afterward. Nowadays, I even use a vocal warm-up app with scales, it’s super convenient. Consistency and care are key.
M.I. - What does the title “May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way” mean to you personally?
This being our tenth album, it marks both reflection and renewal, looking back to where we came from while moving forward. The title means that something old has to “burn” for something new to be born. It’s a classic metaphor, but it fits perfectly. There’s a loose street-inspired theme on this record: dreamers, liars, wanderers symbolizing survival and letting go of what holds you back. Musically, it’s very straightforward and energetic, more “in your face” than our previous “Origin”, which was slower and layered. These new songs are made to be played live: direct, melodic, and full of energy.
M.I. - Was it intentional to make a more live-oriented album?
Not at first, but as the songs took shape, I realized how naturally they’d work live. It also connects to our roots. OG started as a very straightforward melodic death metal band. So yes, by the end of the process, it became clear this would be a very live-oriented album.
M.I. - You mentioned the loose concept of “stories from the streets.” How did that develop?
It’s a nod to our youth: the 90s, skate parks, hanging out, discovering metal. We wanted to capture that energy. Visually, that’s why the music video features graffiti walls and a skate park. Lyrically, the stories are fictional but tied to that atmosphere. Musically, I think the album combines elements from “Spirits and August Light”, “The Redshift”, and “Beyond”. It’s new material, but it carries that nostalgic DNA.
M.I. - Does that mean you miss your twenties?
No, not really. It’s nice to reminisce, but OG has always looked forward. The past can inspire, but we live in the present… that’s where creativity thrives.
M.I. - How do you balance the darkness and defiance in songs like “Walking Ghost Phase” and “Ignite the Flame”?
It comes from experience: learning, practicing, and developing a sense of balance over time. You can’t shortcut it; it’s about passion, repetition, and commitment. That’s how you find the right mix of heaviness and melody.
M.I. - How does the songwriting process work in OG?
Most of the composing starts with Markus Vanhala. He sends me riffs and demos, and I work on the lyrical concepts and vocal arrangements. We reflect ideas off each other, it’s very collaborative. When the demos are ready, we share them with the rest of the band. Everyone’s input is welcome, but usually, the foundation Markus and I create stays intact. It’s a democracy, kindly run by the two of us! (laughs)
M.I. - The album was recorded in several Finnish studios and one in Sweden. How did these different environments affect the sound?
Not much, actually, we chose professional studios we already trusted. The only new one was the studio in Sweden, where I recorded my vocals. That was Björn Strid’s Sola Sound Production in Stockholm, and it was great. Björn’s a legend, of course, and very professional. He added some ideas and tweaks that really enhanced the vocals.
M.I. - I read that you recorded vocals on the same SSL console used for Queen’s Innuendo. Is that true?
Yes, it is! I was super excited, it’s Freddie Mercury, man! One of the greatest voices of all time. Just knowing that history gave me a real creative spark.
M.I. - Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren handled the mix and master once again. What makes them such a perfect fit for OG’s sound?
This was our third project with Jens. We did “Origin” and the “Slasher” EP with him too. He’s one of the creators of the modern metal sound, in my opinion. But he’s also open to our input, which is important. The collaboration just works, it feels natural.
M.I. - If you had to pick one song that best represents the new album, which would it be?
“Ignite the Flame.” It sums up the album perfectly: fast, melodic, harsh, and still emotional. It captures the energy and diversity of the record.
M.I. - You’ll soon embark on a European tour, but I don’t see Portugal on the list. Why?
I wish I knew! (laughs) I don’t plan the tours, but we’ve played Portugal before and had great shows. I really hope we’ll return soon. It’s been eight years, far too long.
M.I. - How are you preparing for the tour?
Just rehearsing and staying healthy. We’ll kick off the touring cycle with a special show on the Helsinki Metal Cruise, the same day the album drops. After that, we head to North America. It’s going to be intense!
M.I. - Any special stage production or surprises planned?
In Finland, we used these barrels with pyros, the same ones from the “Slasher” video, and we’d love to use them again. They’re huge, so it’s tricky to move them around, but we’ll see. As for the setlist, there’ll be a few surprises, and hopefully plenty of new songs… they’re dying to be played live!
M.I. - Being the frontman, does that pressure ever get to you?
Not at all. I love it. I enjoy connecting with the audience, it feels natural. There’s no pressure, just passion.
M.I. - After all these years, what still excites you about being OG’s frontman?
The synergy with the crowd. That shared energy is unbeatable. It’s what keeps me passionate about performing and about metal itself.
M.I. - And finally, what do you hope listeners take away from the new album?
I hope they feel the mood, that balance between nostalgia and forward momentum. And I hope it gives them strength, good vibes, and the courage to face whatever obstacles they have in life.
M.I. - Thank you so much for your time, Jukka. We hope to see OG in Portugal soon!
Thank you! I hope so too! It would be great to come back.
For Portuguese version, click here
Listen to Omnium Gatherum, on Spotify
Questions by Sónia Fonseca
