Jyrki 69 Checks in from 69 Eyes First National Headlining Tour

Helsinki's own gothic metal group The 69 Eyes are currently touring the U.S. on their first national headlining tour.

The band is known for it's mix of punk, metal, rock and gothic imagery, or as it's often referred to: goth 'n' roll.

The 69 Eyes recently released their tenth studio album Back In Blood. The album, whcih was produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Monster Magnet), features a heavier sound and uses less orchestration than their previous albums.

The band is known for it's fascination with all things vampire related and the vampire culture served as a heavy inspiration for Back In Blood.

Wednesday night I had a chance to speak to vocalist Jyrki 69 an hour before The 69 Eyes took the stage in Atlanta.

Q: How is the tour going?

A: It's been fantastic The ultimate rock and roll dream for a band from Helsinki to play in the homeland of Elvis Presley. The tour lineup is great with The Becoming and Dommin opening. Every night has been great and we're not even halfway through it yet. This is why I sing in this band.

Q: I know the band will be making a stop in Detroit next week. Do you look forward to playing here?

A: Detroit is a exciting place to play. When we started out we wrote a song called Motorcity Resurrection because we were inspired by bands like MC5. Motor City rock 'n' roll is right up there with Elvis and Memphis and the L.A. scene. So much is heard about L.A. and New York, etc. but Detroit is also one of those great cities. The 69 Eyes are one of the most American bands that are un-American in origin. The culture really inspired us. It's great to come to Detroit and go back to places that we know and are inspired by.

Q: Are you enjoying playing the new songs? What's the setlist like?

A: I went to see Madonna a couple of months ago in Helsinki and she played most of the Hard Candy album front to back. Her audience was looking to hear the classics but I like hearing the new stuff. I was inspired to play our whole album but we've compromised and every second song we play is a new one. It's exciting to see people's reactions to the new material. I wrote the lyrics and recorded them but live you get new life to the songs. People already know the songs and sing along. A lot of old school bands always play one song from the new album like AC/DC on the last tour and I can't f**cking understand that.

Q: So the fans are reacting well to the new material?

A: This tour we're headlining for the first time so it's a new audience. Our fans are fantastic. They're great loyal fans. We're doing the meet and greet before the shows and it's just great.

Q: Back In Blood definitely has a new feel to it. How did that come about?

A: This is the first album where we sound more closer to our real life sound. On our other albums there was a lot of keyboard and programming. Now it's more of a live sound with no orchestration. Matt Hyde wanted to produce a real rock album. It's a album wer've been talking about doing for a couple of years with more rocking songs.

Q: I think it's great that you've managed to to keep the same lineup for twenty years. How is that possible?

A: Many bands are constantly changing their lineup. I don't understand how it could be possible to not stay together. Guess we don't have any friends anymore except each other! When we started we just wanted to play rock music and have fun. There was no business plan. We just started out as five friends and it has stayed that way. On the other hand, we are pretty boring and old fashioned. It's almost becoming a part of the whole metal culture that between every record you change singers or members. It's not how I understand it but many old school bands seem to think it's a necessity.

Q: I read today that it was announced that the band will once again be playing the New Year's Helsinki festival Helldone with HIM. You played last year as well right?

A: Wow, I guess everyone knows now. I should open my computer more often but when I'm out on tour playing shows I'm out of communication. Most people think we should be on our tour bus surfing the Internet all day. I guess we should be more available but I'm not sure about the whole social networking stuff like Twittering. Too much information is available. I'm not sure if I dig it. I like to stay a old fashioned lover. I don't Twitter to my heartbeat. We will be playing three nights at Helldone unplugged.

Q: Is there any one in particular that you've always wanted to tour with?

A: KISS, for sure. I heard about their Cobo show in Detroit. I would like to reach out to some other people as well. Our next tour later this year will be as a support act.

Q: There are so many great Finnish bands. We would love to see some of them tour together. Any chance of that?

A: Hmmm, yeah.

Q: You probably want to go get ready for the show so I will let you go. I look forward to seeing you next week.

A: Yes, I've got to get my voice ready but we'll see you in Detroit.

The 69 Eyes will be playing at the I-Rock in Detroit next Friday, October 23. Doors for the show open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show are $15 and can purchased at all Ticketmaster venues and online.