Interview - TEMPLE OF TIERMES

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TEMPLE OF TIERMES is a Finnish esoteric ritual industrial noise duo in existence since 1995. Formed by Jarkko Toivonen (Unholy) and Mikko Aspa (Grunt). Using various instruments and objects such as 7 string guitars, analogue synths, analogue effects, metal percussions and junk metal, they create an original meld of sounds taking its roots from ritual / industrial / noise and ambient music.

Interview by Jiwa

[01] Hail JRQ. Thanks for accepting an interview from Hidden Sounds. Hope you can introduce further about the Temple of Tiermes line-up?

Jarkko Toivonen: Thank you for having me. The current line-up of Temple of Tiermes consists of myself, Jarkko Toivonen, and Hannu Saarnos. Over the years, we've had the pleasure of collaborating with different musicians, including Mikko Aspa, who was part of the project in the past. Temple of Tiermes has always been about channeling the creative and esoteric energy that flows through, regardless of who is involved at any given time.

[02] Temple of Tiermes has gone through a long history and chronology in this scene. Back in 1995, what exactly motivated you to establish Temple of Tiermes?

Jarkko Toivonen: Temple of Tiermes was born out of a desire to explore sound in a way that was raw, primal, and ritualistic. Back in 1995, there was a hunger to break away from conventional music and dive into something deeper, something that could evoke an ancient, spiritual energy. I wanted to create soundscapes that felt more like rites of passage than typical music. The noise and post-industrial elements were just tools to tap into that darker, esoteric side of human experience.


[03] For those who are still unclear, can you elaborate in detail the music and sound that has been explored & performed by Temple of Tiermes? Do you want to explain what or who has generally influenced Temple of Tiermes?

Jarkko Toivonen: Temple of Tiermes operates in the realms of noise, post-industrial, and ritualistic sound. Our music is less about genre and more about the atmosphere, about creating a space where listeners can confront the unknown aspects of their mind. Influences range from early industrial acts like Einstürzende Neubauten to esoteric and avant-garde composers like György Ligeti. But more than any specific artist, it's the philosophy behind the music that drives us—the desire to explore and express the unseen, the unconscious forces that shape reality.

[04] On the whole, what sort of messages have been delivered through the works of Temple of Tiermes? What are the core themes brought up by Temple of Tiermes?

Jarkko Toivonen: The core themes of Temple of Tiermes are transformation, ritual, and the exploration of hidden truths. Through our sound, we aim to communicate the importance of facing the darker aspects of the self, not to destroy them but to transcend and integrate them. We draw from ancient, ritualistic traditions as well as modern esoteric thought to create an auditory experience that invites introspection, self-overcoming, and a deeper alignment with the natural rhythms of life.

[05] Can you share a bit about the creative processes in Temple of Tiermes - including generating ideas, composing & song-writings, recording gears & studio, etc? What do you usually emphasize in each track / song production?

Jarkko Toivonen: Our creative process is very organic. We begin with improvisation and let the sound develop naturally, without over-planning. Ideas often emerge from deep jam sessions, using analog equipment, modular synthesizers, and field recordings. We emphasize atmosphere over technical perfection. The recording process itself is treated like a ritual—each session captures the raw energy of the moment. There's a focus on letting the music breathe, allowing imperfections and spontaneous elements to remain, as they often bring out the true essence of the track.


[06] I like to look at some of the latest albums like "Horagelles" and "Apara", and would like to know how you see them progressed / evolved compared to the earlier releases?

Jarkko Toivonen: "Horagelles" and "Apara" represent an evolution in our sound. In the early days, the music was more chaotic and abrasive, but over time we've refined the way we channel that raw energy. These recent releases are more focused, with a greater emphasis on creating immersive, atmospheric experiences. We've grown more skilled at weaving together the chaotic and the meditative elements of our sound, creating a deeper, more introspective experience for the listener.

[07] "Self Overcoming" has been considered the best by many. What do you personally think about this?

Jarkko Toivonen: "Self Overcoming" holds a special place because it resonates with the core philosophy of Temple of Tiermes—the idea of personal transformation and transcending limitations. Many listeners connect with it because it captures the essence of our journey. For me, it's one significant moment in our broader evolution, but every release is part of that ongoing process. Each project reflects where we are at that time, and we are always moving forward, always evolving.

[08] What else do you have planned for Temple of Tiermes in the future?

Jarkko Toivonen: Our next release will be a split with Axyrxiom, titled "Inverted Solipsism". This project explores more ambient and drone elements, stepping away from the harsher noise of our earlier work. It's an evolution towards a more meditative sound, though still deeply rooted in the esoteric and ritualistic themes that have always defined us. Beyond that, the future is open. We allow the creative process to guide us rather than setting strict plans or expectations.


[09] What can you say about the experimental / ambiental / industrial music movement in Finland, and especially the one around Tampere? Do you have any opinion about the scene of this kind of music globally?

Jarkko Toivonen: Honestly, I don't follow the Finnish or international scene much. I've always been focused on my own work, and that's where my energy goes. I don't feel the need to keep up with what others are doing, whether locally or globally. My approach has always been to create what feels right for me in the moment, without being influenced by trends or scenes.

[10] Huge thanks JRQ for the answers. Wrap up this interview session with some of your last words. All the best to Temple of Tiermes.

Jarkko Toivonen: Thank you. My final words would be—stay open to the unknown. The world is full of hidden depths, both within and around us. Music is just one way to explore these depths. Keep searching, stay present, and let the sound guide you.

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