Devin Walsh from HeadbangHere.net recently conducted an interview with Kasper Martenson of Finnish progressive death metal band BARREN EARTH. The following is an excerpt:

Q: During my visits to Finland, and Helsinki in particular, I noticed that heavy metal is very well accepted and almost mainstream. Why do you think heavy metal is so well received in Finland?

A: "Well, there have been a number of different studies on this subject. One theory is that there is a melancholic aspect to a lot of heavy metal – and in particular that which comes from Finland. There are a lot of minor harmonies and melodies which are traditionally seen as a very distinctive feature of Finnish mentality and musical preference. Also because for a number of years I remember there were always talks, or hopes of making a breakthrough of Finnish music in other countries. It seems at the moment, that when people talk about musical export, it seems that the heavy metal movement is one of the hottest, if not the hottest, Finnish musical exports at the moment. Bands like NIGHTWISH, H.I.M, and CHILDREN OF BODOM are doing extremely well, internationally speaking. Many of these bands have been doing well in other countries before they have been recognized in Finland. That has been a tremendous boost and is a source of national pride for many of us. At last, we can be said as being at the very forefront of a musical movement which has never really happened before. It seems there is a distinct element in the Finnish bands. I remember several bands that were pop or rock bands that were talking about making a breakthrough. Many of them, who were quite good, never really had anything truly original to offer. Many of the current bands, like NIGHTWISH, are very unique and have managed to create a mixture that is very unique.

Check out the complete interview at this location.