Finland’s Omnium Gatherum have announced that Tuomo Latvala is joining the band as a full-time drummer after one year of solid prospect member service. Tuomo is a drumming instructor at his private drum school in Turku (Southwest Finland), and currently plays also in Torture Killer. He has previously played in such bands as Demigod and Hateform. Drum-cam footage from Tuska Open Air Festival in Helsinki last July can be seen below.

Markus Vanhala summa summarizes: “As many of you Omnium Gatherum fans an’ followers might have noticed, there’s been another bold-headed rhythm machine hitting the drums already over one year. Our long-time drummer and brother-in-arms Jarmo Pikka stepped out for a daddy leave last year, and since then we’ve got the amazing Tuomo Latvala as a filling-in drummer. At some point it became clear that Jarmos holiday is stretching longer and longer, so it became evident for Tuomo to step in. And why the hell not - since the show #1 with the dude it was clear that the chemistry, the energy, the friendship and the brotherhood is there. So we’re proud’n’loud and pleased to welcome the man from south-west Finland to join us east coasters! Many good things will follow soon!”

Tuomo’s words of wisdom: “My first encounter with OG was around 2001 when they and one of my previous bands played at a same metal happening in my hometown Turku. I bought their demo CD and thought they played the crap out of the bands performing that night. We have bumped into each other every now and then, but it wasn’t until 2010 when I had a chance to get to know Markus a bit more.

“My band Hateform played in Kotka and we had an afterparty and slept over at Markus’ place. It’s not a secret that Markus shared his bed with me that night and I told him not to hesitate to ask if he’d ever need my services (as a drummer). After five years or so he still remembered my words and asked if I could fill in for Jarmo on their North American tour 2015. After that I was asked to do a few more tours, festival dates and one-off shows before I was faced with a question of joining the band as a fulltime member. Apparently you can find yourself in a situation like this by spending a night together with Mr.Vanhala.

“Jarmo being known as an extremely solid drummer and a longtime member of the band I feel honored to have a chance to continue where he left off.  After doing a one year’s worth of shows it already feels like a second home with the guys and I’m proud to say that I’m a part of Omnium Gatherum now.  I’m excited in starting to work on a new album and playing for old and new fans around the world. Cheers and see you on tour!”

Omnium Gatherum will be heading to North America in November and December, and after that 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise in the Caribbean in early February.

(Photos - Omnium Gatherum Facebook)