by Alexandra Mrozowska
— Senior Columnist —
Usually there’s nothing more harmful than stereotypes, no matter if in relation to the individual or the entire nation. Yet, sometimes you can’t help but think there must be a link between, say, Scandinavian long, cold winters and the melancholic vibe to their music. And what’s more, many Scandinavian musicians seem to actually confirm that. One of them is Vin Valentino, the frontman of the Finnish five-piece Delta Enigma. “I am pretty sure that melancholy is our cultural thing,” says Vin about the undertones of ethereal sorrow that are impossible to reproduce anywhere else but his native region… As the band prepares to release their first full-length album Two Shadows, Vin gives a sneak peek into their world exclusively for Hardrock Haven.
Hardrock Haven: When analyzing the melancholy in your music, some reviewers point out to the geography – do you agree it’s a cultural or social condition of sorts?
Vin Valentino: In Finland, the winters are long, cold and very dark. I think it affects everyone in some way. Finland is a very sparsely populated country and we don’t talk to strangers or even to our neighbors. I am pretty sure that melancholy is our cultural thing. We should talk more to clear our minds from all the personal concerns. As the famous Finnish saying goes: “suomalainen mies ei puhu, eikä pussaa.” It literally means “Finnish man does not speak or kiss.” We don’t talk about our feelings! We just don’t. Maybe that’s why I write songs.
Hardrock Haven: What are the origins of the unique band name?
Vin Valentino: It is indeed unique. I wanted it to be unique. Back in 2010-2011 I decided to come up with a name that no other band had. I also wanted to have a futuristic vibe to it, but not being too obvious about it or too sci-fi. So I chose the word “delta” which sounded slightly futuristic but also had real meanings, as a letter “delta” has the shape of a triangle and triangle is one of the symbols of love. Also, in mathematics delta means “change”, so that really gives a nice little twist and sense of danger to the otherwise unwavering love element. For the word “enigma”, I really wanted to have something to counterbalance the love aspect of “delta”. Enigma is a mystery, something unexplainable that no one can figure out. That’s how complicated love is. Therefore, the name Delta Enigma could be understood as the mystery of love in all of its forms. Sometimes it makes you come alive and sometimes it kills you from the inside.
Hardrock Haven: The band is labeled as “alternative” Metal, yet you seem to be influenced as much by Metal as you are by Pop music…
Vin Valentino: I don’t really know what exact genre we are. I guess we represent many different genres. Sure, Alternative Rock/Alternative Metal is a good depiction because it’s not too strict, but I personally never think about genres when I compose music. It is too limiting. I rather stay outside the box. As for influences, there’s too many to name a few. I take lots of inspiration from ‘70s and ‘80s rock bands and artists.
Hardrock Haven: Your last single “Unreality” and the music video to it has been widely commented upon. Where did the idea for such a difficult topic for a song and a video come from?
Vin Valentino: For the basic plot, I actually took my main inspiration from the survival horror game series Silent Hill. The main characters of the series most likely suffer from psychological trauma and are forced to deal with the embodiments of their past. This has greatly affected my storytelling. I have always loved presenting the darkest of topics in a beautiful and touching way. The story in “Unreality” was told with a childish mind and fairytale-like characters in a dream reality. I could have just shown the coldblooded murder-suicide happen, but that would’ve lacked all the humane empathy and it would’ve been pointless without the twisted characters and a mysterious storyline. I like to start with a simple topic and create a whole new diverse world around it. There’s meanings after meanings. It’s my style of doing songs and videos. It will always be my style.
Hardrock Haven: Indeed, “Unreality” reaches deep into human mind and emotional sphere. Are you interested in psychology and the way people struggle with difficult emotions?
Vin Valentino: Yes I am. I too have struggled, but I managed to get out of the pit. After the darkest night there’s always a brighter day. It is really something that I’ve learned.
Hardrock Haven: The “Unreality” video is preceded with a warning about disturbing imagery. Do you think that art in general needs such strong means of expression for the message to come through?
Vin Valentino: Not at all. Only if the art itself calls for it. Stay faithful to the work.
Hardrock Haven: Directing Delta Enigma’s videos, you’re involved in more aspects of making them than the majority of young artists. What are the advantages of such an approach?
Vin Valentino: I get to improve my storytelling skills and learn more from every project. Our songs and videos are truly authentic, because we do them on our own! And most important, I can only blame myself if something goes wrong.
Hardrock Haven: As an artist and a director, you seem to pay a lot more attention to music videos than a large part of today’s Rock/Metal scene satisfied with simple lyric videos. Why is this medium so important to you?
Vin Valentino: I have strong visions and I want to fulfill them. For me, it’s about my biggest passion. And if I didn’t do the songs and videos the way I’m doing them now, I would literally hate myself for not following my intuition, the very essence of creativity.
Hardrock Haven: There’s a cinematic feel to Delta Enigma videos. Given that and your skills as a director, I assume films in general are one of your biggest inspirations… Any titles or directors that shaped the way you approach things?
Vin Valentino: Actually I rarely watch movies nowadays, but when I watch a good one I’m really hooked to the atmosphere. One of my favorite directors is Christopher Nolan. His films are considered both “artistic” and “entertainment”. Perfect combination I would say. I also want to bring an “artistic” aspect to everything that I do.
Hardrock Haven: Can you reveal anything about the video to the third single “Venom” which I believe is in the making?
Vin: Overall, it will be our most cinematic video with a deep and sorrowful storyline set between the spirit world and our world. That’s all I want to reveal for now.
Hardrock Haven: So far, the only band release is 2015’s Gone By The Dusk EP. Looking back and comparingit with the upcoming new album, what can you say about the group’s artistic development throughout the years?
Vin Valentino: It is an important part of our history. We were really proud of it back then. I don’t want to regret being proud of my work. And well, it is always nice to look back and notice the improvement. Maybe the biggest difference is in the way that I’m producing music nowadays. I’ve improved in style awareness and mixing the songs. I dare to try things that are more challenging, but I also know when to leave the song as it is. The boys have always been good players, so the improvement isn’t that obvious in that sector.Hardrock Haven: What’s the songwriting process like for Delta Enigma? Are all members of the band involved in it?
Vin Valentino: I have rhythms and melodies constantly playing in my head. I just grab the ideas and write them down. Composing music is extremely easy for me, but the lyrics are a difficult to write. I want to have a meaning to everything that I say. I get all my inspiration from emotions and I try to come up with a story to describe that feeling. That way people might find themselves in the songs that I write. I’ve heard they’re pretty easy to relate to. I want to be honest with my feelings. As for other members, no. I compose all the songs on my own, but the other guys give me lots of good ideas when we start rehearsing or recording the songs.
Hardrock Haven: You usually claim you don’t want to reveal too much about the song and that you want each listener to understand it their way. How important do you think this personal interpretation of someone else’s song is to their music experience?
Vin Valentino: Every person has a story to tell. I’ve noticed that music helps people to process their problems in their minds. You know, when you’re sad, crying is the best medicine. Music can sensitize people and help them to wash away the sorrow. It is easier if you can relate to the song. The same thing also works with happy songs. Can you remember the feeling of first love or nostalgia from those times you were the happiest person on earth? Songs can take you there again.
Hardrock Haven: I think all of us can relate to what you’ve just said – especially during such a difficult year as 2020. Speaking of that, to what extent your plans have been altered by the current pandemic situation?
Vin Valentino: 2020 has been a different kind of year in many ways, but luckily our plans have not changed that much. We had already decided to focus on working with our new material so there weren’t any shows booked when the pandemic began. Can’t say all bands were as lucky as we were. Now we plan to release our next single “Venom” and the debut album Two Shadows. After this we’d love to start touring if the situation with coronavirus in the world gets better.
Hardrock Haven: Is there any message you’d like to wrap our conversation up with?
Vin Valentino: Thank you for checking out this interview! I’d like to mention that new merch will be available soon and we’ll arrange a meet & greet live stream event. Everybody’s welcome there!
Visit the band online: https://www.deltaenigma.net/
