This is the English language version of the Finnish original biography, in which Swallow The Sun tell their own story. Written by Matti Riekki (translated by Salla Harjula) from interviews with main man Juha Raivio—who talks for the first time about almost insurmountably difficult issues, the most devastating being the death of his spouse—and with everyone who has contributed to the creation of the band’s unique sound over the past quarter of a century. All talk openly about the group’s internal conflicts, difficulties with the music business, and the pain they’ve suffered in reaching the top of the melodic doom metal scene. Ultimately, they tell a triumphant tale of great friendships forged, and of a collective will power strong enough to break down every barrier they faced.
The band is old enough that they started to have stories like a book. And this was quite a therapeutic session for us to talk through old stuff. It was no easy task for a Finnish man! We couldn’t avoid laughter, though – and tears
Mikko Kotamäki, vocals
