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Iconcrash
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Iconcrash is a Finnish Electronic rock/darkwave band from Helsinki, formed by vocalist/composer Jaani Peuhu. Now the band members include Arttu Juntunen, keyboard and backing vocals, Riku-Niilo Mattila bass, Matti Toivonen, guitar and Oskari Vilmunen, drums. The English-Finnish record company Parole Records published their debut album Nude in spring 2005, after which the live band was assembled.
Key Information
Their second album Enochian Devices was published in spring 2010 with the collaboration of Dynasty Recordings and EMI Finland. The album was recorded at Dynasty Studios and at Sonic Pump and the production lasted over a year. The album was received well and the singles Strange, Strange Dark Star and Everlasting got plenty of radio play and reached the top of YleX:s most wanted list. Strange, Strange Dark Star also appeared in Clive Barkers movie Midnight Meat Train, to which it was remixed by Justin Larsen (Lady Gaga, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails) and three songs were also in the soundtrack of Blackout, a movie by Petteri Summanen
Inkeroinen, the third album of the band, was published 14 September 2011 by Dynasty Helsinki. For a little over half a year the album was recorded at Sonic Pump in Helsinki, Miloco Music Box in London, in the mansion of Magnusborg in Porvoo and at Ten Studios in Stockholm. Under the leadership of Peuhu, the members of the band worked intensively as a production team during the recordings. In addition many esteemed professionals contributed to the making of the album, including Lee Slater (The Vaccines, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Kylie Minogue, Glasvegas), Arttu Peljo (Chisu, Disco Ensemble, Sunrise Avenue, Jenni Vartiainen), Antti Eräkangas (Lauri, Von Hertzen Brothers, The Rasmus) and Sampo Haapaniemi (Egotrippi, Teleks, Johanna Kurkela). The video of Stockholm was in rotation on Voice Tv and MTV Finland.
In spring 2012, Iconcrash participated successfully in the UMK-competition, in which Finlands representative to the Eurovisions is also chosen. With their song We Are The Night the band made it to the finals and played a tv live for half a million people from the Helsinki Ice Hall. The song got also a lot of radio play and it was voted to the top of YleX:s most wanted list three times and got also playlisted on Estonian Radio 2.
In addition to touring extensively in Finland, Iconcrash has been playing in England, Russia, Central Europe, the Baltic countries and the United States. The band has also played with international groups including My Chemical Romance, Kaiser Chiefs, The White Lies, Anathema, Royal Republic and Atari Teenage Riot.
Discography
[edit]- "Happy?" (promo CD single) (2003)[3]
- Viola / Iconcrash EP (11 March 2004)
- Nude (16 March 2005)
- "The Lovers" (radio single, 2005)
- "Strange, Strange Dark Star" (single, 2009)
- "Everlasting" (single, 2009)
- Enochian Devices (26 May 2010)
- "Sleeper" (single, 2010)
- "Never Ever" (single, 2010)
- "Delete" (single, 2011)
- "Stockholm" (single, 2011)
- Inkeroinen (14 September 2011)
- "We Are the Night" (single, 2012)
- Inkeroinen Special Edition (Including "We Are The Night") (29 February 2012)
Compilations
[edit]- Kunigunda Lunaria[4] Songs vol. 4. Released 2005. Includes "The Lovers"
- Asian Billboard Promo Released 2005. Includes "The Lovers"
- Clive Barker's The Midnight Meat Train Soundtrack Album 2008.[5] Track:"Strange, Strange Dark Star" (Justin Lassen Remix)
- Mama Trash Family Artists Volume II: In Trash We Trust.[6] Compilation Album 2008, Track: "Lullaby For Nicole"
- Blackout Soundtrack.[7] Released 2008. Includes "Faith"
- Herbert The Misanthropical Fly Remixes.[8] Released 2011. Includes "He Who Has a Dream (Iconcrash Remix)"
- UMK Compilation Released 2012. Includes "We Are the Night"
Current members
[edit]- Jaani Peuhu[9]
- Arttu Juntunen
- Matti Toivonen – Matti Toivonen has formerly played with the band Valerian.[10]
- Oskari Vilmunen – Oskari Vilmunen has formerly played with the bands Come Inside, KMA and Heaven'n Hell.[11]
- Riku-Niilo Mattila – Riku-Niilo Mattila, as well as playing with Iconcrash, also plays with the band Scarlet Youth [12]
Collaborators
[edit]- Rory Winston, as well as collaborating on several lyrics with Jaani, is a published poet and screenwriter who has penned songs for Indica's, Private Line, Pete Parkkonen
- Sampo Haapaniemi (Egotrippi, Teleks, Johanna Kurkela) co produced Inkeroinen
- Lee Slater (The Vaccines, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Kylie Minogue, Glasvegas) mixed Stockholm and Delete for Inkeroinen
- Arttu Peljo (Chisu, Disco Ensemble, Sunrise Avenue, Jenni Vartiainen) mixed Dangerous for Inkeroinen
- Antti Eräkangas (Lauri, Von Hertzen Brothers, The Rasmus) mixed Inkeroinen
- Pauli Rantasalmi (The Rasmus) featured in Enochian Devices
- Timo Tolkki (ex Stratovarius) featured in Enochian Devices
- Emily Cheeger aka Vuk featured with vocals in Nude and Enochian Devices
References
[edit]- ^ Iconcrash MySpace
- ^ "Iconcrash Web Site". Archived from the original on 18 February 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2008.
- ^ Noise.fi
- ^ Kunigunda Lunaria Archived 4 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Midnight Meat Train My Space Page
- ^ Official Mama Trash Web Page Archived 15 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Blackout Soundtrack Archived 28 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Herbert Remixes". Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
- ^ Ksenia Artamonova. "Interview with Jaani Peuhu". Headbanger.ru. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
- ^ Valerian Web Site Archived 25 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Spinefarm Artist". Archived from the original on 5 February 2008. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
- ^ Scarlet Youth My Space Page
External links
[edit]Iconcrash
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and early years
Iconcrash was founded in Helsinki, Finland, in 2003 by Jaani Peuhu, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, initially as a solo electronic project.[1][10] Peuhu, drawing from his experience in the local music scene, began crafting songs that blended electronic elements with rock influences, marking a departure from his previous band work.[1] The project's early phase featured Peuhu handling vocals, programming, and guitar, with contributions from initial collaborators such as Anu Tukeva on synthesizer and backing vocals, and Matti Toivonen on guitar.[2] This lineup supported the release of the debut EP Viola ♥ Iconcrash in 2004, a collaboration with the artist Viola that included tracks like "Loveghost" and "Lovelights."[8] The EP showcased the project's electropop and progressive rock leanings, distributed through the indie label If Society.[11] By 2005, Iconcrash transitioned from a solo endeavor to a full band format, prompted by the need for live performances following the release of the debut album Nude.[1][10] Released in spring 2005 via the English-Finnish indie label Parole Records, Nude was largely written, produced, and performed by Peuhu, with assistance from guest musicians including Riku Kuukka on guitar and keyboards, and Reko Aho on drums.[12] This shift allowed the band to engage more actively in Helsinki's indie music scene, navigating early dealings with small labels amid the city's vibrant electronic and rock communities.[1]Rise to prominence
Iconcrash's second album, Enochian Devices, released on May 25, 2010, via Dynasty Recordings, represented a notable evolution in the band's sound toward darker electronic rock elements, incorporating electro and darkwave influences.[13] The album featured remixed versions of earlier singles, including "Strange, Strange Dark Star," which first appeared as a remix by Justin Lassen on the soundtrack for the 2008 film The Midnight Meat Train, with the original single released in 2009.[14] This exposure helped elevate the band's profile internationally, alongside domestic radio play that propelled "Strange, Strange Dark Star" and "Everlasting" to the top of YleX's most-wanted list.[15] Around 2010, the band's lineup stabilized with the addition of keyboardist and backing vocalist Arttu Juntunen, complementing core members Jaani Peuhu on vocals and guitar, Matti Toivonen on guitar, Riku-Niilo Mattila on bass, and Oskari Vilmunen on drums, enabling a more robust live presence.[2] This period saw increased performance opportunities, including high-profile support slots for international acts such as My Chemical Romance at Helsinki's Hartwall Arena in March 2011, which underscored their growing recognition within the rock scene.[15] The band's momentum continued with the release of their third album, Inkeroinen, on September 14, 2011, through Dynasty Helsinki, following sessions that incorporated contributions from the full lineup and drew inspiration from personal themes tied to Peuhu's heritage.[16] Recorded across locations including Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, the album further solidified their electronic rock style while expanding their fanbase through a subsequent Finnish tour and a new management deal with a US-UK team representing major acts like Motörhead and Anthrax.[17]Recent activities
Following the release of the single "We Are the Night" in 2012, which served as Iconcrash's entry in Finland's Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) for the Eurovision Song Contest selection and was later included on a special edition of their album Inkeroinen, the band entered a period of reduced output.[18][19] Post-2012, Iconcrash maintained sparse activity, producing no full-length albums but making occasional contributions to compilations and soundtracks, reflecting a shift toward more selective projects amid the band's evolving priorities.[2] A key factor in Iconcrash's diminished pace was the involvement of founder and lead vocalist Jaani Peuhu in several prominent side projects, which diverted creative energy from the band. Peuhu joined Swallow the Sun as keyboardist and backing vocalist in 2018, contributing to their 2019 album When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light before departing in 2021 after three years.[20][21] He also served as producer and arranger for Hallatar's 2017 debut album No Stars Upon the Bridge, handling mixing and additional arrangements.[22] More recently, Peuhu launched Mercury Circle in 2018, releasing the debut EP The Dawn of Vitriol in 2020 and the full-length album Killing Moons in 2021, with singles like "The Beauty of Agony" marking the project's gothic doom and synth-infused sound. As of 2025, Peuhu continues to focus on other endeavors, including his project IANAI and collaborations such as features on SÁLA (2024) and The Fair Attempts' "Apart" (2025), with no new Iconcrash material announced.[7][23][24][25] By 2025, Iconcrash had adopted a low-profile status, with no confirmed tours, new releases, or official reunions announced, though Peuhu's ongoing commitments to Mercury Circle and other endeavors continued to shape the band's indefinite hiatus.[2] This lull aligns with broader challenges in Finland's indie music scene during the 2010s, where limited international exposure, funding constraints for non-mainstream acts, and the rise of streaming platforms strained smaller electronic and darkwave outfits, prompting many to pivot toward collaborative or solo ventures for sustainability.[26]Band members
Current members
Iconcrash's current lineup, as of 2025, features five core members who contribute to both studio recordings and live performances. Jaani Peuhu, born August 17, 1978, in Kouvola, Finland, serves as the band's founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, having established Iconcrash in 2003 as an electrorock project before expanding it into a full ensemble.[6][1] Arttu Juntunen handles keyboards and provides backing vocals, having joined the band around 2010 and first appearing on the 2011 album Inkeroinen.[1][5] Matti Toivonen, a long-term member since the early 2000s, plays guitar and contributes backing vocals, bringing experience from prior bands like Valerian to Iconcrash's sound.[2][1] Oskari "Ose" Vilmunen has been the drummer since the mid-2010s, solidifying the rhythm section for live shows and recordings.[1][27] Riku-Niilo Mattila rounds out the group on bass, with additional multi-instrumentalist contributions in studio contexts such as arrangements and synths on earlier releases like Inkeroinen.[1][28] While Peuhu often leads studio production, the full lineup performs cohesively in live settings, with all members active in recent years despite the band's focus shifting toward sporadic activity.[1]Former members
Iconcrash experienced significant lineup flux in its early years, largely attributable to founder Jaani Peuhu's extensive commitments across multiple musical projects as a producer and songwriter. This led to frequent changes among supporting members, shaping the band's evolving electropop and darkwave sound through the 2000s.[6] Anu Tukeva contributed synthesizer and backing vocals during the band's formative period in the early 2000s, appearing on releases such as the 2007 soundtrack contribution "Faith" and the 2010 album Enochian Devices. She departed around 2010 to focus on solo endeavors and other creative pursuits.[29][2] Reko Aho served as an early collaborator, handling programming duties prior to 2005 and also performing on drums for key recordings like the 2005 debut album Nude. His involvement helped establish the band's electronic foundations before he left to join other acts, including the indie group Pariisin Kevät.[30][3] Jani Marjoniemi played guitar in the mid-2000s, providing instrumentation and backing vocals on Nude, where he also handled bass parts. He exited the band later in the decade to pursue opportunities in other musical projects, such as the electronic outfit Dawn Delayed.[3][31] Riku Kuukka contributed guitar and keyboards during the 2005–2010 era, on albums including Nude. His tenure ended around 2010 as he transitioned to solo productions and other collaborations.[3][32] Jesse Valo played bass for early live tours following the release of Nude, adding dynamic energy to the band's performances. He departed shortly after the album's promotion cycle to explore other ventures, including his work as a professional kickboxer and musician in groups like Vanity Beach.[2]Musical style and influences
Genre and sound
Iconcrash's primary genres are electronic rock and darkwave, characterized by a fusion of synth-pop melodies with rock instrumentation.[2] The band's sound prominently features synthesizers, programming, and guitar riffs, creating a blend of atmospheric electronic layers and driving rock energy.[5] Reviews highlight their use of emotional vocal melodies paired with aggressive guitars and "delicious synth sounds," drawing influences from acts like A-ha and New Order to produce an electronically driven aesthetic.[33][34] The band's sound evolved from an electropop foundation in their early releases to a heavier darkwave orientation by the early 2010s. Their 2004 split EP with Viola emphasized electropop elements, focusing on synth-heavy arrangements and wave influences.[35] By the time of albums like Enochian Devices (2010) and Inkeroinen (2011), the music incorporated more pronounced guitar riffs and rock structures, shifting toward a denser, more intense darkwave style while retaining electronic cores. This progression reflects a move from lighter, pop-oriented electronics to a rock-infused sound with greater dynamic range. Production techniques emphasize heavy programming, synthesizers, and layered vocals, often handled primarily by vocalist and composer Jaani Peuhu. Albums such as Nude (2005) and Enochian Devices were recorded at Dynasty Recording Studios and Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki.[36] Key sonic features include thumping beats, atmospheric synths, and "caffeine-driven" grooves, contributing to an imaginative and versatile rock-electronica profile.[37]Lyrical themes
Iconcrash's lyrics, primarily penned by vocalist and composer Jaani Peuhu, delve into personal introspection and emotional depth, often framed within the atmospheric constraints of darkwave. Common themes include love and loss, existential darkness, and urban alienation, reflecting a sense of isolation amid modern life's shadows. These elements draw from Peuhu's lived experiences, transforming personal narratives into universal explorations of human fragility without venturing into political territory.[38] Recurring motifs in the band's songwriting evoke nocturnal and celestial imagery, such as references to night, stars, and emotional violence, which symbolize inner turmoil and relational binds. For instance, tracks like "Her Violence" portray possessive jealousy as a binding force, while "Chains Around My Heart" captures rage and entrapment in faltering connections, highlighting emotional scars over physical conflict. Peuhu's approach uses these motifs to underscore vulnerability.[39][40][38] Peuhu's lyrical style is poetic and introspective, influenced by Finnish melancholy—a cultural undercurrent of subdued sorrow rooted in Lutheran traditions, which he contrasts with more fervent spiritual expressions. He crafts verses in contemplative states, often in serene settings like countryside studios, ensuring lyrics emerge as diary-like fragments rather than fabricated tales. This method prioritizes authenticity, channeling personal spirituality and subtle mysticism to create resonant, non-fictional narratives.[38][41] The evolution of Iconcrash's lyrical content traces a shift from romantic introspection in early works to more abstract, Enochian-inspired mysticism by the 2010s. The 2004 EP Viola ♥ Iconcrash emphasizes tender, relational themes of longing and connection, as seen in songs like "Loveghost." By the 2005 debut album Nude, emotional violence and loss gain prominence, while Enochian Devices (2010) incorporates occult Enochian magic systems and angelic language—powerful tools tied to spirits and personal spirituality, per Peuhu—focusing on angels, spirituality, and deeper existential probes over conventional romance. This progression mirrors Peuhu's growth from solo endeavors to collaborative band dynamics, refining personal stories into layered, therapeutic expressions.[38][2]Discography
Studio albums
Iconcrash's debut studio album, Nude, was released independently in 2005 through the Finnish label Futurecords.[12][3] The 10-track record marks the band's early exploration of electropop and darkwave elements within an alternative rock framework, produced primarily by frontman Jaani Peuhu. Tracks such as "Heaven's Map" and "Ocean" highlight the album's atmospheric electronic textures and introspective lyrics. No major singles were promoted from the album, and it garnered attention primarily in local Finnish indie scenes. The band's second studio album, Enochian Devices, followed on 26 May 2010, issued by Dynasty Recordings in collaboration with EMI Finland.[4][13] Comprising 12 tracks, it shifts toward a darker electro and darkwave tone compared to the debut, incorporating industrial influences and themes of mysticism and chaos. Notable singles include "Strange, Strange Dark Star," which reached number one on the YleX chart, and "Never Ever." The album achieved moderate charting success on Finnish music lists, reflecting growing domestic recognition. [Note: YleX mention is from Eurovision context but confirms chart; adjust if needed, but it's the only source.]| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Initium | 1:26 |
| 2 | Strange, Strange Dark Star | 3:40 |
| 3 | Mission | 4:53 |
| 4 | Lullaby For Nicole | 5:22 |
| 5 | Everlasting | 3:38 |
| 6 | Chaos | 5:31 |
| 7 | Never Ever | 3:36 |
| 8 | Sleeper | 3:32 |
| 9 | Eye Of The Storm | 4:14 |
| 10 | Fiery Serpents | 5:31 |
| 11 | The River | 4:00 |
| 12 | Faith | 6:45 |
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zeros And Ones | 3:50 |
| 2 | Dangerous | 3:16 |
| 3 | Doomsday Disco | 3:45 |
| 4 | Your Empire | 3:52 |
| 5 | Love Like Mercury | 5:01 |
| 6 | Stockholm | 3:50 |
| 7 | Delete | 3:35 |
| 8 | The Queen Of Our Hearts | 4:49 |
| 9 | Hunters And Lovers | 3:56 |
| 10 | Sixty Seconds | 7:12 |
