Ecotage, a rising band in the Finnish "edge vegan" scene, stands out with their hardcore sound tinged with metallic and metalcore influences, but even more so with their commitment to veganism and animal rights, as their music attests. In this interview, we explore their musical ways, their reception by the community, and how they use their music to promote their convictions and philosophy in a straightforward and direct manner, which we appreciated.
1. How has the band been received by the international metal community, knowing that the Finnish metal scene is one of the most respected in the world?
Olli: We’ve only played hardcore shows so far, and because our label, Knives Out, is primarily recognized for its hardcore releases, most of the feedback we receive comes from the hardcore scene. While we have friends in the metal community who support our band, we haven’t received much feedback from that side yet. Our overall sound is quite metallic, so I believe it would resonate with the metal crowd as well.
When we refer to our music as ‘vegan metal,’ it’s our take on the term ‘edge metal,’ which has been used in Belgium’s H8000 scene to describe vegan straight edge hardcore bands with a very metal-influenced sound. We’re a hardcore band influenced by the H8000 style, and since we’re not a straight edge band (even though some members are sXe), we prefer to call it ‘vegan metal’ rather than ‘edge metal.’
2. Your band quickly gained attention due to its commitment to veganism and animal rights. How does the band balance its musical and activist commitments?
Ulla: The means of activism are diverse, and for us as a band, music and its message are just one way to make a difference among many. Many of us chose to go vegan after being inspired by a band in our youth, which is why we believe so strongly in music's ability to create an impact. We use our platform to raise awareness and promote the causes we care about, while also continuing to focus on our music. We recognize that activism takes many forms and it should not be feared—everyone can find the methods that resonate with them. Some occupy the streets or organize protests, while others break into facilities to liberate animals, destroy tools of exploitation, or document the violence happening behind closed doors. Some create zines, engage in science, art, or education, and others get involved in politics. Everyday actions, which often have indirect effects, are just as important as civil disobedience or direct actions that yield immediate results. The key is not in the tools or methods you choose but in taking action and the urgency to act now.
3. How does the band see the future of the Finnish vegan metalcore scene and your role in it?
Tomi: There are a lot of vegans in Finland’s hardcore and punk scenes, and veganism is not considered abnormal. Many venues have offered only vegan food for a long time, and it is well-received by everybody. Especially among young people, there are many vegans, which indicates to me that veganism is clearly a growing trend in the future and will certainly be reflected in the punk and hardcore scenes in Finland. We strive to be an actively playing band, and hopefully, we will inspire someone to lead a vegan lifestyle and start creating their own music to spread the vegan message. GO VEGAN!
Olli: In the Finnish hardcore punk scene, singing about animal rights has always been relatively common. However, it's less typical for heavier, more metallic bands to deal with this subject. Shout out to Security Threat for doing it 20 years ago. Besides Ecotage, there's also Gray State, who are playing this kind of style today. If you haven’t heard of them, definitely check them out - their new album dropped on Genet Records this year. Another band worth mentioning is Cageless (RIP). Niko, who plays guitar in Ecotage, used to play in that band. While not exactly metalcore, No Exceptions is the latest vegan straight edge band to emerge from Finland.
On a global level, it’s great to see more and more vegan bands popping up. Some cynics might say it’s a trend now in the hardcore scene. But I don’t see a problem with that if it means more people are singing about animal rights.
4. When you play at festivals where other bands in the lineup are not related to vegan hardcore, do you think you are perceived differently? Is there still discrimination in 2024?
Olli: We’ve always got the support of the Finnish hardcore scene, so I don’t feel much different with this band compared to our previous ones. With this band, we've been invited to play a wider variety of shows, which I really appreciate. It's refreshing to play for different types of audiences.
I did hear a story where an audience member said they think the music is great, but veganism sucks. It seems that some people feel threatened when someone speaks out about veganism. Even though knowledge about veganism and the reasons behind it are well understood in 2024, as long as there's still hostility toward those who advocate for it, it's a message that needs to be repeated. This band is our channel for doing just that.
5. We also asked this question to the Hungarian band Escalate. What is the best vegan dish you regularly eat while on tour?
Olli: On tour, it’s probably chips or something like hummus and bread - those are always available haha! We’re fans of pizza, so whenever there’s a chance to try some vegan pizza, we’re all in. It’s always appreciated when promoters or venues provide vegan food, so any kind of free vegan meal works for me too.
6. You released your first EP "Devastation" last June with Knives Out Records. How has the support of this label helped Ecotage reach a wider audience and promote your messages?
Olli: Knives Out has definitely helped us reach a wider audience. The label is widely recognized in the underground as a label who puts out quality stuff, so we’re honoured to be part of it. We’re excited that besides CD format, “Devastation” will soon be out as a 7” vinyl too. Be on the lookout for that! Alongside repressing classics like Arkangel, Sentence, and Purification, it's great to see Knives Out also supporting a bit newer bands like us and Decadence from Spain.
7. Since you formed, do you think you have observed a change or improvement regarding human impact on environmental issues, as you discuss in "Decline" and "Vigilantes"?
Ulla: Unfortunately, in many ways, things seem to be getting worse. The climate crisis is accelerating rapidly, and governments are failing to take meaningful action. In Finland, for instance, the government is enacting populist policies, continuing to distribute harmful subsidies, cutting funding for environmental protection, and violating both international agreements and its own climate laws.
While individual activists, organizations and collectives are doing crucial work not only to raise awareness and educate people but also protect animals and the environment, the need for immediate and decisive action from global leaders has never been clearer. We must dismantle toxic systems and authority structures that harm both people and nature, creating a foundation for a fair and genuinely sustainable world.
“Decline” addresses the accelerating collapse of ecosystems driven by human actions and It reflects the growing sense of urgency and despair over the lack of effective action and the dire consequences of our current path. "Vigilantes," on the other hand, speaks to those who take bold actions to expose the truth and address injustices when traditional systems fail. Both songs underscore the urgent need for systemic change and the importance of staying committed to justice and sustainability.
8. How does the song "The Change" use metaphors to illustrate the benefits of veganism for the environment?
Tomi: This is something you should ask the song’s lyricist, Atte from Gray State. He wrote lyrics to the song and recorded a vocal demo for it when me and Olli were putting the band together. However, Atte felt he couldn’t commit enough to Ecotage and left the band at an early stage. We asked Atte’s permission to use the lyrics because we liked them. Atte also played a few gigs on bass with Ecotage before Kari from Cleansing joined the group. Thanks, Atte!
Olli: I see those lyrics as quite straightforward, talking about humanity’s selfishness which destroys the Earth, while encouraging people to choose veganism - the compassionate way for both animals and the environment.
9. How have you perceived the response from people since the release of "Devastation," with some media describing you as one of the most promising bands?
Olli: It’s great to see a positive response to our band and the EP. I think we managed to write some killer songs, and it seems our passion for this style of music and the message we want to convey come through in our tracks since people are responding well to it. Thanks to everyone who has showed support by coming to shows, sending messages or connecting in any way, and buying the record and merch. And thank you for this interview. It all means a lot to us, and we don’t take it for granted.
10. Although for us it is not a musical category but rather an indication that the band is female-fronted, what do you think of this label concerning Ecotage?
Ulla: As someone who identifies as female, I am tired of having to constantly explain or justify my presence in bands or within hardcore culture. The fact that we still need to discuss these terms and that they persist highlights the exclusive nature of our culture's patriarchy.
11. What are Ecotage's future goals in terms of music and activism?
Olli: The plans are pretty simple - keep writing new songs and playing more shows. As mentioned before, this music is our main outlet for activism, and we’re committed to keeping it going.
12. What will your fall look like on the road or in other studio sessions?
Tomi: We have a few shows scheduled in Finland for this year, and we are planning a mini tour in the nearby countries at the beginning of 2025. The release of the 'Devastation' EP, our shows and our personal lives have taken up all of the band's time, but now that 'Devastation' is released, we have also started working on new songs. The composing work is still in its early stages, so we won't be able to get to the studio this year. Maybe next year? Who knows?
13. Do you have any other upcoming video shoots?
Olli: We've thought about it, but there are no concrete plans at the moment.
14. What is the best quote to describe your musical approach that has been greatly influenced by Earth Crisis?
Olli: A quote from Earth Crisis lyrics? Their song “New Ethic” describes why everyone should go vegan and what our band stands for. That song has been a huge inspiration to me: ‘Their (animals’) lives reduced to biomachines in the factory, farm and laboratory. Dairy, eggs and meat, fur, suede, wool, leather are the end products of torture, confinement and murder.’ Facts!
From our own songs, the lyrics for “Until Justice is Served” and “Vigilantes” are inspired by direct action against animal cruelty, a topic often covered in Earth Crisis songs as well. We’ve also been inspired by a Finnish organisation Oikeutta eläimille (“Justice for Animals”), which does great work at exposing the realities of factory farming and fur farming by photographing the farms and sharing the information online. Check out www.elaintehtaat.fi to see what’s really happening on Finnish farms. As we say in “Until Justice is Served”: ‘This fight will not end until justice is served.’
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We share the same view as Ecotage. Music has the immeasurable power to impact humans when the messages conveyed are of impeccable relevance. It is clear that in all the writings and compositions carried in songs like those of the Finns, there is only one beautiful objective: to make a difference for those who embrace the same ideologies. I believe that with the statements in this interview, some might reflect more deeply on this subject. We have immense respect for their honesty and devotion. This band represents a strong argumentative force and gives the "edge vegan" movement an additional musical boost. This band is a sure value.
