Draft:Total Remain



Total Remain

Total Remain is a Finnish thrash metal band formed in the early 1990s, known for their explosive aggression and powerful playing. The band's story began years before their official formation, rooted in the friendship of two metal guitarists, Roba and Perza, who studied together at a vocational school from 1988 to 1989 and played in the same band, R.A.F.D.

Early Years and Formation

The journey of Total Remain began when Perza left for military service, where he met Tero, a drummer for the band Sacrament. In February 1992, Roba and Perza recorded a rap demo and made a music video during a weekend studio session at Sammy Roiha’s workshop. During his military service, Perza and Tero, along with Roba, started rehearsing together on weekend leaves, laying the foundation for what would become Total Remain.

After completing their service, the group focused on writing new material and rehearsing intensively. By the end of the summer of 1993, they performed their first trial gigs and recorded their debut demo, "Right Direction," at Timo Tolkki's studio. The demo was well-received, prompting the production of numerous copies to meet the demand.

Classic Lineup and Early Success

Finding a permanent bassist proved challenging. Initially, Perza played bass for the demo recordings, but the band decided to add a second guitarist instead. Pate joined the band in the fall of 1993, completing the classic lineup of Total Remain.

In early 1994, the band aimed to record an EP in a 24-track studio, a top-tier production facility at the time. They meticulously rehearsed and planned various recording scenarios before heading into Noise Factory for a weekend recording session. This period was marked by the birth of Perza’s child, which added a unique intensity to his performance.

The resulting EP, "More Aggressive/More Pain," was distributed at a nominal price and promoted through tours in youth centers and other venues around Helsinki. Though not groundbreaking, the EP stood out for its raw energy and fierce playing.

Continued Performances and Challenges

Throughout 1995, Total Remain continued to perform actively and returned to Tolkki's studio for another demo. Unfortunately, the extreme winter cold affected the recording process, causing tuning issues with their instruments. Despite high-quality mixing, the demo did not meet the band’s expectations. They channeled their frustration into more live performances and eventually recruited Teemu for keyboards and backing vocals after he temporarily replaced Perza on bass due to shoulder surgery.

Internal Struggles and Hiatus

In early 1996, Perza began working as a studio engineer, which allowed the band to record new material during weekend sessions. However, juggling multiple roles took its toll on Perza, and the demands of fatherhood further complicated his involvement with the band. This led to his departure from Total Remain, after which he transitioned to producing electronic music and pop.

Total Remain continued for about another year with a new lineup, recording one more demo but never returning to the stage. Internal conflicts eventually led to the band’s dissolution.

Reunion and Future Plans

As of early 2024, the core members of Total Remain—Roba, Tero, and Perza—have reunited after a 28-year hiatus. They are actively recording, planning, and writing new material, with plans to produce a couple of cover songs and re-record much of their original material. The band has signed a production and partnership agreement with the Finnish company VLMedia, aiming for a world-class revival. Their debut release was made in late winter with a cover of "LOVE Machine" by W.A.S.P., followed by a cover of Judas Priest's "Metal Gods" in late spring. Scheduled for release next week is a cover of Sepultura's "Roots" for the summer release list. In addition to these, the band has been working on their own material, with releases expected during the upcoming fall.

Drums and backing vocals: Tero Kuula  

Bass and vocals: Perza Arhola

Guitar and backing vocals: Robert Sandholm

Guitar and backing vocals: Pasi Tomppo

(Guitar, Bass and vocals on earlier productions): Perza Arhola

Total Remain performed approximately 200 gigs during their existence, primarily at youth centers and clubs in the Helsinki area. Despite their limited financial compensation, the band was known for their professionalism and high-quality performances. They had a sponsorship deal with Koff, and their equipment was insured against damage.

The CD-EP received worldwide praise and several collaboration offers, which the band ultimately declined. It has been speculated that with a few more years of effort, Total Remain could have secured a record contract and gained international recognition.

Legacy

Total Remain is remembered for their distinctive logo, resembling the silhouette of a mangy wolf, and their powerful live performances. Despite not achieving commercial success during their active years, their influence and potential have left a lasting mark on the Finnish metal scene.