Kaschalot About Their New Album, "Anemoia"
"'Anemoia' Was a Conscious Decision To Stop Holding Back"
Guitarist Aleksandr (Alex) answered my questions about the new Kaschalot album, "Anemoia". He shared insights about their writing process and some fascinating side facts about the band. In addition to this interview, you can find my review of "Anemoia" below. So, plenty for you here to enjoy Kaschalot to the fullest. I invite you to stay here for a while, listen to this record and get to know Alex and Kaschalot.
Anne: Thanks for taking the time! How are you doing? What are your thoughts on today's news?
Alex: We're doing alright, thank you! These days, there's so much happening in the world that it can be hard to process everything at once—sometimes even overwhelming. We try to put our energy into making music that might bring people comfort or help them feel a little more connected and find some relief.
Anne: Your new album, "Anemoia", dives into growth, resilience, and transformation. Can you share the personal or collective experiences that inspired these themes?
"A lot has changed"
Alex: The material for "Anemoia" was written over the course of three or four years. And during what is, in hindsight, a relatively short period, a lot changed—both in the world and in our personal lives. We had to adapt, grow, and keep moving without losing that inner spark. Finishing an album that feels like a true step forward became our way of staying connected to that energy.
The long pause between releases also meant that we changed as people—and so did our musical tastes. Naturally, "Anemoia" reflects those shifts. It's still us but from a different angle.
Anne: "Anemoia" refers to nostalgia for a time one hasn't experienced. How does this concept relate to your music and the emotions you aim to evoke in this album?
Alex: All of us started out playing more straightforward and aggressive music, and sometimes, that energy still finds its way into what we create today.
This also ties into the meaning behind the album's title. Growing up, we often discovered influential punk and alternative bands years after their peak—sometimes only after they had already disbanded. Their music still left a deep impression on us, shaping our tastes and inspiring us to create. That feeling of longing for something we never truly experienced firsthand is exactly what "Anemoia" represents for us.
Anne: Your past albums, "Whale Songs" and "Zenith," got great praise in the math-rock scene. How do you feel your sound has evolved in "Anemoia" compared to these earlier works?
"We wanted to preserve our identity"
Alex: With "Anemoia", we wanted to preserve the core identity of Kaschalot, but also reconnect with the emotions and motivations that brought us to music in the first place. With this album, we aimed for a blend of something modern, yet grounded in raw, honest and straightforward emotions.
Anne: "Anemoia" features intricate guitar work and emotionally charged melodies. What was your process for creating these tracks? Did you try any new techniques or instruments?
Alex: A lot of what we said before applies here as well—"Anemoia" was a conscious decision to stop holding back. More riffs, more sharp turns, more edge. That mindset shaped both the guitar work and the overall dynamics. It wasn't about sticking to a formula, but more of a "let's see where it leads" kind of approach… And we have a trumpet in the ending track!
Anne: You recorded "Anemoia" in different places. You tracked guitars, bass, and trumpet yourself. The drums were recorded at Andrecording Studio. How did this hybrid recording approach influence the final sound of the album?
Alex: This approach came naturally—we've always done many things ourselves. It gave us more control and time to shape the details. However, the acoustics in our rehearsal space didn't match what we were aiming for with the drums, so we went to Andrecording Studio and tracked them with Magnus Andre.
Anne: Peter Ternovoi handled the mixing and mastering of "Anemoia". What was it like collaborating with him again, and how did his input shape the album's sonic landscape?
Anne: The album cover of "Anemoia" shows a photo by Stefano Perego. It has a vinyl graphic design by Andri Allas. How do these visual elements complement the music and themes of the record?
I reached out to Stefano Perego to ask if he'd be open to letting us use one of his photos for the album cover. In the end, he actually suggested this particular image himself—and we all instantly fell in love with it.
It naturally continues the visual language we explored in our previous covers. There's something in it that resonates with the themes of "Anemoia"—it feels distant, massive, and quietly emotional. And if you look at it closely… it's also kind of a giant fin!
Andri Allas is a very close friend of ours. He's always helped us with visuals and photography—at this point, he's basically part of the family. So, asking him to do the vinyl design was a no-brainer. He truly understands our aesthetic and is incredibly easy to work with. It's always a smooth and inspiring process.
"'Anemoia' feels distant, massive, and quietly emotional"
Alex: We've been working with Peter Ternovoi for a long time. He also mixed and mastered our previous album Whale Songs, and we've collaborated with him on other projects, like Mört and SÜDA. It was a pleasure to work with him again—he's easygoing and really nails all the nuances.
Anne: You're known for blending technical precision with emotional depth. How do you balance these parts when writing songs? I think it's key to keep the music both deep and emotional.
Alex: For us, it's all about feel. We love exploring rhythm, complexity, and structure—but it must always serve an emotional purpose. If a part feels too technical just for the sake of it, we usually strip it down or reshape it.
Anne: "Anemoia" is set to be released on vinyl with a black/gold splatter design. What led to the choice of this physical format? What do you think about vinyl making a comeback in today's digital world?
Alex: Vinyl gives the music a sense of presence and weight that digital often doesn't. With "Anemoia", the visual and physical aspects felt just as important as the sound, so vinyl was a natural choice.
The transparent black and gold (or yellowish) splatter actually reminds us of mud and dried-out grass under ice—a very familiar sight here in the Baltics. It felt like the perfect visual reflection of the album's atmosphere.
Anne: Your music draws influence from artists, from 65daysofstatic to Genesis. How have these influences shaped your sound? Are there specific elements in "Anemoia"?
Alex: It's hard to name any specific artists or moments that directly shaped the sound of "Anemoia", but there's always been a certain atmosphere we gravitate toward. Personally, I've always felt drawn to what people nowadays call "screamo"—not just the sound, but the intensity, the honesty, the DIY spirit behind it.
That emotional directness definitely found its way into "Anemoia". It's less about borrowing from particular bands and more about channelling a feeling that's been with us for years.
Anne: As an instrumental band, you convey emotions and narratives without lyrics. What challenges and advantages do you see in this approach? This is especially true when dealing with complex themes like those in "Anemoia".
"Listeners can interpret things in their own terms"
Alex: Instrumental music leaves space for the listener to feel and interpret things on their own terms. With "Anemoia", we focused a lot on mood, dynamics, and pacing—like shaping an emotional journey without a map.
The idea behind it feels a bit like saying, "I'm going for a walk, and I don't know when I'll be back."
Anne: Kaschalot has built a devoted following over the years. How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in your creative journey?
Alex: We don't really think of it as "building a following" in any strategic sense—it's more like a slow, honest connection that grows over time. The people who support our music are often just like us: curious, emotional, and maybe a little nerdy about sound.
We're incredibly grateful for them. Knowing someone out there connects with what we do gives meaning to the whole process. It keeps us going.
Anne: You've been active as a band since 2014. What key moments have shaped Kaschalot's journey? What milestones stand out in its evolution?
Alex: Since starting in 2014, Kaschalot has gone through quite a few changes—both musically and in terms of lineup. Only two members are remaining from the original formation. But instead of trying to recreate what we had, we embraced the shift.
The new lineup brought fresh perspectives and a more mature musical language.
Anne: Since "Anemoia" is a big part of your music story, what's next for Kaschalot? Are there any new musical territories you're eager to explore?
Alex: Right now, we're focused on letting "Anemoia" breathe and see where it takes us. We've poured a lot into this record, so it feels important to let it live a little before jumping into something new.
That said, we're always curious and open to exploring new ideas—whether that means trying out new textures, writing in different formats, or even collaborating with other artists. We're ready to follow wherever it leads as long as it feels honest.
Anne: If they're new to Kaschalot, what do you want listeners to take from "Anemoia"? How would you sum up the essence of your music?
"Some minutes of emotional clarity"
Alex: If someone walks away from this album with a sense of connection, or maybe just a few minutes of emotional clarity—that's already more than we could ask for. We did everything we could to make this album sound the way it does, and we're proud of what it became.
There's also a certain amount of "Baltic melancholy" in this record—quiet, reflective, and hard to define. But if you've ever felt it, you'll recognize it.
Anne: Will there be a Kaschalot tour soon?
Alex: We're currently focusing on the release of "Anemoia" and playing shows in the Baltics, but we aim to take the album on the road—and we're working on it.
Anne: Thanks for answering my questions! It's been a pleasure talking to you! I wish you all the best for your album and your plans!
Alex: Thanks a lot for having us, Anne. It was a pleasure talking and reflecting on everything around "Anemoia". And thank you for caring about this kind of music!
Kaschalot – Neon Dreams
A Math-Rock Marvel with Soul
Kaschalot – "Anemoia" – Review
"Anemoia" is the new album from the Estonian math-rock/post-rock band Kaschalot. For me, it's a true masterpiece. From the first note, the band takes listeners on an emotional journey. It shows how they've grown as musicians and highlights their skills in the genre. This eight-track album features lively songs and beautiful sounds. It showcases excellent skill in 37 minutes.
Math-rock lives from its tricky time signatures, complex rhythms, and impressive guitar work. "Anemoia" has all this but also brings emotional depth and clarity. This makes it stand out from other songs in the genre. Kaschalot know how to balance precision and emotion. They showcase impressive technical know-how through their songs that bring up strong emotions.
A Sonic Tapestry of Precision and Emotion
The album opens with "Flourish." This track sets the tone with soaring melodies and guitar lines. It dances with grace between tension and release. The song captures the state of anemoia—a nostalgic longing for a time never lived. It does this with beautiful riffs and complex drum patterns.
Kaschalot make their mark in the math-rock scene with songs that evoke deep emotions. They're telling their stories without the need for lyrics. Every track on "Anemoia" feels like a journey. It shifts moods and textures, creating a cinematic vibe.
Pushing the Boundaries of Instrumental Storytelling
"Neon Dreams" shines with dreamy guitar sounds and strong beats. It creates a soundscape that feels like gliding through a glowing city. "Vanishing Points" starts with soft arpeggios and builds to a loud climax. In contrast, "Kaleidoscope" matches its name. It features changing patterns of melody and harmony that keep evolving.
The final track, "Fanfare," is a win. It's an emotional and sonic peak that captures what Kaschalot does best. It's an exciting journey. It has soaring lead lines, strong rhythms, and a clear sense of release.
Standing Out in the Math-Rock World
Kaschalot blend math-rock with post-rock and emotional hardcore. This blend gives their music depth and impact. Kaschalot added a warm, sincere vibe to "Anemoia". Their music feels alive in every song. This sets them apart from math-rock acts that can sound too mechanical over time.
You can sense influences like Elephant Gym, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, And So I Watch You From Afar and 65daysofstatic. They blend in well without taking over.
Kaschalot created a unique sound. It has many layers, but it's still easy for listeners to enjoy. Peter Ternovoi led the production and ensured every note and nuance was clear. This lets the band's complex sound shine without being overwhelming.
Final Verdict
"Anemoia" is a stunning album. It cements Kaschalot's spot as one of today's top instrumental acts. It's a masterclass in musicianship, composition, and storytelling. Listeners deserve to enjoy this album from start to finish, again and again. Whether you're a longtime fan of math-rock or new to the genre, this album is an absolute must-listen.
Rating: 10/10 – A modern math-rock classic!
