Interview Interrogation: Ampest (Estonia)

     Whenever a band sings in their own native language, a strong connection is felt towards that culture and a deeper sense of connection is built; for the natives it's a gentle nod towards deeper meaning, but for those who do not know the language it's not only a gateway to help learn the language but also experience something truly authentic to that country. Don't believe us? Just ask Estonia's Ampest. This sextet was "originally formed as a parallel project to the folk band Antsud, the band later adopted the name Ampest to distinguish itself from Antsud's non-metal musical direction" (https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Antsud_Metal_Project/3540584015) - and lean on Estonian folklore and mythology among other topics in their music

    Following their performance at the Estonian rock / metal festival Hard Rock Laager, Global Metal Apocalypse caught up with the band and spoke about the long history this band has seen in it's various incarnations, the lyrical topics, how each member got into playing music and their future plans.
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"We believe our music is a good amalgam that brings both younger and more sophisticated audiences to our gigs"

Ampest was born from the need to distinguish your metal sound from the traditional folk sounds of Antsud, what was the end result? What does 'Ampest' mean? How did you all meet in the first place?

     "Antsud will be 20 years old this coming spring. The band has participated in local pre-selections for Eurovision many times (called Eesti Laul), this is how our genius producer Emmanouil found our music. He made his own versions of some Antsud original songs and they were so good that we decided to keep doing music together and bring this "project" to stage. After 2 years the decision was made to change our name to Ampest. AMP is short for Antsud Metal Project and EST is short for Estonia where Antsud is from."


When it comes to folklore and metal, people tend to think of traditional Folk Metal, but Ampest have taken a fresh approach by including modern symphonic metal in the mix, could you tell us what goes into crafting your sound - from inspirations across the music spectrum to the lyrical aspect?

     "Emmanouil has a unique sound when composing, and Aile brings the mystical local touch from traditional regilaul (the traditional Estonian singing) mixed with modern lyrics and themes. The result is often mesmerizing to us, and hopefully to our audience as well. We try keeping the mystical vibe also in our videos as well as on stage, mixing folklore imagery with heavy breakdowns."


Expanding on the last question further, is it fair to say that your music also offers a unique way for Estonians to learn more about their own mythology and folklore, as well as for listeners outside of Estonia to engage with your culture?

     "Traditional music is very much rooted into an Estonian’s everyday life, with song and dance festival traditions, laulupidu and tantsupidu, happening throughout the year in many places. We believe our music is a good amalgam that brings both younger and more sophisticated audiences to our gigs connecting them both to the same roots. 

     For audiences outside of the small country of Estonia, this is a wonderful way to discover our music traditions and folklore."


You recently played Hard Rock Laager - Estonia's premier rock and metal festival, what was that like? Was this your first major festival appearance?

     *We enjoyed every minute of it. Wonderful audience, good weather, team and organizers. We also had on stage, Eero Soomere from Goresoerd and Laur Lindmäe from Pridian who performed one song each with us. There were belly-dancers who are often part of our shows, adding an extra spice. We are so grateful. This was our biggest festival so far and can't wait for what's next!"

Your debut album "Sulam" was released in May 2025 under the Antsud Metal Project name, will we see the album re-released under your new name Ampest?

     "We plan to release a new album under our new name, but 'Sulam' was a product of its time and will stay as is, it is our legacy. Our new music is being released almost regularly and you can find details on it on our social media."


Hedwig + Aile, are you both classically trained in singing or how did you start your singing journeys' begin? Did you take up singing as children?

     "Hedwig and Aile went to the same school, Tallinn Music High School, as kids. Hedwig learned violin, Aile music composition. Singing has come as an extra, firstly from the big Laulupidu tradition - Aile also conducts a choir and all of Antsud have sung there. Emmanouil had to do it as well last year, Aile made him."


Andri, Egert, Joosep and Emmanouil - how did you individually get into playing music and your respective instruments - did you too learn to play in your childhoods?


Egert:

• "I started playing drums at the age of 10. It happened because my friend started playing and invited me to join along. He left after a couple months but I kept going. Drums and playing instruments fitted me well, so I got my first drum-set a couple years later and just played and practiced in nearly every free moment.

Andri:

• "Music came into my life through my older brother, who played guitar in a rock band and rehearsed at home. The music grew on me, and before long I was fiddling with his guitar myself. In high school I formed my own band with friends and picked up the bass, we were in a studio within two months and on TV a few months later. I haven't looked back since."

Joosep:

• "I got into playing music when I was around 12 years old. I grew up in a small town where there were a lot of musicians around me, so it felt natural to give it a try myself. We already had guitars at home, so I started teaching myself by playing and practicing on my own. After a while, some of the older guys from the school band heard me playing and invited me to jam with them. That’s how my journey of playing in bands began."

Emmanouil:

• "I was heavily influenced by my grandfather. I took piano and clarinet lessons, as well as advanced music theory and orchestra arrangement. Then I went to study musicology in university but found my passion in making music with computers. Guitar for me is the best instrument for composing and I have stuck with it since the 90s."

We're already halfway through 2026, the Midsummer has gone, what plans does Ampest have for the rest of the year and into the new year?

     "We are currently working on new material, 29.08 we play Tabasalu Päev with some local bands and 26.09 with Evestus at the rock club Tapper. For other news stay tuned and give us a follow!"


Do you have any greetings or thanks that you wish to send out to friends, family, etc?

     "We thank our families and friends of course, but also big thank you to Eesti Raskemuusikaliit (Heavy Music Estonia) for all the contacts and opportunities, Kaido Haavandi and all other organizers for trusting us and inviting us on their stages! Our sound engineer Indrek Agar and Groundmediagroup."

• https://www.facebook.com/ampestbandofficial/