Kai "Hiili" Hiilesmaa (born December 1966) is a Finnish record producer and musician. He is the vocalist of the rock band The Skreppers, former drummer of the doom metal band KYPCK and former keyboardist of the rock band Daniel Lioneye. He has worked with several internationally recognized rock groups, including his near 20-year association with Finnish band HIM.[1][2][3]

Hiili Hiilesmaa
Hiilesmaa performing with KYPCK in 2008
Hiilesmaa performing with KYPCK in 2008
Background information
Birth nameKai Hiilesmaa
BornDecember 1966 (1966-12) (age 58)
OriginHelsinki, Finland
GenresHard rock, gothic rock, progressive metal, death-doom, melodic death metal, folk metal, shock rock, industrial metal, alternative metal, black metal, doom metal, sludge metal
Occupation(s)Record producer, musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, drums, keyboards
Years active1995–present
Websitehiilihiilesmaa.com

Hiilesmaa began producing music professionally in 1995, recording with such bands as HIM, Amorphis and Apocalyptica. His trademarks include heavy, overdriven guitar sounds and experimental synthesiser programming. In 2013, Hiilesmaa addressed his preference for analog recording, saying "I prefer analog these days. Not only the sound, it asks more attitude to work with analog. Also you must make up your mind faster. There is no 'undo' in analog, which is often good."[4]

Partial production discography

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The 69 Eyes

Amorphis

Ancara

  • Chasing Shadows (2009)

Apocalyptica

Eilera

  • Precious Moment (2005)
  • Fusion (2007)

HIM

Lordi

Moonspell

Poisonblack

Ruoska

Samantha Scarlette

  • Violent Delights + Violent Ends (2014)[5]

Sentenced

References

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  1. ^ Discogs – Hiili Hiilesmaa
  2. ^ MusicMight – HIM[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ MusicMight – Sentenced[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. ^ "NY VIDEO: Samantha Scarlette – These Violent Delights". 6 November 2014.