Why the name 'Aittala'? (pronounced 'eyetah-la') Simple. A name was needed and Eric's last name seemed like a good choice. It's ambiguous and doesn't lend itself to an association to any specific genre like some names do. The music crosses many metal genres; it’s hard to put it into just one category. It has many layers and textures; heavy, hard-driving guitar riffs, heavy synth and keys, lush strings and a touch of industrial influence. The lyrics draw inspiration from darker side of human nature laden with themes of desire, lust, eroticism, bondage, betrayal and deceit. But don't take the lyrics too seriously. While, in some cases, they push the boundaries of what's considered good taste, it's done in a manner that's meant to be tongue-in-cheek. Eric formed the first version of Aittala in 1992 while he was in Holland. With fellow American Tim Mannon on vocals, Dutch drummer Ed Vereijken and Dutch bassist (affectionately known as) Welfare Jon, the band played numerous shows around the Dutch metal scene. With the release of the 3-song demo Selling Heaven, in summer of 1993, Aittala opened for such bands as The Gathering and Sadist. But as the band and the demo started to create a buzz in the underground Dutch metal scene, Eric departed the country breaking up the band. Over the next decade or so, Eric played in numerous bands and lost focus on Aittala. Near the end of the 00's, Eric decided it was time to refocus his efforts on the Aittala brand. In 2009, Aittala released Bed of Thorns; the first full-length release. Bed of Thorns is an eleven song downward spiral; a deep, dark look into the human condition. While the songs are guitar heavy, the album is more experimental and keyboard-laden. Even though reviews were mixed, Bed of Thorns help build the Aittala fan base. The 2011 follow-up release, Haunt Your Flesh, builds on the momentum of Bed of Thorns and takes it up a notch in production and song writing. Haunt Your Flesh is a ten song, guitar-driven journey that explore themes of tormented lives, Armageddon, control and redemption. Haunt Your Flesh was widely praised by critics for it's original sound; something that is difficult to do in this day and age. In 2011, he also recruited a new live band to bring Aittala back to the stage and touring; Gary 'Zeus' Smith on drums and Randall Rhodes on bass.