From Autumnfall to The Bleak Picture: Tero Ruohonen on Finnish Metal, Creative Isolation, and Shades of Life

From Autumnfall to The Bleak Picture: Tero Ruohonen on Finnish Metal, Creative Isolation, and Shades of Life

Finland’s metal scene has long been a crucible for sonic melancholy, melodic complexity, and emotional depth — and few artists embody that lineage more quietly yet profoundly than Tero Ruohonen. Known for his work in Autumnfall and the introspective new project The Bleak Picture, Tero’s creative path is deeply entwined with guitarist Jussi Hänninen, whose legacy traces back to the cult-favorite band Fall of the Leafe. That band’s evolution — from atmospheric doom to pop-tinged metal — left an indelible mark on the Finnish underground, and its dissolution gave rise to new creative chapters.

In this candid conversation, Tero reflects on the origins of The Bleak Picture, the emotional weight behind their new album Shades of Life (available now on Ardua Music), and the quiet resilience of making music in isolation. From pandemic-era introspection to unreleased black metal tapes and the ghostly metaphors that haunt his lyrics, Tero opens up about the beauty and bleakness of creation — and why, for now, the stage can wait.

Let’s start with the basics. Where are you guys based, and what’s your local metal scene like?
We’re based in Finland, though we live in separate towns — I’m in Raisio and Jussi’s in Vähäkyrö. The Finnish metal scene is pretty well known globally, with bands like Nightwish and so on, so I’m not sure there’s much more to say about that.

You and Jussi also play in Autumnfall. How did The Bleak Picture come about?
We were working on the second Autumnfall album, and some of the tracks Jussi wrote sounded really different from the first one. I suggested we start a side project to explore that direction. It took a while to convince him, but eventually he agreed — and that’s how The Bleak Picture was born.

Looking back on Autumnfall’s releases, how do you feel about them now? And is there more to come?
We actually have a new Autumnfall album almost finished, so yes — at least one more release. Beyond that, we haven’t really discussed the future. But the next one should be out sometime next year.

Let’s talk about The Bleak Picture’s new album, Shades of Life. Is there a concept behind the title?
Not a strict theme, no. It’s more of a general reflection — the shades of life, especially from a depressed person’s perspective. Life can feel pretty bleak. We live, and then we die. That’s it.

The first single is “Without the I.” What inspired that track?
Musically, I can’t say — Jussi writes everything. As for the lyrics, I prefer not to explain too much. I want listeners to interpret them in their own way. For me, it’s about self-exploration. But again, Jussi’s music just hits — I hear it and think, “This is really fucking good.”

Speaking of epic tracks, “Silent Exit” clocks in at 11 minutes. What’s your take on that one?
It’s kind of a thematic continuation of “Prisoner of Your Own Sins” from the first album. It’s about being beaten down by life until you finally give up. It’s a dark song — about suicide and depression. I went through a rough time last year while writing those lyrics. I can’t speak for Jussi, but I think he struggled too. Maybe we were connected in that way without realizing it.

Some of the early material was written during the pandemic. What was that process like?
Well, it’s just the two of us, and we don’t really meet up. Jussi makes the music, and I do the vocals. I’m an introvert, so the pandemic didn’t affect me much — aside from the masks. I actually prefer being alone, so it didn’t change much for me creatively.

One track that really intrigued me is “City of Ghost.” What does that title mean to you?
I think it’s the place you end up after you die — or something like that. It’s not a real place, just a concept that came to me. It’s hard to explain. Maybe it’s where we all go eventually.

Has The Bleak Picture ever played live? Is that something you’d consider?
No, we haven’t played live and haven’t really talked about it. If it ever happened, it would have to be abroad. I’m not interested in playing small clubs in Finland — I’m too old for that, and Jussi’s even older. But if someone offered us a gig overseas, maybe we’d consider it. For now, we’re happy staying studio-only.

Tero Ruohonen of The Bleak Picture via Zoom!

Before Autumnfall, were you familiar with Jussi’s work in Fall of the Leafe?
Absolutely. I’ve known Jussi personally since around 2007, but I’ve been listening to Fall of the Leafe for about 25 years. I think all their albums are great — from the first to the last. Some fans didn’t like the shift toward a more pop-rock-metal style, but I thought it was brilliant. It’s sad they quit, but that led to Autumnfall and The Bleak Picture, so something good came out of it.

Have you ever talked to Jussi about reviving Fall of the Leafe?
I’ve asked him several times, but the answer has always been no. I won’t go into details — that’s his story to tell. I think he’s more focused on his other project with Tuomas called Wait, Stone & Sure. You should check it out — it’s got some of the same elements as Fall of the Leafe, since Jussi’s writing the music and Tuomas is singing. It’s not the same, but it’s close.

Let’s talk about Temple of Kliffoth. I saw something released this year — is that older material?
Yeah, that’s a project from around 2007. Narqath from Azaghal and one of their guitarists wrote the music, and I did vocals. It was supposed to be released back then, but the label went bankrupt and it got shelved. This year, I decided to put out a small batch of tapes.

Are you involved in any other bands or projects right now?
Yes and no. There are a few things, but nothing active or released, so it’s not worth talking about. There’s one depressive suicidal black metal project I’m doing vocals for, but it’s been dormant for years. We’ll see if it ever becomes something. For now, Autumnfall and The Bleak Picture are my main focus.

Any final message for fans of The Bleak Picture, Autumnfall, or Fall of the Leafe?
Thanks for the support. And I’ll add — buy physical media.

(Interview by Ken Morton)

The Bleak Picture on Instagram
Autumnfall on Instagram