Tuesday, October 13, 2020

ITP V.020 ONLY ONE PER COFFIN: R.I.P. TIMO KETOLA (VISUAL ARTIST)

 


Finland born and Italy based visual artist TIMO KETOLA  passed away 10/12/2020 of Leukemia at 45. 

TIMO KETOLA has done amazing art work for many bands DEATHSPELL OMEGA, WATAIN OPETH (Logo) and more bands, record labels.

TIMO KETOLA published "TABULA OBSCURA",  a book of his art work in 2013, limited to 500 copies. 

 

 FROM DRY COUGH RECORDS: 

Very sad to hear of the passing of Timo Ketola. He was a truly talented fellow, and I feel privileged that his artwork adorns the sleeves of a couple of Dry Cough releases, namely the last two Ommadon records I had a hand in. Both pieces perfectly captured the feel of the music within. RIP Timo.

 

 FROM THE SINISTER FLAME: 

Timo Ketola R.I.P.
This is an unreal tragedy. We are deeply saddened to hear that the master of Dark Arts, Timo Ketola, has passed away.
Timo created the front cover of TSF VI ”Black Pilgrimage”, which was released earlier this year, and we were working on some projects just a couple of weeks ago.
Farewell.

 

 FROM ZBIGNIEW BIELAK:

m completely gutted to learn that Timo Ketola passed away today. Timo was a true luminary of metal obscurity and notably the artist behind some of the gnarliest album artworks of Watain, DSO or Teitanblood. Truly someone I very much looked up to long before and everafter I arrived at the notion of creating album art myself, and whom I had privilege to befriend later on. We also both appeared on Watain's Lawless Darkenss album where it all began. An absolutely pivotal persona has left the building.
Farewell, Timo - you will be sorely missed ❤

 

FROM 20 BUCK SPIN: 

 

 FROM ELECTRIC ASSAULT RECORDS: 

Rest in power to a master. The latest record, of many which I own, to have Timo Ketola artwork, Teitanblood ‘Death.

 

FROM INVICTUS PRODUCTIONS: 

 

Timo Ketola RIP
I have known him since 1997 and worked with him on many projects throughout the label's history. This image seems fitting, currently.
 
 
FROM IGNIVOMOUS:
 
 
We have just learnt that Timo Ketola, one of the very best visual artists working in metal (and beyond) has passed away. Timo was one of the most diverse, talented and professional artists the world of metal will ever see.
Timo did the cover painting and and layout for our Contragenesis album, where his suggestion of a primordial and bleak landscape would be more effective in expressing the album's themes of nihilism, entropy and the very concept of "Contragenesis" - against creation.
At a time when the underground metal world was full of tanks, goats and goats riding tanks (don't get us wrong, we love that stuff too) it was Timo who had the idea of presenting an original visage to our creation.
As well as the eventual final artwork, I've had a bit of a dig around and found the original pencil and oil sketches. There's a lot of glare on the oil sketches as the paint was still wet when he took the photos. The final painting was done in acrylics. RIP
 
 
FROM CONVOCATION: 
 RIP Timo Ketola.
 
 
 
 
FROM VINZ ESTEH:
 
«Excess of sorrow laughs. Excess of joy weeps».
[W. Blake]
Sit tibi terra levis, my brother...
Today, my friend and spiritual brother Timo Ketola, one of most influent artist and man in my life, has opened his gate to the Underworld.
Today, there is the same moving light as when you and i went up to the olive grove in the rain...
Today, a dark star had imploded, and the sky will never been the same again.
I can't believe that i will never be able to hug you again, every moment spent together is an infinity in itself.
Thank you for all.
Ciao Timo...
 
 
FROM WODENSTHRONE:
 
We are deeply saddened to learn that Timo Ketola, who produced the incredible artwork for 'Curse' along with countless other works which have inspired and influenced us over the years, has passed away.
RIP Timo Ketola. You will be deeply missed.
 
 
 
 
FROM HASTE MAILAISE:
 
 
Such sad news......a true visionary and artist 🔥🔱
Timo Ketola
 
FROM SOULBURN: 
 
 
R.I.P. Timo Ketola. Thank you for the beautiful artwork.
😢

 

FROM SHADOW RECORDS: 

 Tonight we raise our cups in honor of Timo Ketola. The shield painted on the ceiling in the stairs down to the Shadow Records shop in Stockholm by Timo anno 1999.

 THE 1st CHURCH OF ROCK WEVL MEMPHIS:

 R.I.P. to Timo Ketola, who designed/painted some of the best album covers of this century for DsO, Svartidaudi, Teitanblood, Watain, Necros Christos to name just a few.

 

 

FROM DEAD CONGREGATION: 

 

Today we lost a brother. No words can describe the significance of this man to our band, this scene, to me as a person.
Farewell Timo, see you on the other side.
A.V.

 

FROM KRYPTS: 

 

Our albums wouldn't have been the same without Timo Ketola's artworks.
His vision always surpassed our expectations, and every time he captured more than we initially thought of. It was always inspirational to collaborate with him, as with every project you learned greatly.
Farewell, Timo!
 
 
FROM SERPENT NOIR:
 
 
It came as a shock that an old friend and frater, a uniquely talented artist, but above all, a wonderful person, Timo Ketola (KetolaDog, TK or Dauthus) passed out today. First time we met in person was in Gotland/ Sweden in 2003 and since then we cooperated many times both with Serpent Noir and Nox Formulae. He was also the one who created the logo of Serpent Noir, which, I must admit, I did not like at first, but with time I totally loved.
May your soul rest in the arms of the Dragon dear Timo.
 
 
FROM CENTINEX: 
 
Timo, you were a truly amazing person & artist, without you these and more would never have seen the night. I owe you so much and will never forget you.
Until we meet again.
Martin
 
 
 
FROM MALTHUSIAN: 
 R.I.P Timo Ketola. He did outstanding artwork and left an incredible legacy in his wake. Had the pleasure of meeting him once in Dublin. We brought him to a trad singing session that blew his mind. Here are 2 of the pieces he did for us.
 
FROM WRITHING: 
 
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Timo Ketola.
If you listen to death metal, you will have seen his incredible artwork.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
 
 
FROM REDEFINING DARKNESS RECORDS: 
 
RIP Timo Ketola - Timo was a very talented graphic artist and designer from Finland. He created so many of the album covers and artwork for bands you all hold dear such as
Dead Congregation - Official
 , Deathspell Omega , Dissection, Funeral Mist,
Krypts
 , Necro Cristos, Opeth, and so many more.
He was also the editor of the highly acclaimed zine Dauthus, which in turn spawned his label Dauthus 1899. Although I didn’t know him, I have some friends who were close to him and are hurting right now. Rest in power Timo.
 
FROM MOONROOT ART: 
 
I'm devastated to find that Timo Ketola left this world today. He was a true master of his craft. I sadly never didn't get to know him in person, but his artworks speaks to me on so many levels. If you listen or ever listened to metal music, you definitely saw his work. He created amazing pieces for bands like Venenum, Watain, Ash Borer, Teitanblood, Antaeus, Dead Congregation, Asphyx, Ignivomous, Malthusian or Negative Plane. He is also author of logos of Centinex, Opeth or Funeral Mist.
Down below, you can see some of my favourites from his work.
Rest in piece Timo. The world lost a great artist.


FROM NIGHT GAUNT: 
R.I.P. Timo Ketola
This is a heavy hit.
 
 
FROM IILA RODRIGUEZ
 
 
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing, earlier today, of artist and human being extraordinaire Timo Ketola.
Those familiar with my old band Indesinence might remember that a vinyl re-release of our first album "Noctambulism" was in the works for a few years, and that it was to feature additional artwork by Timo. His piece was the result of many months' worth of communications during which I was fortunate enough to get acquainted, bounce ideas back and forth, and discuss peripheral interests and personal experiences with Timo, as well as learn (to my considerable surprise) that he not only knew of our music, but was actually a fan.
Every step of the process, he was astute, perceptive and extremely generous. Talking to him felt like communicating with someone I had known for a lot longer than a few months, and who knew me possibly even better than myself. I had always assumed our paths would eventually cross and I would have the opportunity to thank him in person for investing a piece of his life and talent in my very humble project, and am still absorbing the idea that this is suddenly no longer possible.
For unfortunate reasons I will not go into here, this reissue is now extremely unlikely to ever happen, but I want to honour Timo by sharing his final draft of the piece. I am at least comforted that it was actually published as part of the book Tabula Obscura in 2013 (alongside works by Manuel Tinnemans and Sami Albert Hynninen) so its purpose was not entirely wasted.
Thank you so much Timo, for not only enabling a mutual connection over something that was dear to me for many years, but also for your time, patience and for the privilege of a glimpse into your unique mind. It really meant a lot. Rest in peace, and see you on the other side.
 
 
FROM CODE: 
We are very sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Timo Ketola. A truly unique individual and a legacy that will live on for eternity.
 
 
FROM ENSANGUINATE:
 
 
Ω Timo Ketola
1975 - 2020
We bow our heads in tribute to an artist who spoke through different media and ran the gamut all the way from stark simplicity to harrowing complexity.
Just as importantly, his work on Davthvs Zine helped reunite black and death metal with the sinister spark they all too often lacked and paved the way for a whole generation of bands from Watain to Repugnant, names that in turn greatly influence younger musicians such as ourselves.
 
FROM OPETH: 
 
Last night (October 12, 2020) I got two texts almost simultaneously. One was from Jonas Renkse (Katatonia) and the other was from Tobias Forge (Ghost). Both close friends of mine, and both texts carried the same message. Timo Ketola had passed away. I have known Timo since the early to mid 90’s. He was a quiet and withdrawn person that had an immense interest in extreme metal as well as in its aesthetics. From early on he did interviews with me. I seem to recall he had a magazine before he started ”Dauthus” magazine, but I might be wrong. Dauthus (or ”Davthvs” is I originally thought it was called) seemed to be an outlet for his artistic talents on the same level as it was a way for him to cover bands and artists that he thought had something special to offer. It featured his thoughts on music, art, poetry and much more. It was so artistic that it was a difficult read. Even before my eyes started failing me. It was packed with text in exquisite fonts and I had severe troubles reading it. But it looked fantastic! It appeared very elaborate and ornate with a lot of religious, or rather anti-religious undertones. I never really knew Timo that well and we didn’t hang out much, but he used to come by the guitar shop where I worked in the 90’s every now and then. For a coffee and a chat. Sometimes even for an interview. I gave him advance cassettes of our three first records, all which he reviewed in his magazines. I remember doing an interview right before ”My arms your hearse” came out. At the time the tentative title for the record was ”Everything dies”. He really liked that record I remember, and we always got great reviews in Dauthus.
For Opeth aficionados Timo is known for creating our present logo. He must have approached me in 1995 or thereabouts. I drew the bands logo for ”Orchid” myself and yes, it was a bit shit. Timo must have thought so too. He presented me with his sketch (which was perfect) of the now ”classic” logo and I loved it. Over the years we lost touch, and I hear he moved to Italy. A few years ago he emailed me with a suggestion for a new logo. Unfortunately I can’t find the email, but if I do I’ll post his new suggestion. I did decline the offer as I still love our logo to bits, but it was interesting to see how he visualized the bands logo 20 odd years later. In later years Timo did a lot of artwork for other bands and artists as well as expressing himself through paintings and drawings. I searched the internet and found a page set up as a tribute to Timo Ketola. It’s great stuff, really. https://www.heaviestofart.com/.../beauty-among-the-abyss...
I hindsight I regret not keeping in touch with Timo, but now it’s obviously too late. He was a cool cat, and a visionaire. Timo passed away too early. He was 45. My sincere condolences goes out to his family and friends. Thank you, Timo Ketola (1975-2020)
Mikael Åkerfeldt, October 13, 2020
 
 
FROM MARDUK: 
 
 
R.I.P Timo Ketola
1975 - 2020-10-12
 
 
FROM UNHOLY: 
 
𝐑𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞
 
 
FROM INFERNO: 
 
Inter vepres rosae nascuntur.
R.I.P. to Timo Ketola, who designed/painted some of the best album covers of this century for DsO, Svartidaudi, Teitanblood, Watain, Necros Christos to name just a few.
 
 
FROM BEDSORE: 
 
KTL (1975-2020)
This is a lot to process but it’s the reality of things…
It's a great loss for all of us, humanly and artistically, a tragic loss for Bedsore.
Although there are no words to describe it, Timo represented an immense and fundamental component of the band thanks to his visionary art which is today completely essential for our music, in addition, his infinite knowledge and wisdom has inspired past, present and future steps of this project under many aspects. We’re so honored we had the opportunity to work together and have met him in person but first of all we feel we have lost a good friend and a great man.
Thanks for all Timo, see you on the other side.
J, S / BEDSORE
 
FROM AND JUSTICE FOR ART (FACEBOOK): 
 
R.I.P. TIMO KETOLA
Accomplished Finnish artist, Timo Ketola, sadly passed away. He leaves behind an impressive list of visual works that adorned (in many cases) the covers of many Metal album covers, concert posters, and the list goes on. See some of those images in the gallery below, which celebrate Ketola's artistic legacy.
 
 
FROM COSTIN CHIOREANU:
 
 R.I.P. Timo Ketola.
 
 
FROM NUCLEAR WAR NOW! PRODUCTIONS: 
 
RIP Timo Ketola
A great artist is dead and the world is a little worse without him.
Here are a few cover paintings and graphic design projects he did for me over the years.
 
FROM TINY DOTS OF DEATH (ARTIST): 
 
R.I.P. Timo Ketola
You made my favorite cover artwork last year with your painting for Krypts "Cadaver Circulation".
Thanks for the art and inspiration!
 
FROM AKROTHEISM:
 Rest In Peace Timo Ketola
 
 
FROM TANK PA DODEN:
 
In memory of TIMO KETOLA 1975 - 2020
A great friend, virtouso artist and an absolutely brilliant mind, it is with heavy hearts we send POWER to you on your onward journey. Thank you for everything.
We had the great privilege to put together an art exhibition project together with Timo in 2017, and it is our personal favourite of anything Tänk på Döden has ever done.
A project that began with us wanting him to have an solo exhibition, but ending with him taking all the focus he could away from himself and instead focus on the opportunity to work with and promote his own favorites, and us letting him hand-pick anything he wanted.
The end result was a absolutely amazing night, featuring four hand-picked bands from all over Europe, a exhibition with 70 original works by Timo and his friends and artists Sami Albert Hynninen and Welt, presented in a 96-page catalogue Timo created together with his printing mentor, and with a specially written introduction by Bobby BeauSoleil, who also was the only soundtrack playing the whole night except for the bands.
The result was stunning. The whole night was stunning and it was such a honour for us to be a part of. And we know that it meant very much for Timo, even if he did everything to avoid the spotlight.
But the most important thing for us was not the event but Timos friendship.
The meetings in our home planning the event turned into hours of talking about all the things Timo knew so much about and loved, and that turned into a tradition of him visiting us for long nights of discussion.
These nights will be sorely missed, we will miss your strong heart and brilliant mind and everything you taught us.
And the world is at a loss of a true and legendary artist, blessed by the muses.
We´ll meet again dear friend, and we know that you are well prepared.
POWER. 

FROM GILEAD MEDIA:

 

  FROM PROFOUND LORE RECORDS: 


 

 

 

 

FROM SATURNALIA TEMPLE:

 Saturnalia Temple would like to honour our fallen brother Timo Ketola (1975-2020) and wish him well on his journey to the other side! He made several great artworks for us, but this has to be a favorite! The cover from our vinyl Ep.

 

FROM THE ANJA OFFENSIVE: 

 

Timo Ketola has departed his physical form.
He lives on. And on. And on. And on.
 
 
FROM THE OMINOUS CIRCLE: 
 
Just heard about Timo Ketola's tragic passing.
Timo's connection with The Ominous Circle goes back to the spawning of "Appalling Acension"'s visual concept and immediately evolved to something more. Long and memorable talks about philosophy, literature and of his time in the Portuguese south created a special and somewhat unusual bond between us which definitely left a mark in both our music and our concept, both visually and lyrically.
A lot could be written about his legacy in extreme music - and no doubt it will. Still, we choose to honour his life and work sharing a piece of a literary work which he was particularly fond of:
"Aceita o universo
Como te deram os deuses.
Se os deuses te quisessem dar outro
Ter-to-iam dado.
Se há outras matérias e outros mundos
Haja."
(Alberto Caeiro - Fernando Pessoa)
 
 
FROM TEITANBLOOD:
 
IN MEMORIAM TK
Most of you are well aware that Timo Ketola was the artist behind our albums.
Some of you also know that he was quite involved with the band, and wrote some lyrics.
Seven Chalices fanatics might know that besides NoEvDia and AJNA, Timo got involved to the point it became the 5th release of his own label, Davthvs.
While true, these are quite an understatement.
The involvement of Timo in Teitanblood´s creative process did take the identity of the band to another level with sheer fanaticism and unerring commitment, right after the first recorded rehearsal of Seven Chalices.
Timo always remained humble, and watered down such protagonism by gently declining to show up as another member. One year ago, however, he accepted to join us for The Baneful Choir photo session in Cimitero della Fontanelle in Naples, stepping back right before sending the album to the press, in his classical stubborn way.
A worthless post in social media won´t ever pay enough tribute yet enough to break our hermeticism to convey the mourn for the loss of not just an essential pillar, but even more important, a good old friend to all of us.
RIP
 
 
 
FROM BOBBY BEAUSOLEIL:
 
 Another dear friend has left the world ahead of me. Timo Ketola, a beautifully weird soul and artist, passed abruptly from Leukemia that he did not know he had. If there is a blessing in this, it is that he went quickly and did not have to linger in illness. Timo created art for some of my albums. His was a unique talent. I shall miss him. - Bobby
 
 
FROM PROPHECY PRODUCTIONS: 
 
RIP Timo Ketola who created the Empyrium "E" logo.
We were distributing his witty zine "Davthvs" almost 25 years ago via our mailorder.
 
FROM ENGULFED: 
 The mighty artist Timo Ketola, who we lost recently, created the MLP’s artwork. What a huge honor it was to work with him. He worked with great attention to detail and has left us with artworks that will always be remembered.

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-R.I.P.

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