Manferno Protocol is the one-man project of Jani Puotiniemi — melodic heavy metal forged in storm and shadow. The debut album FREEFALL is the opening statement of a project that's only just begun.

For years, Jani lived on the other side of the microphone. A sound engineer by trade, he's spent his career deep in audio and video — from hands-on production to the rooms where the decisions get made.

"My experience is mostly from the other side of the mic — years as a sound engineer, in audio and video, in all kinds of roles. There were band attempts with absolutely brilliant players — but back then I wasn't ready myself. Now there's new energy, and the vision has grown."— Jani Puotiniemi

Manferno Protocol is, first and foremost, a songwriter's project. Jani writes the songs and steps up as the voice of the band — and, for now, plays whatever else the songs demand.

"At heart I'm a songwriter. I love singing, and I want to be the voice of Manferno. Playing the instruments is a necessary evil right now — there's no one else yet. I even had to program the drums, because I can't play them at all."— Jani Puotiniemi

The DNA runs through classic and modern metal alike — the cinematic scope of Tobias Sammet's Avantasia, the bite of thrash and the soaring melodies of 80s metal.

"Tobias Sammet's Avantasia is my biggest inspiration — with Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Helloween and Kreator in the mix too."— Jani Puotiniemi

The visual world of Manferno Protocol — the storms, the deserts, the forests behind every lyric — is built with AI tools. For a one-person operation, it's what makes a cinematic vision possible today.

"AI is part of this right now because it saves time and money. I can't afford to hire artists for the visuals yet — hopefully one day I can. It's a great tool. Even if, deep down, I'm still an old-school guy."— Jani Puotiniemi

FREEFALL is a beginning, not a one-off. It maps the direction — so that when a real band comes together, they can hit the ground running. The next record is meant to be made with a full lineup, and Jani is searching for the players to make it happen.

"This is just the beginning. The first album was about setting the direction I want — so when the band comes together, we get straight to the point. The next record will be made with a real band. I'm starting to look for players now: if anyone feels it, get in touch."— Jani Puotiniemi