Now that just about all of you Viking Metal fans have had a chance to listen to Thyrfing's latest opus, I think it's time to let you in on what the creators of such a good album have to say about it. This interview was done by e-mail with Patrik Lindgren who brought us an unforgettable moment of mystery and mythology. If you were amongst the ones who did not had a chance to discover them, my only hope is that these words will drive you directly to your record store and share with us the pleasures to be found.

Denis 'Shadow'


Now that your last opus "Vansinnesvisor" has been out for a few months, I guess this period allowed quite some good feedback for you guys. Was the effect as good in Europe as it was in the States?

Yeah, the response has been extremely good over here as well. Some "older" fans might have been surprised about the direction of this album, but after they get use to it, it seems like most people embrace it; calling it their favourite Thyrfing-album, album of the year etc.

Your name comes from Ancient stories and mythology. Is it a passion that all the members share?

More or less, yes we do.

What about the photo session?

We wanted something dark and "filthy", more miserable, to go along with the general feeling of the album. We decided some mud and blood would truly extend this feeling, and the shots turned out really good I think.

Was it your idea?

Yeah, it was. And if I remember it right, Thomas and Henrik were the driving forces behind the idea...

How was it to take on a Viking 'role' and going to that limit and having pictures taken up in the woods or even in water?

It's not like you have to go into a "role" or something... I mean it's not like we are walking around looking pissed and serious between the shots. This is artistry, a way to improve the overall impact, and feeling of your music, so it's not a problem. It was damn cold (December actually) and the water was freezing your balls off... but hey...all for the art they say?

With this album you are sure to reach quite a wide range of music lovers. Would you describe yourself as trendsetters in viking metal or was this for you the next step as a mature band?

In a way, I think Thyrfing has always been a quite unique and independent band when it comes to sound. Now, I feel that we have come even further in our musical world, and really found our own style. Of course it's flattering to see people mention you as one of their influences, but I wouldn't go as far calling us "trend setters". But I'd of course prefer to start trends, than following them...

For me (as a French Canadian) foreign European lyrics add a dimension of mysticism in music and I appreciate that. For you, what was the main reason for using Swedish lyrics?

We have used Swedish lyrics, for as long as this band have existed (7 years), so we are quite used to it... We are comfortable with it, and it's one of the strongest parts of our identity. It brings forth a more original and organic feeling, than the English language, which you hear everyday on radio, TV etc.

Were you insecure about how the reaction would turnout in general?

Not at all. As I said above, this is nothing new for us.

Was it for you a potential loss for a worldwide market?

Well, maybe it's not that wise commercially, but also some people find it exotic, and couldn't imagine the music without it.

Two songs are in English. Any particular reason for that?

As we've always used both kinds of lyrics in our albums, we saw no reason breaking that tradition. We always use the language we want to at the moment. No particular reasons or rules...

Where these composed in English already?

Yes, we would never translate any lyrics. Our English isn't that poor...

How do you usually work out the compositions?

It's really different from track to track. Everything between something composed and arranged by a single person, to some total jamming at the rehearsal place. The general order is: 1. Make the riffs, melodies and basic corner stones. 2. Arrange, rehearse and improve at the rehearsal-place. 3. Add harmonies, additional melodies and vocal arrangements. Well, some things might change in the studio after that as well... But this is how we usually work.

Are the lyrics written first or is it the music?

In most cases, we start with the musical arrangements, and after that add vocal lines. However, the lyrics might have been written months ago, but it doesn't have to mean we write the music after it.

Ever since I started listening to metal music, I noticed that most of the best bands I was enjoying where from Europe like Norway, Sweden, Germany for instance. How can you explain this phenomenon?

I guess it must some kind of chain-reaction. If you see people you know or hangout with suddenly get a record-deal, you realise that nothing is impossible. If people help out each other, with gigs, guest performances, inspiration etc. all bands are getting better, and that's probably what has happened in these countries. Also (at least in Sweden), musicians have very good financial support from the government.

Are you guys fan or maybe friends with any of them?

Yeah, of course. I like tons of Scandinavian and German bands. Who doesn't? We have some local friends here who help each other out now and then for example Raise Hell, Hatework, Mörk Gryning, Sins of Omission etc.

What do you think of today's popular music?

If you compare to the 70's and 80's the popular artists of today, they don't seem to be musicians at all. Good dancin', a pretty face and a body in shape seems to be enough. The rest is taken care of by the producer and studio musicians. Sadly, this is how it works, and we have to be glad there's still a scene for underground musicians who play music from their hearts and soul.

Is there anyone or band amongst them that you like or maybe totally dislike? It's ok if you want to tell me that you can't stand such and such singer or band.

Hehe... people who get big heads after their so-called "break" don't deserve any respect. However there are dozen of bands and artists who make/perform crappy music which I hate. Can't say I dislike them as people because of that though. If they like it themselves, and make other people happy... why not?

Do you think about coming in Canada for a tour in a near future?

You never know, but the situation in North America has been very bad for Thyrfing 'til now. That made touring there, economically and practically impossible. However, it seems like things are getting better and better, we have a new promotion agency there, and the new album gets really good reviews, attention from the media etc. We'll see what happens...

If so, is Montreal a city you would like play at?

Yes of course. We would be up for any city wanting us to play there!

The last words are for you. Anything you'd like to add or say to the world?

Thanx for supporting Thyrfing, we appreciate it ... Also, cheers to all fans listening, drinking, banging, fucking, analysing, admiring, and living to our music. See you in Valhalla!

...It’s been 3 years since their last studio release... While it might seems like a long time, "Intermission" bonus record in between, butt load of albums from hundreds of bands and with thrilling word events time passed by so fast that what seemed to by an everlasting break turned out to be just a little longer pause between tracks. On January 27th Stratovarius came back with not only their newest child "Elements Pt.1" but they already completed most of the work on "Elements Pt. 2". I talked to Jens Johansson (keyboards) about the break, new albums and American music pirates that eventually might (or not) prevent Stratovarius from playing live in States.

Chris


Did you enjoy your time away from Stratovarius?

I did, it was very nice. I mean we actually played some gigs in the meantime so our break wasn't completely serious but yes, it was nice to take this break. Nice for everybody and everyone was motivated when we went back to work to record this album.

Please tell me the truth, did you guys take a break because of album, tour, album, tour life style or were you simply sick of each other?

I think that was album tour thing. We really had been doing this for 5 years or so and everyone was sick of traveling, especially me.

Did a thought of breaking up ever come to your mind? Did you guys discuss this possibility?

No, but we discussed this in a lot of interviews because people were asking about it. [Laughs] No, that wasn’t really a plan. A lot of people said that but that wasn’t true.

What have you been up to during those years? Did you work on any side projects like other band members or did you concentrate on spending money from your gold albums?

Yeah, that's it. [Laughs] Two guys made solo albums, which if you ask me defeats the purpose of taking the time off but on the other hand during last 5 years we didn't have any time for anything else but Stratovarius, so I can understand that. I don't really care, whatever they want to do... I took it easy. Watching movies, painting walls in my apartment... and there of curse was this September 11th attack and nothing really happened for good 6 months cause everyone was sitting around, scared...

Some critics were saying that your time off was caused by lack off new and fresh ideas. I think your new album can put that rumor to the rest but how much do you think Stratovarius has left in its tank?

I think we can go on for a long time but the question is for how long will people want to listen to us? If you work in a very specific type of music like we are people might get sick off it eventually because you changed too much or you didn't change enough. As long as people will like our stuff we'll continue doing it. I think the guys in the band and especially Timmo will always do some sort of stuff but it might not always be metal.

Are you guys unable to fulfill you musical desires in Stratovarius that some of you form side projects?

That's the thing about side projects... you can explore different styles. It’s not like you can have only one dream or inspiration...

I can understand that but I was really surprised when after all this talk about taking time off, album-tour, album-tour life style I see two members ready to go with solo albums. Who's tired of writing the music and touring than?

[Laughs] I though that was a little bit crazy... but both of those guys were able to record their stuff at home so there was no traveling involved and that was especially important for Timmo because of his family. So, I think it was important for him not to tour for a while. No long Japan or German tours, no drinking, screaming... it was more civilized not usual rock 'n roll stuff. [Laughs] Plus, I don't think he spent a lot of time on this solo album, maybe a couple of weeks. For him it's usually quite easy to write songs and for this project he got right people for this type of music so the whole process wasn't long at all. It's like with everything else if you delegate responsibilities to the right people they would make the right choices so you don't have to manage everything. I don't think that was very stressful. I think Kotipelto's solo album was a lot more stressful. He had to learn a lot of things... In Stratovarius we're not as responsible as Tolkin is. He’s basically the guy who's holding it all together. He's a producer; he's arranging bookings, tours, studios and every single detail that comes along. So, I think that maybe it was good for Kotipelto to learn that whole process which I think he did and with his next album he'll have much easier time. There were very good learning experiences for both of them.

Do you have any rules or boundaries regarding Stratovarius music that can't be broken in order to keep your unique sound?

I think there probably are. Other than basic rules like on each album we have drums the main rule that most probably will never be broken is that the songs will always be melodic, blues like based. I think if we would make something different than that it shouldn't be called Stratovarius. 99% of the people that buy our records expect guitars, drums and very melodic tracks. They'd probably get very angry if we made a grungy record or something like that.

When you listen to the new album you can always say that's Stratovarius but apart from typical fast paced tracks I find this record more diverse than your previous efforts? I'm not talking about fast-slow ratio but overall more epic feeling; was it something you planned when you recorded "Elements, Pt.1"?

Not really, I think it comes from the fact that the tempos are much slower and when you have more space between the notes you can put more stuff without making it too complicated or muddy. It wasn't really a conscious decision it just happened this way.

How was the overall atmosphere before recording process of "Elements"? Can't you guys wait to get together and work on new material or would you rather have some more time off from each other?

No, everyone was very exited to get back to work and that was also a very good thing about the break cause everybody was very motivated. If we would have gotten together in 2000 or 2001 whenever it was after the last date of the "Infinite" tour that really felt like it was infinite, we were joking about it as never ending tour; the album would have been terrible or at least the feel of it. Maybe with the hard work we could have made it good at the end but everything is much better when it comes natural.

After 3 years break did you have so many ideas that "Elements" was broken into parts and we'll see continuation of Part 1?

Ah... perhaps. Yeah... I think... I mean...

Is this a secret or you don't want to talk about it?

No, part 2 is almost already finished. I don't think there's going to be part 3 but part 2 is going to come out around December or January of next year. Everything except vocals is almost done and I think it's even better than part 1.

Is there a concept behind the title? What are the "Elements" stand for? Based on the cover and track titles Part 1 seems to stand for fire, winds and water. Will there be a connection with Part 2?

This is very strange... It's like a double concept album but it doesn't have a real concept... it's a very odd thing. The second album doesn't have anything to do with "Elements" and I really don't know how the fuck we are gonna get out of that one but... basically it's only called "Elements" because of that one song on the first album. In reality it's a giant 25-song album that is split up into two albums released over a year.

Well than, are you ready to hit the road again?

Yeah, I think I feel motivated enough. Believe it or not I didn't think I would say that again. The playing part is always fun but the traveling will really get you.

So, where can we see you? Are States on the list of your touring plans I'm sure the rest of the world is?

There is possibility in the fall; maybe... it's still up in the air. I'm talking about Prog Fest but we might also skip Prog Fest and do couple of shows in big cities like New York, Chicago and LA or something like that. It's a very hard decision. I don't know if you knew that but "Elements" was available on the net before the actual release date so, we took the opportunity to try to figure out what country is actually downloading our music the most and US is very high on the list and as you know touring is for promoting the sales and if there's no way to help record sales maybe there's no point of touring so much. It's a very difficult decision but it's being talked about. We know we'll make money on South American tour so then we'll have to justify how much of that money we want to gamble on making some shows in the States. There are other issues too, some of the guys have never been in the States and maybe they'll want to come just to check it out and treat it almost like a vacation. Fuck CD sales, fuck it if everyone downloads songs, lets see skyscrapers in Chicago, whatever.

I hope you’ll think of something and for whatever reason we'll see you for at least few shows.

I hope so too.