Stefan - I left Laudamus in ' 93 very dissatisfied with the musical situation. I started out with Johnny Olsson (ex-Phoenix) and Stefan Pettersson (Morifade) in '94 using the name Mind’s Eye. We released a couple of demos under that name. Around '98 we changed name to Autumn Lords and released the 3 song demo/singel “Face Of A Demon” featuring Peter from Laudamus on vocals. From '98 until 2000 I had Lars Hjelm (ex-Nagazaki, Phoenix) on vocals and released 4 song demo “Power Of The Mind”. In 2000 I got really unsatisfied with the members as they weren’t committed enough. So I fired them all and called Ola and Jonas. We rehearsed for one day and recorded the 2 song demo “Now And Forever” with Mikael Holm (Winterlong) on vocals. Also in 2001 we recorded all material for our debut album with Kristian Andren (ex-Tad Morose, Fifth Reason) on vocals, and it got us our record deals in Japan and Europe. We then re-recorded it for the final disc with Apollo (ex-Majestic, Time Requiem) as new vocalist. And now the new album is out. -)  

2. How has your new album been received by the media?

Stefan - Heaven or hell! Usually if you like it you like it a lot and if you don’t you tend to hate it!

3. I know artists are not happy to categorize their music, but how would you describe your music to an outsider?

Stefan - Like a mix between doom metal and neoclassical metal!

4. Where does your inspiration come from, both musically and lyrically?

Stefan - Lyrically, anything that pisses me off! Musically, great melodies and things that pisses me off! lol

5. What topics do you deal with in your lyrics and why?

Stefan - It has a loose doomsday theme. But it’s not a story. It’s more about the dark sides of humanity in general. Greed, oppression and so forth. Well these are things makes me angry.

6. Who has produced and mixed the album, and are you pleased with the end result?

Stefan - Mike Wead produced and mixed it! And I’m very pleased with it! Of course, if we’ve had a 500.000 dollar budget we would have been able to do it better.

7. Who has done the artwork? And how important do you feel it is to have a great cover?

Stefan - The artwork is done by Travis Smith! Yes, especially nowadays when there’s so many albums released.You tend to drown in the sheer quantity.

8. Do you have any touring plans?

Stefan - Not yet! We’ve started to write the next album though…

9. How do you feel about the co-operation with your label, and are you satisfied?

Stefan - Yes so far! But of course I’d like more support. But then again who wouldn’t?!

10. The internet is a very important source for many metal fans ? how do you use the internet and how important is it for you and other bands?

Stefan - Usually I don’t have time to surf and chat. But all the business mails and the artwork is taken care of through the internet! It’s probably very important for us all in both negative and positive ways!

11. How do you see the metal scene at the moment?

Stefan - Too many albums with crappy melodies but with pompous productions!  

12. To finish things off - could you pls. make a all-time Top 5 or sort of the 5 most important albums in your opinion?

Stefan - I’ll take the 5 most important to me!

• Rainbow - Long Live Rock 'n' Roll
• Yngwie J. Malmsteen – Rising Force
• Van Halen – Van Halen
• Europe – Wings Of Tomorrow
• Deep Purple – Perfect Strangers

A bit thanx to Stefan and Meduza and do yourself a favour a give their new album a chance. And once more I have to say Yihaa to Claus (Intromental) for setting up the interview.

Album out on Massacre Records

Click on the album cover to see more info on Meduza.