Stam: Compared to the previous “Latest Version Of The Truth” we this time wanted to make an album with a more forward and aggressive approach. Not necessarily making it harder, but that somewhat came to be the result of it. We also tried to make it a non-filler album as opposed to the previous albums where there were three or four great songs and the rest filler material.
I’ve been trying to work out whether this is a concept album or not. The first track, Tritonus (Prelude), and the final song, Tritonus, would indicate that it is, but I’m not sure?
Stam: Not at all, but I guess it may sound as one considering the “Tritonus” tracks, as you mentioned. The lyrics are generally about Ralf´s aspects of and from his life, which of course often are the same as of our lives as well.
One title fascinates me in particular: What is the story behind the song The Man The Myth The Wreck?
Stam: Its origin is actually from one particular incident, but it could be applied to just about anyone who would call themselves journalists without the proper education. The question is: Do you recognize yourself? I’m not saying you should, but in Sweden we have lots of reporters who don’t know how to use a quotation mark properly, and that makes us angry as hell.
Would you agree that Tritonus (Prelude) could easily have been something from Metallica’s ‘S&M’? I love the piece, by the way!
Stam: Thanks, pal! I’m not so sure about Metallica, but it could very well have been from any of the Black Sabbath albums. We are all big fans of “Sabbath”, which I guess you would have realized by now. Nudge nudge...
Are those traditional Swedish folk fiddles that can be heard in the song Desolate?
Stam: Yes, they are indeed. Calle Moreaus plays the violins on the track, and the melody is an excerpt from an old Swedish tune called “Brudmarsch efter Larshöga Jonke”. It’s that old so no-one really knows who wrote the piece originally, but the famous Swedish jazz pianist Jan Johansson, father of Jens (Stratovarius) and Anders (Hammerfall), made an album in 1964 called “Jazz på Svenska” [Jazz in Swedish] with jazz versions of some of these old folk tunes which put them back into people’s minds. We wanted to do our part in this too.
You supported Volbeat here in Denmark recently. How was the reception generally of your music and did you enjoy touring with Volbeat?
Stam: Tremendous response! We actually played together before at “Lille Vega” in Copenhagen back in 2002, but as I remember it, they were supporting us as at that time, and now it’s the other way around. They are all great guys and it’s good to see them growing into one of the top rock bands in the world. Well deserved, boys! You might think I’m kissing ass here, but that isn’t the case. Ass just smells too fucking bad!
Do you have other tours lined up in the wake of the release of ‘Mustasch’?
Stam: Right after we’re done with the Swedish album tour we continue over to Finland and Norway, then we do three shows in Denmark starting 10th of December in Copenhagen, the 11th in Aarhus and the 12th in Aalborg. After that we take a Christmas break and continue down through the rest of Europe after New Year. As it turns out, Chris Adler from Lamb Of God is a huge fan of Mustasch, and he’s plugging for us to support them on their Euro-tour, so who knows...
Who does what in Mustasch? Are you a democrat unit or is there a leader?
Stam: We have a natural born band leader in Ralf, but it’s still a democracy. One man can’t do everything alone, and even a democracy has its leader. Except for the musical doings we have other various tasks, Danne takes care of our merchandise, David is in charge of demo recordings, I’m doing websites and digital PR and Ralf is doing the label and booking communication.
You must enjoy a high status in Sweden. As I understand it, you’ve won Grammies for your last release, ‘Latest Version of the Truth’ – and the album went gold?
Stam: So, the question here is what, if the album went gold? Well, although it should have done so a long time ago, it hasn’t yet. I personally think our record label Regain Records has done some crooked dealings here. I just heard we have sold 9000 copies of LVOTT in Russia, but we have never toured there, so what the hell is this shit?! We will probably get our gold record eventually, but only after a massive lawsuit. Arrgh!
You’ve been around a while now and have seen the development of the Swedish metal scene. Is the attitude and approach from newer bands different now from what it was, say, ten years ago?
Stam: Attitude and approach is just about the same. I would say the biggest difference is the quality of the productions. All you need nowadays is a laptop, a sound card and a few decent microphones. It seems the new deal is to record everything by yourself and then have a professional do the mixing and mastering, which of course cost a helluva lot less money than a conventional production.
Name the five albums that had the biggest influence on you.
Stam: Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath”, Pink Floyd – “The Dark Side Of The Moon”, Kyuss – “Welcome To SkyValley”, Soundgarden – “Superunknown” and Opeth – “Ghost Reveries”. These are all great and wholesome albums which definitely have contributed to my part of the Mustasch sound. I’m a big fan of David Bowie, Yes and Ennio Morricone to name a few, and these ones and others have naturally played a part here as well.
Thanks a bunch for answering these questions! Any last rants for our readers?
Stam: If you’re short on money, but want to support us anyway: download our music and come to the concerts instead. It is mainly the concert fees that make us able to do this after all. Heavy Metal In The Night And In The Sky!!!
