Being in existance for over ten years, do you feel that you
have not received the recognition the band deserve, especially
in the States?Freddy: It's hard for
me to say really. I know it's hard to break in the States. But I
feel sometimes we've had better credits than what we deserved.
It's just me and my friends playing and then it feels sometimes
a bit weird when we get better scores on an album than what some
of our former idols are getting for theirs. On the other hand it
feels sometimes that in certain countries it's something of a
fashion- thing to give us some really bad credits when reviewing
our albums.
For example, I can't remember a single
review from Italy, Austria or France that said anything good
about our albums. In France it feels like the reviewers are
still pissed off because we had the opening- slot on the
HammerFall tour 2003, instead of Nocturnal Rites or Dream Evil,
and as a result of that they are giving us 3/10 or 4/10. It's
not that it's so important nowadays for me as a person as it was
on the first albums, but I still think it's a bit unfair. The
last album is really not that bad.
Do you feel it's important to break into the U.S. market
to gain more acceptance?
Freddy: Actually, in our situation it's
quite important to break into ANY market.
What are your current touring plans?
Freddy: We're planning to make some
shows in Sweden during Jan.-Feb. next year, and if everything
goes as planned, we'll play a couple of shows in the Benelux
area in April approximately.
Any bands in particular that you would like to hook up
with for a tour?
Freddy: Well, Judas Priest if we could
have the choice.
How important is staying true to the recorded material
while performing live?
Freddy: That depends on what kind of
gig we're talkning about. But in general, I think it's quite
important that the audience recognize the songs and are able to
join in. On the other hand, we'll give up a lot of the recorded
effects on our future gigs as we have a wish to get back to the
roots somehow. Just us and our instruments on stage in order to
just give the audience the most possible concerning energy.
Every band lives to play live shows, can you describe your
feelings about performing live and why it's important to give
your best performance?
Freddy: I guess it's a matter of just
enjoying the situation. To be standing on stage with your
friends and see a lot of people in front who came there just to
have a good time togheter with you and the rest of the band. I
love that feeling and I'm very grateful that I have the
privilege to every now and then, have the opportunity to do this.
Your earlier releases seemed somewhat more heavier and
faster, but "Illusion Parade" is more controlled and developed.
Do you feel the band has progressed since its formation?
Freddy: Oh yes! After all, when we
started this band, I was the only member over 20 years of age.
Today, after changing some of the members, only Jake is younger
than me and he's 30 in a month. We're older and more mature (I
hope..:)) and the new members also have a lot of different input
on the bands songwriting and performances.
