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Hi,
first off I just want to congratulate you on your new EP. To
new fans could your please fill us in on the history behind it
all?
Nils
Patrik -
Yeah! Well, Astral Doors has been rocking the metal stage for a
couple of years by now, and so far we have done two albums, “Of
the son and the father” and “Evil is forever”. This new mini
album contains one song from the forthcoming album, “Astralism”;
one leftover from the “Evil….” Sessions; three tracks
previously only released in
Japan
and a video-track.
“Astralism”
will take the world by storm pretty early next year.
How
has your new EP been received by the media?
Nils
Patrik -
As the matter of fact pretty good. This mini-album is only an
appetizer while waiting for “Astralism”, but the media seems
to like it pretty much and we’re grateful.
I
know artists don’t like to put a label on their music - but a
spaceship from outer space has just landed in your backyard, and
is demanding an answer - so how would you describe your music to
an alien from another galaxy?
Nils
Patrik -
Powerful, melodic and evil.
If
your music was an emotion, which one would it be?
Nils
Patrik -
Our music brings out all emotions known by man so how could I
choose only one?
Who
and what inspires you when you write a song? Walk us through the
creation of a song?
Nils
Patrik -
It always starts off with a riff. If it’s possible to put some
cool singing to the riff: We’re in business.
Which
subjects do your lyrics refer to, and who writes them?
And what inspires you when you write your lyrics?
Nils
Patrik -
Our songs deal with all kinds of interesting subjects, mainly
taken from real life. So far in our career all lyrics have been
written by the one and only ME.
Who
has produced and mixed the album? Are you pleased with the result?
Nils
Patrik -
We produce our albums ourselves. How could anyone do it better? Mr
Peter Tägtgren has turned into the official mixer-master-mind of
Astral Doors and damn we’re pleased with him.
Who
has done the artwork? And how important do you feel it is to have
a great cover?
Nils
Patrik -
The cover of an album is of course extremely important. That’s
the first thing people see. The more famous a band gets, the less
important is the cover I believe.
Who’s
done our artwork? Hm, let me think. On the first sucker we hired
an old friend of mine, Mattias Eriksson. He did a great job. On
the second bastard a guy named Chris Kallias did it. Dragons and
stuff; a fantastic cover.
Do
you have any touring plans?
Nils
Patrik -
You bet. We want to hit the roads again next year. Our trip with
Grave Digger turned into a hit and we wanna get out there again
and meet our friends.
Let’s
speculate – you have been granted a free slot on a tour of your
own choice – who would be your ideal touring partners?
Nils
Patrik -
Tough to say. Grave Digger was a nice band to tour with.
How
do you feel about the co-operation with your label?
Nils
Patrik -
We are very satisfied with our label. They have done many great
things for us.
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?
Nils
Patrik -
A modern band has to use the internet to communicate with the
fans. Internet has been one big factor in our success. Internet is
important for ALL metal bands.
And
how do you feel about the metal scene in general at the moment?
Nils
Patrik -
Too many bands!!! It seems like some labels are prepared to
release any crap, as long as the band pays for their own
recordings. This situation makes the quality of the metal scene of
today quite low. Overkill!
Which
song do you consider to be the best one you have ever written?
Nils
Patrik -
I like most of our songs,
but “Bride of Christ” is a favourite.
Name
an album, person or event that has had a huge influence on your
life … and why?
Nils
Patrik -
“Mob rules” with Black Sabbath was one of the first metal
albums I bought. The power, the melodies and the great singing of
Dio, captured my young metal heart.
Which
music do you listen to at home?
Nils
Patrik -
Anything from Death to
pop.
Vinyl
has had a small comeback lately – do you still prefer “the old
sound” or are you a CD/DVD kind of guy?
Nils
Patrik -
I’m an “astral doors
sound” kind of guy. Vinyl or CD doesn’t really matter, but
it’s easier to play CD’s in the car-stereo, hehe.
Last
question - do you have any famous last words for our readers?
Nils
Patrik -
Welcome to be a part of the Astral Kingdom. And please: don’t put meatballs up your nose!
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