We worked together for quite a long time but our musical tastes differed from year to year. Oli wanted to go for a different type of music with AT VANCE and I just disagreed. I guess it's kind of a normal thing that happens so we decided to go separate ways.

I just called Mats and asked him if he was interested. Then I sent him 2 tracks with my guide vocals. I think it was "Fallen Angel" and "The Curtain Will Fall" and then he agreed and we started working together. Mats has got a strong personality and also wanted to move AT VANCE in a different way that I refused to do. He's great singer & performer and it was great to work with him. After he left Rick sent me a mail and it seemed to click between us. He's very easy to work with and became a real good friend for me after 6 years now. A fantastic singer with a lovely attitude and a very funny guy J

When we toured together with KAMELOT I had such a great time with Casey and we said when the time is right we're going to do something together. So for this album it just seemed to be the right time. Subconsciously I gave him a call and played him the new material. He really loved it and did an awesome job. He just added his fantastic drumming to the album and lifted it up to another level J

Instrumental music is always a great thing to do. I still write stuff with no vocals. It just doesn't seem to reach a wide audience. It was so much fun to record with Don Airey. He's such a fantastic musician and a heart of a person. Maybe I'll do another instrumental album in near future if I find the time.

The singer of TOKYO lives quite near my place and I always liked the song. It's very much 80's type of vibe so I thought "Think global cover local" J)) Rick did a real cool job on this one and I hope it brings the song the attention it deserves J

Some people say it sounds more "Hard Rock" than the older albums. I don't know 'bout that. I just write and try to do my best and then pick the stuff and songs that I like most. Of course there's always a development in your writing throughout the years but as long as it's done with passion it's good for me.

That's a tough question to answer. Some people seem to like songs that are not my personal faves and then again I listen to some songs that I nearly forgot and think "ooh wow that's not bad.." After 100 or more songs it's hard to decide which the best are. But I (still like the "Only Human" album as well as "Evil In You" and of cause "Facing Your Enemy")

Well I think that some of the older songs sound a bit pathetic to me nowadays and I would feel strange to write something like that today. Still good songs but you develop within the years and approach music in a different way. It would be boring to repeat myself with every album. It's impossible to invent yourself new with every album but it's like personal musical journey you go thru that reflects your influences. I always try to give my very best with every album

I consume every kind of influence in my daily life weather it's musical or non musical. It's mainly the mood that starts getting me into writing new material. It can be impressions while I'm running, political statements, news whatever….

To be open minded to all kinds of styles, unlimited regarding musical and technical approach to your instrument. Working hard on my changes and finding my own musical personality.

To reach as many people possible and tour the world of horse

1. AC/DC   Highway to hell
2. Black Sabbath Masters of reality
3. Centrifugal funk
4. Deep Purple   everything
5. Rainbow       everything
6. Giant   No 1 & 2
7. Bach  Glenn Gould  "Wohltemperiertes Klavier"
8. Gustav Mahler   Symphonie der 1000
9. Pagannini 24 Caprice
10. Chopin   Etudes Opus 10

Please do not download the albums !!! Buy them if you like 'em! It makes touring possible and brings us to you alive before we're 60!