Anders Schultz
Unleashed
When you hear the name UNLEASHED, you just know what you will have to face. Ice cold, "martial" Death Metal that remains loyal to its followers. "As Yggdrasil Trembles" was one more quality offering from the Swedish warriors and the band's drummer Anders Schultz was kind enough to answer some questions...
By Yiannis Dafopoulos
•
May 23, 2010
Also read: UNLEASHED - "As Yggdrasil Trembles" review
Hello there! I guess you're home resting getting ready for what is about to follow after the release of "As Yggdrasil Trembles", right?
Hey! Well there's no rest for the wicked you know haha! But yeah, for sure we are right now gearing up for the summer's festivals, next one is on in a couple weeks!
Tell us a few things about the new album? Where was it recorded? Who handled the mixing and mastering?
It was recorded in Fredrik's own Chrome Studios, like the previous three albums. Recorded and mixed by Fredrik, and mastered by Peter In De Betou at Tailor Maid Productions.
Since I haven't had the chance to listen to the album yet, can you tell us what do we have to expect? Is it the classic UNLEASHED sound we all love or have you tried new stuff this time?
Of course you will recognize it as a proper UNLEASHED album but we've tried some new twists on it this time. It's a natural continuation of the past couple albums and an evolution of UNLEASHED.
Who designed the cover artwork? The design is pretty old school, something I was expecting to see from you!
It was designed by us together with the artist, Sebastian Ramstedt who also did the past 2 albums' art.
Really, why this title? Who chose it? Why does Yggdrasil tremble? Is it something like the end of the world?
Yggdrasil is indeed the world tree in Norse mythology. It's a bit of a multi layered concept but one way of seeing it is definitely that... possibly the end of the world. As we know it at least...
Is there a concept behind the lyrics of "As Yggdrasil Trembles"? What do they talk about?
There is a concept behind the 3 first tracks on the album, the title track being one of them. It's a story never before told and it will have its continuation and perhaps end on the next album to come....
In the digipak version of your new album there is a cover of DEATH's "Evil Dead". How did the idea of a cover came up and why the specific song?
It's a song we've been playing for a while now and we figured it would be good to actually record it and have it as a bit of a bonus. The choice is of course because DEATH is one of the most influential bands of all time, as well as an homage to the mighty Chuck Schuldiner.
I see you have already announced some festival dates from March to August. Are there any tour dates being planned? Is there any chance we may see you playing live here in Greece?
Yeah, we are focusing on the festivals at this time but there will be proper touring in the future. We definitely hope to finally make it to Greece soon! It's been way overdue!
I've noticed that from "Hell's Unleashed" until today you have been pretty consistent with your releases, hahaha! You release an album every two years. Does this mean we should be waiting for your next studio move in 2012?
Well it's how we've been working. We're at a very productive place in our career now it seems and we just keep writing. So of course it's early to say but I would not be surprised if another record will be in the works around that time frame.
Your last albums were released through SPV Records. Why did you decide to change label for your new release? Are you satisfied with Nuclear Blast until now?
Well SPV basically went bust, so that was pretty much out of our hands really. However the collaboration with NB is going great so it was after all a very good thing for us. We expect a lot of good things ahead.
You have been a member of this scene for more than 20 years now and you have been credited as being one of the very first Death Metal bands that wrote about Scandinavian history and mythology. How do you feel being still alive and having the respect of your fans?
Yeah... time sure does fly! Of course it's a great feeling and honor to still be around doing it at this level and to have so many loyal fans around the world making it all possible!
Lately there is a Death Metal trend that brings back the old school sound, mostly the Swedish one. Collections and books containing rare gems are being released, while new bands seem to embrace the old school sound. What's your opinion on this?
Yeah, everything seems to be coming around once more. What goes around comes around I guess! But of course it's a great thing to know what we've always thought... it will never die!
Have you ever thought about ceasing fire or are you planning to keep releasing albums and playing live shows for many years to come?
No no... quitting is not in our minds or the future. We plan to keep going as long as we are physically able! If we are able to get on a stage... we will!
Thank you for this interview. It has really been an honor. Anything last you would like to add?
Thank you! The honor is ours! We hope to see you all out on the road soon! Join the battalion, cheers!!
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