Hi, greetings from METAL TEMPLE mag! So, the band's In Solitude debut full-length release has received lots of positive reviews in webzines around the world. Still, what about 'mainstream' mags? You know, too, that many of them do not focus on 'small labels' bands often.
I don't know really weather mags are mainstream or not, but we appreciate good reviews, yes.
You do care 'bout what is said for IN SOLITUDE, anyway? If yes, can you instantly tell the difference between an honest well-pointed 'mediocre grade' review and a draft 'fast' opinion by a journalist/fan not into the style you perform?
We don't really care at all about such things because our artistic expression is something within us and the listener. I don't care if people don't like us, but I don't like to be misunderstood though.
So, for those not aware of the IN SOLITUDE name, what would you suggest regarding your style/debut release in 2-3 lines?
An outburst of dark and dangerous energy!
What -in the first place- made you focus in the specific 'classic' Metal style of music/songwriting? You're not that old (haha!), I guess. What does this have to do with this typhoon we are witnessing the last years in Sweden? You, ENFORCER, BULLET, RAM, PORTRAIT, WOLF, HELVETETS PORT and the story goes. How did you meet, anyway, and what was the driving force for IN SOLITUDE's music?
Well we started in 2002 and some year later things just became what they are. There was never a moment when we sat down and said lets play classic metal. This is just what came out. We have nothing to do with these other bands except from playing Heavy music. There is no Swedish revival or movement, its just a couple of bands.
We should not neglect some so-and-so Doom Metal elements IN SOLITUDE has, but- tell me if I'm wrong- I think the band certainly breathes 'classic' Heavy Metal. We should not neglect the MERCYFUL FATE influence, too, right? What bands should we refer to trying to describe IN SOLITUDE's well of inspiration?
Well, we draw inspiration from the dark side. In everything from records to books and art and everyday thoughts. And yes, MERCYFUL FATE has been an huge inspiration for us, so has bands like BLACK SABBATH, ANGEL WITCH, ARIA, MASTERS HAMMER, IRON MAIDEN and BATHORY too, you know.
Would you think American Metal is your cup of tea, as a band, too? I could speak of a couple of names but let's leave this to you...
I don't know what you mean with American Metal (ed.note: okay.....).
There's a certain conflict going on in regards to each continent's contribution to the Heavy Metal magic. You'd bet on Europe, let's say? For me, the fact and only that the NWOBHM movement is responsible for lots of 'key points' in Metal music's identity speaks for itself.
I don't know since I am not that interested and don't think in these terms regarding conflicts to each continents Metal contribution.
IN SOLITUDE's quality is clearly visible from the very first audition, I think. How nervous were you during the recording process, in order to come up with the desired result?
Everything worked out great since we knew our producer very well and knew exactly what to do.
Did you leave any songs off the album?
No.
Really, who's in charge for the music and the lyrics in the band? Is there any draft plan on how the composing process is developed?
I write the words and we all write the music.
You released the Hidden Dangers 7 single a couple of years ago, too. Was it your own aim to release a single at first and then proceed to record a full album or it was a matter of timing?
We released it as a demo from the beginning and then the label got interested and we thought it would be great to release it on a seven inch, so we did.
Judging from the LP/7 vinyl pressings, should we suppose IN SOLITUDE is fond of this beloved traditional format? Do you support the opinion that CDs have a somehow squeezed and flat sound? Do you still collect vinyl editions of Metal releases?
Well, comparing vinyl to CD is like comparing an open fire to electric heat you know, the answer should be fairly obvious. And yes, we all collect vinyls.
The lyrics in IN SOLITUDE: would you like to share a couple of info on the stories you speak in your songs? Really looking forward to some details regarding e.g. 7th Ghost and The Monolith.
They are both on two dreams I had during that time that I later started basing lyrics upon and build more upon them. So you know, they are very personal and are not just Metal fairy tales so to speak.
Do you spend time reading books/literature and watching films/documentaries? Do you believe in the un-separated totality of Art in a whole (music, sculpture, painting) for a human's education? Do you also agree that Metal music is- maybe- the most 'integrated' music style (along with classical music)? The fan gets melodies, rhythms, poetry, artwork...I now look at the LP cover and- to be honest- shake my hand positively!
I spent a lot of time reading books, everything between Charles Baudelaire to Franz Kafka you know. And it means a lot to me. Well, I think art is a name for all artistic expressions, for example the paintings of Picasso are equally as much art as MAYHEM's Mysteriis Dom Sathanas LP, you know.
What's the 'financial' (haha!) feedback for IN SOLITUDE so far? Do you have relatively good deals for the album's promotion/distribution? Do you care, on the other hand?
I'll jump to the next question.
I'll have the chance to travel in Germany and see you onstage in KIT XII festival in a couple of weeks. Have you lined up any other spring/summer dates? On your own or during festivals?
Yes, we are playing all over the place during two weeks now.
I really have a tough time -sometimes†trying to explain to younger Metal fans why it's a good case 'classic' Metal bands have to carry on (as long as they can, of course) in order to preserve Metal music's traditional ideas. Nowadays much stuff can be served as 'Metal' but there's a too wide spectrum of sounds/attitude I think that someone can get lost in the end! On the other hand, there's this 'they do it for the money' thing going in my head...What's your opinion?
When concerning classic Metal bands carrying on, I have a hard time relating to your way of thinking there since Metal bands, classic or brand new, should fuck preserving Metal and concentrate on being a great band and writing better songs, and as they start to notice that their art starts to suffer from to many years of writing songs and being not as good the stuff from the album they released before, they should quit!
Thanks a lot for your time to answer our questions. What should we expect from IN SOLITUDE in the near future?
This interview was answered by Hornper, the vocalist. And you should expect hellfire!
