Chad Bowar: How has the response been so far to Holy Murder Masquerade?
Valle Adzic: Really great! People seem to like it very much so we're happy about that.
Concept albums are fairly unusual in death metal. Why did you guys decide to do one?
We just wanted to offer something special. And we decided in a very early stage that if we were to make a concept album, we'd do it in a very special way. So we did the booklet in 28 pages and it's like a mini comic book that visualizes the story as well. The lyrics are fitted into those speech balloons. So the listener can follow the story musically, lyrically and visually.
Briefly, what is the story of Holy Murder Masquerade?
The story is purely fictional and is about this guy called Trent, who for some reason wants to erase his entire bloodline. He is a true believer, and in his twisted mind he does all the horrible murders in the name of God. Every time he's about to commit a murder he puts on a mask that symbolizes the face of Christ, because in his sick mind he things that it makes it all forgiving. The listener gets to follow Trent as he arrives at his final destination where his last living relatives live. It's a really bloody story indeed.
What are your expectations?
I hope we'll do a few tours with some cool bands. We love playing live and making new friends in the crowds.
How did the idea for the accompanying comic come about?
I read a review somewhere that said the album was very good, but not original. Impious has never been about being original, only about being good. Anyway, that got me thinking, I didn't want to change our music, so what more is there to change? Well, the lyrics and packaging of course! So we did a concept album, but with a twist.
What are your tour plans?
We will tour, that's for sure. But right now we're just sitting and waiting for the right tour to come up. We can't wait to hit the road again. Playing live is what we love, and that's what we do best.
Any plans to come to the US?
There's a US visit in the works, but nothing is confirmed unfortunately.
What are the largest and smallest crowds you've played in front of?
The largest would be on some festival in front of a couple of thousand people. Smallest would be sometime in our early days. It was probably in 1995 or so. We did a gig and all we got were a couple of burgers. I think like 20-30 people showed up or so. But we had fun.
What was the first concert you attended as a fan?
Entombed in 1990 or 1991.
How did you get started in music?
Metallica's Master Of Puppets is who is to blame. That record really made me want to play the guitar. I was so amazed by the speed, energy and sound.
Who are some current artists you admire?
I'm still really into Slayer and Testament. Those guys still rock so damn hard.
What are the essential metal albums?
Oh man, if I only got to pick one I'd say Metallica - Master Of Puppets. It has everything.
Do you have a day job?
Yeah I do, I work at Volvo Aero Corporation. We don't make cars there, but parts for airplane engines. Martin (vocals) works at Saab, building cars. Robin (guitar) works for a company that supplies Saab with spare parts I think. Erik (bass) is teaching and Mikke (drums) is unemployed.
What is your religion/belief system?
We're kind of against any kind of religion. We believe in the free and creative mind. We're basically against anything that tells you how to live your life. I don't need a religion to tell me how to be a nice guy. My mom taught me that.
What are the best and worst things about being in a band?
Best thing is all the fun. We love travelling to world, playing on stage, seeing all nice places and meeting cool people. The band is like therapy for me. No matter how bad my day has been, I always feel good after hanging out with the guys at rehearsal and playing some cool tunes. Worst thing is that it's hard to make a living out of it.
What's your worst habit?
I'm a sugar addict.
What CD do you own that people might be surprised about?
I guess all my Frank Sinatra CD's.
What's the biggest misconception your fans or friends have about you?
That since we've been doing this for 13 years people thing we have the best equipment out there. That's not true, our equipment is either stolen, falling apart or barely working. Man, we really need some endorsements!
What's the best advice someone gave you?
My parents taught me to believe in myself and that I could manage anything if I just put my mind and soul into it. They haven't been wrong yet.
