Hearse

interview by - Wouter Roemers

Swedish death 'n roll combo Hearse recently released their sixth album "Single Ticket to Paradise" through Dutch label Vic Records. Combining the heaviness of death metal with the party vibe of the better heavy rock acts Hearse has something for everybody. Masterful Magazine got in touch Max Thornell (drums) and Johan Liiva Axelsson (vocals) to discuss their new album, their deal with Vic Records and Johan's past in both Arch Enemy and Carnage.

You've been through a number of labels with Hearse. This latest album comes to us by Dutch label Vic Records – how's your relationship with them? Did you notice any difference with the other labels you've worked with over the years?

Max: Being on Vic feels just super so far. The label boss is a genuine fan of the music he releases which is an important thing if you ask me. After being on a label where you hear things like "Nah, I don't like Hearse very much" and stuff like that it feels super to be on Vic where you instead hear things like "Super! Love it" instead. Then Vic is a pretty small label which suits me pretty fine too. Vic also has a bunch of really cool bands in the roster. Feels great to share the same label as Dimension Zero, Memory Garden, Bibleblack etc.

I find it quite a pity that a band like Hearse, with a rich history and not to forget the better musical pieces like the last two albums, still hasn't find the recognition it deserves. Do you think "Single Ticket to Paradise" has the ability to change that?

Max: To be honest I've never had this "I wanna be a rockstar feeling" in me. I still miss the good ol' death metal years in the late 80's /early 90's when people were totally in it for the feeling, the music and the thrill of it all. The thought of living off your music weren't there and that was just something you didn't even think of. So, it actually doesn't bother me that much at all. I'm pretty happy in my little world, releasing an album now and then, perhaps doing some gigs now and then and...well...you know, just enjoying what you're doing.

When you look back, which of the Hearse albums do you find the strongest and why, with exception of this latest platter, of course?

Max: I really like our third album "The Last Ordeal". Think it has some really good tunes and also a pretty cool laid back and natural production. Too bad the album just disappeared when it was released as our label at the time (Karmageddon Media) put things to rest just at that time. Anyway, it now seems that it'll be re-released with some bonus stuff on it, which feels just super!

In the past you've released 2 records through (the now defunct) Karmageddon Media. "Dominion Reptilian" (2003) and "The Last Ordeal" (2005) were released through the label. Was it difficult getting contractually freed from the label with their bankruptcy and the resultant red tape that brought along? I remember bands like Blood Red Throne, Forefather, Rebaelliun and Severe Torture experiencing lengthy legal bouts because of that.

Max: Well, to be picky "Dominion Reptilian" was released on Hammerheart Records that later on changed its name to Karmageddon Media and then released "Armageddon, Mon Amour" and "The Last Ordeal". Then Karmageddon Media was put to rest, I guess they had financial problems. Then we signed to Cold Records that later on changed its name to Dental Records. Seems like all labels we're on change their names, hehe! (Wonder when it's Vic's time!) Then we agreed with Dental to leave the label and signed to Vic instead. So there has never really been any problems in changing labels for us. It's all just come pretty natural.

Are there any European gigs already lined up in support of "Single Ticket to Paradise"? How much roadwork do you expect to be doing this 2009?

Max: Nothing is planned at the moment. But I really hope that we can do some gigs this year. Would be nice.

As a musical statement, what does "Single Ticket to Paradise" say about Hearse in 2009?

Max: I think it says that we're still in a pretty good shape and that we still have a good excuse to be around.

Johan, many older fans of the genre will recognize you as the man behind the microphone on the first three Arch Enemy albums, a band which you founded alongside Michael Amott. In 2000 you were dismissed due to what could be called "musical incompatibilities". Have you followed Arch Enemy closely since your departure?

Johan: Well, as for musical incompatibilities I'm not sure - that "Wages.." album would've suited me like a glove indeed. However, the following albums are despite their natural progress not too much to my taste really. A few songs kick serious ass, but in general I prefer the older material. If I've followed the band closely? Hmm, every now and then I have, it's hard to avoid checking out what they're up to and so on.

On a related note, what do you think about the albums the band has released since you were forced to leave? Are you still on good terms with guitarist/founder Michael Amott?

Johan: All the albums are impressive in one way or another - however, for me personally as I mentioned the best is still "Wages Of Sin". "Anthems Of Rebellion" is cool too ('We will Rise' is one killer tune!).. "Doomsday Machine" and "Rise Of the Tyrant" are both quite similar in my ears, it's a little bit "you-know-the-drill" kinda feeling, still highly professional and intense discs both. Yes, we are still in contact every once in a while on MSN etc. Mike sends me their new releases, stuff like that so it's cool!

Prior to Arch Enemy you were involved with Carnage, which went on to release one sole album with "Dark Recollections". The band split and the members went to form Arch Enemy and Dismember. In the end, Carnage was instrumental in the foundational work for the Swedish death metal scene. How do you look back at that period in your life?

Johan: That was a great time for certain! I'm not sure if I've ever experienced such an interesting era in my life, musically, as during the years 1987-1990. It was truly exciting: tape trading with people from around the globe, writing music whose only purpose was to be as brutal, heavy, fast and dark as possible... Getting to know new people with the same urge as yourself. Underground, old school.. demos and bands all over the place, new labels (Earache, Peaceville, Nuclear Blast..) .. then it all went too big somehow, and I got kinda tired of it - and started Furbowl, hehe.

You've been in the music business for quite a number of years now. What drives you to keep going year after year while the music business is not in a very good state?

Johan: I have no idea. These days I do not rely on the music biz to make a living, well - I never really did - it's always been a jungle filled to the brim of exotic predators. Nowadays I'm working 40 hours a week as a printer and I like it, it works out fine for me. Still, as long as people are creative and willing to do something musically it's great. I'm just into music 'cause I enjoy it. It's always been like that for me.

Thanks for the interview! Good luck with all your future endeavours. I would like to extend my praise for your persistence in keeping the ancient flame burning. The last words are yours.

Johan: Thanks to you too man! It's always great to do interviews every now and then. To end off here I'd like to go old school, haha: STAY BRUTAL!

Booking: www.hearse.se
Info: www.vicrecords.com

Hearse

interview by - Wouter Roemers

concert / tour dates

...

reviews

some more stuff

list of interviews

Interviews in polish