1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
We finished the recording in August last year and then Stefan left the band after 12 years of drumming so we had to find a new drummer. It actually didn't take long because our old drummer from 20-years ago was just waiting for this opportunity and he fitted in the band right away. Me and Niclas had also been playing with him in the same Judas Priest tribute band Defenders Of The Faith since 2001 so we knew he would make it. We mixed and mastered the CD in Studio Fredman in November but didn't get a release date until the 25th of July. We've been practicing like hell and are now ready to play all over the world.
2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musicla sound that is presented on the new recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
The main difference is obviously the vocals which seem to be praised by everyone and I guess I should have sung the last 3 records instead of Daniel and Nico. Song wise it's probably more straight to the point than before but it's still in the vain of the great Heavy Metal from the eighties with bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Dio, Ozzy, Helloween etc. The focus is always on the melodies and great guitar riffs. I'm really proud of this new record which already received great reviews.
3.The band was formed in 1992 when there where not many bands playing a more traditional style of metal back then, do you feel this genre has made a huge comeback over the years?
When me and Niclas started the band in 1992 Heavy Metal was pretty much dead. I think Bruce Dickinsons return to Iron Maiden in 2001 was a big change in all this and the real music has grown since then. Even though I don't think the songs have the same class or standard as in the eighties I'm glad that grunge is dead =)
4.This is the first album to be released since 2008, can you tell us a little bit more about the 6 year gap between releases?
After “Chained” was released Nico left the band because of time issues so I took over the vocals once again. Then there was trouble with Paul so he left and Niclas came back. When we had just finished the recording of “Killer” Stefan left and Martin came back. I guess you could say we've had a real member shifting circus during the last years. Beside this we all have regular jobs and families and it's not always easy to find time or get inspiration to write songs. At least we did a 20-years anniversary show 2 years ago with old members playing songs from all records and that was great fun. Right now everything feels perfect with the new line-up so things are looking very bright.
5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
I always write about things in real life but try to not make it to obvious and with I kind of fantasy touch just like Dio did. It's usually not about what you think it is =)
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Crystal Eyes'?
There's no meaning at all. We had a bunch of ideas for a band name and we just thought this sounded best.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
I have some great memories opening for Blind Guardian when we were still a demo-band and then playing before Yngwie Malmsteen after our second record. The Sweden Rock Festivals gigs 2003 and 2005 are also something I never will forget. It's not easy to describe our live performance so you just have to see it for yourself.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new release?
We're negotiation with a booking agency right now so we just have to wait and see.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of heavy and power metal?
Extremely overwhelming. The reviews just started to end up on the internet a week ago and it looks like we've made a Killer record!
10.What is going on with some of the other musical projects these days that some of the band members are involved with?
Me, Niclas and Martin are still in Defenders Of The Faith which we started in 1993 to pay tribute to the gods of Heavy Metal: Judas Priest. This is just a band with old friends having some fun and doing some gigs every now and then. We actually played at Sweden Rock Festival in 2008 the day before Judas Priest. We made it to the final in a tribute band competition were we ended up number 3. For myself I made a guest appearance on Azoria's debut record and it turned out to be the single video a couple of months ago.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I've written all Crystal Eyes songs on all records but I never now where I'm heading before I start writing. I don't think of it as a record when I write because it's all about the song in the beginning. It can be influences from anything from Def Leppard – Pyromania to Judas Priest – Painkiller. A god song is always a god song but right now I have no idea.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I'm still listening to what I was listening to in the eighties. I always go back to Priest, Maiden, Sabbath, Accept, Dio, Helloween, Manowar etc. Of course I'm looking for new music all the time but it's very rare to find anything god these days, it feels like no one cares about the songs or melodies anymore.
13.What are some of your non musical interests?
My family is my only interest beside music.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Buy Killer if you're into real Heavy Metal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROCK ON
Mikael
We finished the recording in August last year and then Stefan left the band after 12 years of drumming so we had to find a new drummer. It actually didn't take long because our old drummer from 20-years ago was just waiting for this opportunity and he fitted in the band right away. Me and Niclas had also been playing with him in the same Judas Priest tribute band Defenders Of The Faith since 2001 so we knew he would make it. We mixed and mastered the CD in Studio Fredman in November but didn't get a release date until the 25th of July. We've been practicing like hell and are now ready to play all over the world.
2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musicla sound that is presented on the new recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
The main difference is obviously the vocals which seem to be praised by everyone and I guess I should have sung the last 3 records instead of Daniel and Nico. Song wise it's probably more straight to the point than before but it's still in the vain of the great Heavy Metal from the eighties with bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Dio, Ozzy, Helloween etc. The focus is always on the melodies and great guitar riffs. I'm really proud of this new record which already received great reviews.
3.The band was formed in 1992 when there where not many bands playing a more traditional style of metal back then, do you feel this genre has made a huge comeback over the years?
When me and Niclas started the band in 1992 Heavy Metal was pretty much dead. I think Bruce Dickinsons return to Iron Maiden in 2001 was a big change in all this and the real music has grown since then. Even though I don't think the songs have the same class or standard as in the eighties I'm glad that grunge is dead =)
4.This is the first album to be released since 2008, can you tell us a little bit more about the 6 year gap between releases?
After “Chained” was released Nico left the band because of time issues so I took over the vocals once again. Then there was trouble with Paul so he left and Niclas came back. When we had just finished the recording of “Killer” Stefan left and Martin came back. I guess you could say we've had a real member shifting circus during the last years. Beside this we all have regular jobs and families and it's not always easy to find time or get inspiration to write songs. At least we did a 20-years anniversary show 2 years ago with old members playing songs from all records and that was great fun. Right now everything feels perfect with the new line-up so things are looking very bright.
5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
I always write about things in real life but try to not make it to obvious and with I kind of fantasy touch just like Dio did. It's usually not about what you think it is =)
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Crystal Eyes'?
There's no meaning at all. We had a bunch of ideas for a band name and we just thought this sounded best.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
I have some great memories opening for Blind Guardian when we were still a demo-band and then playing before Yngwie Malmsteen after our second record. The Sweden Rock Festivals gigs 2003 and 2005 are also something I never will forget. It's not easy to describe our live performance so you just have to see it for yourself.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new release?
We're negotiation with a booking agency right now so we just have to wait and see.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of heavy and power metal?
Extremely overwhelming. The reviews just started to end up on the internet a week ago and it looks like we've made a Killer record!
10.What is going on with some of the other musical projects these days that some of the band members are involved with?
Me, Niclas and Martin are still in Defenders Of The Faith which we started in 1993 to pay tribute to the gods of Heavy Metal: Judas Priest. This is just a band with old friends having some fun and doing some gigs every now and then. We actually played at Sweden Rock Festival in 2008 the day before Judas Priest. We made it to the final in a tribute band competition were we ended up number 3. For myself I made a guest appearance on Azoria's debut record and it turned out to be the single video a couple of months ago.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I've written all Crystal Eyes songs on all records but I never now where I'm heading before I start writing. I don't think of it as a record when I write because it's all about the song in the beginning. It can be influences from anything from Def Leppard – Pyromania to Judas Priest – Painkiller. A god song is always a god song but right now I have no idea.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I'm still listening to what I was listening to in the eighties. I always go back to Priest, Maiden, Sabbath, Accept, Dio, Helloween, Manowar etc. Of course I'm looking for new music all the time but it's very rare to find anything god these days, it feels like no one cares about the songs or melodies anymore.
13.What are some of your non musical interests?
My family is my only interest beside music.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Buy Killer if you're into real Heavy Metal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROCK ON
Mikael
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