The international death metal unit known as Berzerker Legion is about to release the second installment of their epic brutality. So get ready for some chaos! Tomas Elofsson (guitarist/composer) answered my questions. Now go ahead and enter the realm of the berzerkers!
"Chaos Will Reign" is the title of your sophomore release, which will be attacking the underground masses in a few days. Personally, I feel it's even more melodic, epic and groove oriented than the debut album "Obliterate the Weak". How do you see this?
- Yea the theme and structure of the songs haven't changed, but the "epic" parts are a bit more worked on and are a more thorough thought I would say.
Thanks to Jonas Kjellgren, the sound production of "Chaos Will Reign" is extremely solid. How did the studio work go this time? Just like on your debut, did you record your parts in nearby studios or mainly in home studios? How did Jonas come into the picture? Is there a special story behind it?
- This is where the album is different. With Jonas stepping in we could take it to another level as he knew exactly what we wanted with the production. We recorded everything in our homes except the drums that was recorded in a studio in Poland. We sent the files to Jonas and he went to work right away. I've been friend with Jonas for over 15 years and we talked about this for years, even for the first album, but the timing wasn't there back then, so we gave it a new shot and this time it worked, it worked out really well!
You have already shot some music videos to support the new release. Which songs were chosen? What locations did you shoot them in and who directed the stuff?
- The first video was a lyric video of the song "Choirs of Anguish" and the second video we shot was the title track "Chaos Will Reign". The title track video was shot in the Netherlands in Alwin's hometown with the whole band.
The cover art was created by Adi Christianize. Needless to say, he did a great job again. If I compare it to the "Obliterate the Weak" cover, I'd say it's very similar, just from a different angle and with a different color scheme. How would you explain it?
- That's what we wanted. We want people to think "Yea, that's a Berzerker Legion album"! To have the "barbarian berzerker" in the front is a red thread and is something that we will try to follow in the future as well.
You all play in bands that are a definite priority, so the question is how do you still manage to make time for Berzerker Legion, and do you have any plans to play live in support of the new album or on a possible tour?
- When something is fun you make time. And time is all we have here on this planet. To tour is gonna be hard, but shows are something that we will try to do as much as possible for sure. If someone wants us to come and play, they just have to contact us and we will make it happen.
Would you agree with me when I say that the new material is very close to the modern Hypocrisy aura in every possible way? Who was responsible for composing the new songs and what was the biggest influence on you this time?
- I've always written my songs with harmonies and epic stuff, so this just comes naturally. I write half and Alwin writes half. The other guys have their say, of course, but mainly it's us two that writes the stuff.
What is the lyrical content of "Chaos Will Reign" about? Who wrote the lyrics?
- That is Jonny, he has an amazing feeling for this. We don't interfere that much in the lyrics. It's about chaos, controlled chaos.
Listenable Records is handling the new release, and like the debut, it will be released on vinyl and CD. Tell us more about your collaboration with Listenable. How do they relate to you, what perspectives do you expect regarding the new record?
- Listenable has treated us great and are supporting us 110%! We have a great bond and tons of respect between us. We hope that they are as proud of us that we are of them.
How do you personally see the situation of the death metal genre in 2023? Which 2023 releases would you mention as your favorites and why?
- Orbit Culture "Descent" is the release of 2023! Amazing album and awesome guys. Hard working dudes that are gonna take the world by storm. I wish them nothing but great success.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questionnaire. The final words of chaos and obliteration are yours. Please send your message to all Ukrainian Berzerker Legion fans.
- Thank you for the interview and thank you for keeping the scene alive! And to the Ukrainian people: Stay alive! We will come and play for you as soon as this shit is over. I have played in your beautiful country many times and I miss visiting and playing there. Stay safe!
