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Swedish Metalband GOOSEFLESH have recently signed a deal
with HIGH GAIN Records in Germany (the home of such bands like PRIMAL FEAR,
TEMPLE OF THE ABSURD, etc.) and DOLPHIN Entertainment in Japan. The band's
debut-CD "Chemical Garden" will be released in Japan in March
and Europe in April. GOOSEFLESH will also take part on ENERGIE Records
IRON MAIDEN-tribute that will be released in Europe in March/April. They
will contribute with their very own version of "Killers". Definitely
something to look forward to, which also the reunion of IRON MAIDEN will
be! I asked Tommy Scalisi Svensson (guitar) about the antecedents of the
band.
Hail Tommy! How are you? My question number one is why did you choose
this unusual name for the band? Is there any story behind this bandname?
- Well, it was kind of a coincidence. Me and my former bandmate Micael
Larsson was having a couple of drinks while turning pages in a book about
the late artist Salvador Dali and there was a painting with the name gooseflesh.
We didn't thought much about the meaning of it, only that it felt good
to say and since all the members in the band are fans of his work we later
on decided to keep it.
"Welcome To Suffer Age" is the first MCD of GOOSEFLESH and
was released by the spanish label namely Goldtrack Records. What can you
tell about this contract? Do you satisfied with it? What is the selling
results of the MCD so far?
- The contract with Goldtrack is a little bit of a try out for both
parties. At first they offered us a deal for two albums but since they
are such a new label we turned it down. They later on came up with the
idea of releasing Welcome To Suffer Age as a MCD, which at that time was
recorded already. We thought the idea was great and we're really satisfied
with the work they have done on the album so far. As for the selling result
it's a bit too early to say since it has different releasedates in different
countries.
"Gooseflesh", "The Wraith" and "Glow"
your previous materials. Are these materials still available for the metalheads?
What kind of progression do you emphasize us? I mean songstructure, sound,
lyrics, etc.
- All of our previous materials are sold out. Some of the songs might
appear on coming albums because there are some really strong material on
those tapes. Then of course they will be re-recorded. As for the progression
I think we're always trying out new grounds. We never decide in advance
which style we gonna play but on the other hand I think more and more you
could always tell that it's GOOSEFLESH. I personally think that we have
developed our own style and identity.
How would you like to define the sound of your band?
- Intense crossover Metal with a lot of aggression and attitude. All
spiced up with groovy parts and dynamic drums.
What are the preferred themes of GOOSEFLESH? Name us your favourite
reads.
- If you are referring to our lyrical side we're definitely not writing about demons or dragons. No on the contrary there's always something experienced or something that concerns us in our near environment that we write about, like betrayal, social injustice or inner anxiety.
You have played alot of shows so far and one with DISMEMBER too. What
is your opinion about DISMEMBER's music and its members? What do you feel
when you play live? How many gigs you play per month?
- We have done quit a lot of gigs but we hope that the amount will
increase when we release our first full-length album. As far as my concern
goes about DISMEMBER I think they're a hard working band that sometimes
tries too hard to be true to their roots. Anyway they are nice fellows.
GOOSEFLESH live is a kick in the face on everybody's watching. We just
love it and the audience will notice that. There's a hell of lot of energy
when GOOSEFLESH hits the stage I can promise you that.
Briefly say something about the bandmembers' interests.
- Oh man, that varies a lot. We all like to drink, socialize and to
have sex but that quite common among most living creatures I think. Of
course we are all into music in many different ways. Some of us read books,
some of us don't. Next question!!!
What's your point of view on today's music scene? What do you think
is the strongest release of this year? Do you like Black Metal at all?
- Good and bad. Personally I'm not too keen on these "trying to
sound like HELLOWEEN" bands. No I like bands that mix styles and that
aren't afraid of going in new directions like SEPULTURA and ENTOMBED for
instance. None of us are into Black Metal though we like some Death bands.
The strongest release this year??? "Powertrip" by MONSTER MAGNET,
that is if TESTAMENT doesn't release anything before New Years eve!!!
Give us a short background about Phantom Management.
- Phantom is a new management formed by a former chief editor on "Backstage" magazine. A well-known mag about Swedish rock. GOOSEFLESH was it's first signing and we're all good friends with each other and I think we'll work
together for a long time to come.
Do you know something about Ukraine and its underground scene?
- Sorry, but I don't. The only thing that I have understood is that
there is quite an interest for extreme metal in Ukraine. It would be great
if you could enlighten us a little on this matter?
Finally, tell us when we can expect the new material of GOOSEFLESH
and in what orientation will it be? Any upcoming plans for the future or
whatever you would like to add?
- GOOSEFLESH have recorded it's full length debut called "Chemical Garden" and it will hopefully be released in Europe in March/April '99. It's a stampede of music in the vein of Suffer Age. On top of that
there are plans for a tour in early summer.
Your wishes for ENCOMIUM 'zine readers in Swedish language...
- Tjena, tjena mittbena! Hoppas att Ni snart får tillfälle
att lära känna GOOSEFLESH på ett vettigt sätt: HÅRT
& INTENSIVT: Ha't gödd allihop!
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