– Hello and first of all, thanks for taking the time. How is everything going right now with AXENSTAR? What are you currently up to?

Hello! We are just fine thanks and very excited about the new release!

– First off, what’s the origin behind the name of the band?

Well we wanted to come up with a name that we could be sure no one had used before so we started to combine words that we thought could fit together and we finally came up with Axenstar.

 

– Last month you released your newest album, entitled «Where Dreams Are Forgotten». How is its feedback being thus far?

It has been great both from fans and reviewers so we are very happy with how the reception has been so far!

 

– Starting to dig into this opus; what’s the main concept behind it? Where have you taken inspiration from to write the lyrics?

I think I get inspiration from everything that happens around me both on a personal level but also what happens in the world. I usually tend to focus on the bad things because I think it’s easier to write lyrics about that.

 

– And what’s the link between this and the cover artwork? Tell us a little bit about it.

Well we got the opportunity to once again work with Felipe Machado Franco and we sent him some songs so that he would get a feeling for the music and then he came up with an idea and we kind of worked our way to the finished result. And I must say I think this is the best cover artwork we have ever had.

 

– I personally think this is the record that describes the best the band’s personality to the date, with no fillers and reflecting all the influences of the band. Do you think what we hear on this opus is the closest material you have done to your actual personality? To the sound you have always been aiming for? Or is it just a natural evolution and each album represents the moment when that specific release was done?

It’s hard to say, I feel very satisfied with all the songs on the album and I think that we have managed to get a good balance between the typical style of the band as well as we have incorporated some new influences and it really turned out great!

 

– Production sounds superb, and once more it was done by Pelle Saether. Does having worked with him for so long help to get the best possible sound?

Yes it has for sure, we are very satisfied with how the production turned out and we feel very comfortable working with Pelle since we have this long history together. He knows what sound we want and he makes sure we get it.

 

– This being said, how do you think has AXENSTAR evolved since your previous «Aftermath» came out?

I think we have taken a huge step from the release of “Aftermath” since that album was acutally written and recorded by just me and Joakim so it wasn’t really a band effort, but with this new release we have really been working together as a band and everyone has contributed to the songwriting and the arrangements.

 

– All this about «Where Dreams Are Forgotten» being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?

Melodic, hard, awesome!

 

– You are hailing from Sweden, a really strong country for Metal and music in general. Talking about Metal Sweden specially stands out into extreme Metal, among others. What newer or less known Swedish Metal acts could you suggest?

There are many bands that I could mention but one local band that I think deserves more attention is Bleeding Utopia, they play death/thrash metal and have released two albums to this date so check them out if you haven’t already!

 

– And as the end of the year is drawing nearer, could you please tell us what have been your 3 favourite albums of 2014 and your less favourite one?

I actually don’t listen to that much new music so I’m not sure I’m the right person to ask but one album that I do like is the new Sanctuary album since I’ve always

been a fan of Warrel Danes voice. I have also learned over the year that you should never say out in public which bands you don’t like so I better just leave that alone haha.

 

– Finally, what are your near-future plans?

Well are reahearsing the new songs and we will hopefully get to play as many shows and festivals as possible in 2015.

 

– That’s all, thank you once more for answering our questions. If you want to add some final words; feel free to do it.

Make sure to check out the new Axenstar album “Where Dreams Are Forgotten”! And don’t forget to support your local metal scene!

 

Sergio Fernández

sergio@queensofsteel.com

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