15 years of Queens of Steel: Daniel Ekeroth

We Queens of Steel are turning 15 years old in 2020 and we want to celebrate it in different ways, like with a series of short «interviews» with colleagues, collaborators, artists involved in the Metal community in any way, in any discipline, to conmemorate these years through music, gigs and, in t nutshell, through moments.
Today we talk to Daniel Ekeroth, whom I don’t think needs any introduction if you’re reading this, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock, he’s the author of the DM bible «Swedish Death Metal» and is/has been part of bands like USURPRESS and IRON LAMB among others.

-We Queens of Steel have been annoying people for 15 years now. During these years a lot of albums have been released. What albums do you specially remember or are your favourites of these last 15 years? Those you have pretty much scuffd.
It might seem strange, but the album I have spun the most is the latest Opeth. It is such a killer album, and will probably be remembered as a milestone of heavy metal for decades to come. I have NEVER even liked Opeth before this album, but the switch to swedish lyrics finally did it for me. I can’t think of an album I have listened to nearly as much.

-Even some new bands have born. Which ones are your favourites?
Morbus Chron was my favourite band, especially their Sweven album. Then, the band Devil Master really caught me off guard. such a unique band!

-And the split up you regret the most?
Again, I have to say Morbus Chron. I just loved their development, and Im sure they could have done some fantastic stuff in the future.

-All of us tend to attend gigs, festivals… During 15 years we’ve spent a lot of time in airports, trains, cars. What is the show or festival you recall with special affection?
My most beloved moment will probably be when I got the opportunity to see Autopsy rehearse last week! They are the best death metal band ever, and they still sound fresh & vital as ever. The best guys as well! Apart from that, At the Gates return show in New York was pure magic.

-They are a lot of years if you think about it. Which would be your most memorable moment(s)? A milestone or achievement, on a personal and/or musical level.
Interregnum, the final album we did with Usurpress, is the best album I have ever been involved with. I am truly proud that we managed to finish it before my best friend & the creative force behind the band died. Stefan Pettersson was very sick during the recording, but lived to see it released. It made him happy during his last months. Then, of course I am also very proud of my book Swedish Death Metal – which will now be released in japanese.

-Everything evolves (involutes sometimes) with time, so does the Metal «community». What do you believe has been the biggest change the Metal scene has experience or is experiencing during this time? For the better or for the worse. Because if we stop and think about it, not even Spotify existed 15 years ago!
Well, the major change is that the internet has devoured everything – records, zines, posters, flyers etc etc. Everything is less fun, and too easy. It takes no effort, so nobody cares. I try to use the internet sparsely, and I buy more vinyl records than ever!!

-Looking to the future, what would be the best possible scenario for you if you think about the next 15 years?
I hope to see a major comeback of vinyl records. If bands are focused to create an album with two sides, the music will be so much better. More varied & thought through. Also, I think we will see more unique bands – just like Tribulation, Devil Master, Morbus Chron, Enslaved and Opeth has shown the way for new ways of expresion. Things like Deathfest, and the Decibel tours also make me happy – I hope underground versions will pop up. And I would die to see some paper fanzines…
I am hopeful.