1. To kick things off: Tell our audience a bit about the origin story of your Band.
The story of Beyond Defiance… Sven Erik and Torbjörn, long time friends and bandmates in several earlier projects, got acquainted with Lars through studio work where Torbjörn assisted with drums to Lars’ solo projects. Lars was considered as vocalist for a Heavy/Speed metal project but when we heard his ability to growl as well as clean singing we soon realised we should go for a more brutal approach. Then it soon started to evolve…
2. Tell us about your new project?
The album ”Utopia” was created and recorded between march -25 and April -26, it started out as an experimental project just to explore what we could do together, since we got quite different backgrounds, and when we discovered that there was common ground and potential in it, we went all in! We are all into the combo of heavier stuff blended with softer, more dynamic parts, even the occasional acoustic guitar.
3. If you had to describe the sound of your Band to someone who hasn’t heard you yet: What would you say?
Heavy riffs and melodic guitar lines combined with captivating melodies packaged in a modern mix, but not an exact copy of how “all other bands” on the genre sound like.
4. How has the songwriting evolved with the band over the years? What does that process look like for you lately?
From the start, we have worked mostly in the same way. It usually starts with an idea by Lars (vocals), he creates a simple demo that he sends to Sven Erik (Guitars, Bass) and Torbjörn (drums). Sven Erik analyses and refines the riffs etc and makes suggestions of arrangements. Then it goes to Torbjörn, who works out the drum parts and we keep passing the ideas back and forth for feedback until everybody is happy. The mixing and mastering is done by Sven Erik, but in constant contact, mainly with Torbjörn, since we have the most experience with studio work.
5. Outside of metal, what books, Video Games, movies, or life events leave a mark on your music?
Mostly dark horror and thrillers, and of course the everyday stream of news filled with war and oppression by mad leaders.
6. What are some of the recurring themes or messages you find yourself exploring in your lyrics?
Right now it’s war and suffering, oppression by megalomaniac leaders. Also some Viking/Medieval stories sneaks in…
7. What is one song you’ve written that you feel captures the absolute core identity of the band?
Cry
8. Do you find your energy translates better in an intimate club style venue or a massive festival setting?
We believe it is best suited for medium-sized venues, important to be close to the audience. But maybe not for the smallest clubs/pubs. But of course we won’t say no to the big festival stages!
9. Which Artists or Band inspired you to be in a Band?
Lars: Nirvana, Avenged sevenfold Sven Erik: Slayer, Pantera, Coroner Torbjörn: Mötley Crüe, Helloween, King Diamond
10. If you could sit down and collaborate with any Artist or Band right now, who would be at the top of your list and Why?
Lars: Avenged Sevenfold because they trap your mind with melodies that never go away Sven Erik: Sylosis, for their ability to make great arrangements and combining raw aggression with beautiful melodic choruses Torbjörn: Helloween, they seem to be such a bunch of funny people and I’m sure we would have a good time!
11. What’s the current Pulse of the Metal Scene from your perspective?
It’s very much alive, more great bands than ever but there is the constant worry of the threat by AI generated stuff sucking the air out for real bands.
12. Are there any endorsements or gear brands you’re currently working with that you’d like to shout out?
We have no endorsements right now, but our preferred brands (currently) are: Lars: PRS guitars Sven Erik: ESP guitars and a variety of amps, Soldano, Mesa, Marshall… Torbjörn: Still using a mix of everything, nothing exclusive
13. What does your tour calendar look like? Any big shows or festivals we should be made aware of?
Nothing in the pipeline right now, we are starting to get road ready, hoping to land the first gigs in early -27 and hopefully a bunch of festivals in the spring/summer.
14. What is your very first Metal album you ever bought ?
Lars: Metallica, Black Album Sven Erik: Motörhead, Ace of Spades Torbjörn: Not sure but one of these: Mötley Crüe, Shout at the devil or Accept, Balls to the wall
15. What was the very first metal concert you ever went to?
Lars: Dream Theater, Oslo, 2000 Sven Erik: AC/DC, Stockholm 1986 Torbjörn: Europe, Final countdown tour 1986, I think. Not so heavy metal, but they had long hair and a fantastic guitar player in John Norum.
16. What is your LinkTree or Online Link ?
