Metal Rules!!:
First of all can you tell me about the Judas Priest tribute CD that you were a part of in
1996?
Lars:
We were in the studio to record our second album "Two" when Century Media
told us they wanted to sign us. They were putting the tribute together at the same point
and felt it would be a good introduction to include us. Judas Priest and their management
had to approve every song on the first volume and actually said that our version along
with Devin Townsend were among the absolute best. We all grew up with Judas Priest so this
was truly an honor.
Metal Rules!!:
Why did you pick the song "A Touch of Evil"?
Lars:
We are mainly a Black Sabbath influenced heavy and almost doomy-sounding band, so
it felt naturally to pick one of their heavier songs instead of their trademark faster
material.
Metal Rules!!:
Even though you did an excellent job covering the song I remember wondering why you choose
a not so classic Priest song as opposed to say something older?
Lars:
That song fits our style perfectly and we had a lot of fun coming up with the
Lion's Share written middle section instead of just copying the original note for note.
Compared to a lot of the other bands, I feel we contributed to our version and made it
sound both Lion's Share and Judas Priest.
Metal Rules!!:
Why did you re-record the song and put it
on your new CD - "Fall From Grace"?
Lars:
A lot of fans asked us to include it on one of our albums since they didn't want to
buy the whole tribute-record just because of one or two bands. We were going to include a
re-mastered version on "Fall From Grace", but due to the break with Century
Media we actually had to re-record it due to legal circumstances.
Metal Rules!!:
If you had your time back would you of done any another Priest
cover song?
Lars:
No.
Metal Rules!!:
What did you think of the 2 "Legends of Metal" CD's as a whole? Anything on
there blow you away?
Lars:
I think everybody agree the second is much weaker compared to the first one,
however Angra did a good job covering Pain Killer, Fates Warning did a good job, Rage,
Testament.
Metal Rules!!::
Would you consider Priest to be one of your major influences?
Lars:
Absolutely. We all grew up with the 70's-80's metal and Judas Priest must be
regarded as one of the biggest and most influential metal bands ever.
Metal Rules!!:
I hear some influences on your new CD that range from Dream Theater / Queensryche to bands
like Black Sabbath and even some 70's progressive bands. What bands would you say have
helped shape your sound?
Lars:
Black Sabbath for sure, Queensryche, Megadeth, Ozzy and as you mentioned some of
the 70's progressive bands.
Metal Rules!!:
Can you tell us all who the current members of Lion's Share are and from what background,
bands, and influences they have brought to the band?
Lars:
Pontus Egberg:
Bass - The newest and most bluesy guy in the band. Listens to AC/DC, Led Zeppelin,
King's X etc. Did study at M. I. (Musicians Institute) in LA and have recorded with
ex-Yngwie drummer Bo Werner in the band Steamroller.
Andy Engberg:
Vocals - A big fan of Tony Martin, Glenn Hughes, Ronnie James Dio and Geoff Tate.
Made a CD with Danish band Twilight just prior to the re-birth of Lion's Share (1993) and
before that he was in a doom band called Sorcerer along with Johnny Hagel (Tiamat,
Sundown, Cinnamon Spiral) and Rickard Evensand (Its Alive, Southpaw).
Johan Koleberg:
Drums - Probably the "wimpiest" guy in the band. Have recorded with
AOR-bands Frontiers, Talk Of The Town and Thomas Vikström (Brazen Abbot, Candlemass, Talk
Of The Town). Listens to KISS, Rush and TOTO.
Kay Backlund:
Keyboards - The guy that formed Lion's Share with me back in 1987. Influenced by
Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Black Sabbath, Phenomena 1, Vince DiCola and various movie
soundtracks.
Lars Chriss:
Guitar - Well that's me. A die hard KISS fan since I was 8 years old and nowadays
eat, shit and breathes Black Sabbath (especially DIO era). My guitar heroes are Gary Moore
and George Lynch. Have recorded an album as a guest musician with Cinnamon Spiral (Johnny
Hagel-ex Tiamat & Sundown).
Metal Rules!!:
Are all the members of the current line-up full time members, or do they have other side
projects?
Lars:
We are totally devoted to Lion's Share and are not interested in side projects. If
we feel like playing just for fun we all have cover bands to perform with, Pontus in a Top
40 kinda band, Andy in a mostly Yngwie and double bassdrum metal cover band, Johan and
myself in a KISS tribute band called KYSS (complete with make-up & costumes).
Metal Rules!!:
How would you say that Lion's Share's style has progressed since you formed?
Lars:
We are much heavier today. We started out as a very melodic band back in 1987
(Y&T, Gary Moore etc), reached the peak of our progressive side on "Two" and
are now what I believe is a perfect mix of heaviness and melody spiced with some small
progressive parts to make it stand out.
Metal Rules!!:
Do you think your sound will continue to become more aggressive and dark?
Lars:
I don't know. The songs tends to get their own life when you start writing them. We
don't want to repeat ourselves so the next thing is often a reflection to what we've just
done, we'll see.
Metal Rules!!:
I know that "Fall From Grace" was released in Feb.99, but it was actually
finished quite some time before it was released, so has the band written any other new
songs since then? What have they been sounding like?
Lars:
I have approx. 10 different basic ideas (future songs?) to work on. They all have
2-4 riffs that fit together, but I have no idea how many riffs that will be added or
replaced. As far as the other guys I don't know, we have been busy making a Rockymentary
kinda thing for Japanese TV, and separate videos for Unholy Rites and Remembrance. We are
just about to start the rehearsals for an Italian tour and a possible Japanese ditto.
Metal Rules!!:
Since the formation of Lion's Share in 1987, have you reached the levels of success that
you had hoped to when you began?
Lars:
Musically the new Lion's Share album is far better than I ever could dream of back in
1987. Sales wise the timing for a melodic metal band could have been better than to
release albums in the mid 90's. The grunge and hip-hop trend of the 90's really put the
melodic and well played music in the back seat. Thank god things have started to change
and music like ours will hopefully have another peak in a near future.
Metal Rules!!:
Does it ever get frustrating being in a
band and having to fight for a place in such a fickle musical marketplace?
Lars:
Of course, it's very frustrating. However, we've always done what we believe in, no
compromises. We have made the music we would like to hear, 'cause we sure couldn't find it
in the trendy record stores. Regards to all our fans that have kept us going.
Metal Rules!!:
Have you ever thought of packing it and trying something else? (I hope not!)
Lars:
I started out making music for myself, I still do. The day I don't feel like
writing a new song, making another album or simply feeling like I don't have what it takes
then I'll pack it in, not because of a stupid overgoing trend.
Metal Rules!!:
Besides saying that your music sounds like "Lion's Share", how would you
describe your sound?
Lars:
If you like Black Sabbath, you should definitely check us out. Our style is a blend of
heavy/doomy riffs, catchy melodies, some progressive elements, well played and well
produced classic metal.
Metal Rules!!:
I know that many bands don't like labels but would you call Lion's Share "heavy
metal"??
Lars:
ABSOLUTELY! And I'm damned proud of it too.
Metal Rules!!:
Do you think that heavy metal thrives and is much more exciting when it is kept
"underground" as in not on the billboard charts or all over the radio/TV?
Lars:
To me the music is the most important thing, underground or all over the place. There will
always be good bands, they're just harder to find. If metal music charts and the media is
there, so will the record companies be and from my point of view metal could only benefit
from that.
Metal Rules!!:
You mentioned to me previously that when the band went into the studio to record your
third album (Fall From Grace) that you record company (Century Media) had big economical
problems that resulted the termination of your contract....Can you elaborate on
this....Why did this happen??? Was the label not happy with the way the new recording was
sounding? (I can't understand why they wouldn't love it!!).
Lars:
It had nothing to do with the music at all, actually they never heard a note. They asked
us to deliver a new album, everything was okayed, the studio, engineer and the budget. We
entered the studio and the owner told us he wouldn't let us record until C.M. paid their
previous invoice. The engineer told us he hadn't got his advance C.M. promised to send
him. C.M. told me everything should be taken care of ASAP, so they paid half of their old
studio debt? We heard that they were ordering their employees to either quit or agree on
lower their monthly salary. We got confirmed from their US office that they were in deep
shit. Since we weren't happy with them anyway, we saw our chance to get away from four
options, so with the help from the engineers lawyer and the MD of the studio they were
forced to either pay or let us go. After three weeks of negotiations they agreed and we
finished the recordings on our own.
Metal Rules!!:
Was the parting with Century Media on good terms, or were bridges burned?
Lars:
I have talked to them after this and the owner Robert, told me he was very interested in
hearing the new album since "I should still consider him a fan of Lion's Share".
I also approached them with an offer to buy the only Lion's Share album they own
"Two", but we could never agree on the final details, so obviously they must
believe in the band since they're not selling it.
Metal Rules!!:
So now your back on a Japanese label (Avex Inc.)...how did you hook up with them??
Lars:
We signed with the BURRN! publishing company, and they made the arrangements.
Metal Rules!!:
I'm sure this is excellent news for you, and for fans in Japan, but how will Avex be able
to get your music heard or noticed outside of Japan?
Lars:
Avex did license the album for Japan only, so right now we are negotiating with
American and European labels about a licensing deal for the rest of the world. The best
way to do business is to license an album, by doing this the rights always returns to you
after 3-5 years and then you can license it again and again. Our first album is for
example available for licensing again after being released by Zero (Japan), Long Island
and Century Media (Europe). The rights always returns and right now neither of these
companies are allowed to sell it anymore.
Metal Rules!!:
Why are there so many good bands without a deal in North America when Japan laps it up
immediately?
Lars:
Things have been really bad for metal bands on the American market ever
since grunge and hip-hop made it big over there in the early 90's. The scary thing about
Japan is that their economical situation gets worse and worse for each day. Many bands
that have released albums and sold quite good there before, can't get a contract anymore.
This is not only related to the metal scene, but to the overall Japanese and Asian
business markets.
Metal Rules!!:
Is metal in general just more popular over there or what??
Lars:
Japan is very good, Europe is growing stronger for each year as well. America is
maybe a little bit too "media and hype" sensitive. In Asia and Europe people are
less concerned about being hip and cool and simply don't give a shit if they don't fit in.
As soon as the American media decides that metal is cool again, the market will open up
big way.
Metal Rules!!:
How can someone find your CD in North America? Is there an address that people can write
to or something?
Lars:
WILDSIDE Imports have all Lion's Share albums listed (including the new one) at: http://users.netonecom.net/~wildside/wsi7tabl.htm.
At our homepage www.ronnerdal.se/lionsshare
we have a bunch of links to on-line stores you could try, but by just giving the album
catalog number any store can order it for you. AVCB 66060 LION'S SHARE "Fall From
Grace"
Metal Rules!!:
Have any other labels shown interest in picking you up?
Lars:
Yes, besides the usual metal labels we even have interest from Columbia and CNR in
Europe. However we want to make sure we sign to the best company possible to release what
we know is a damned good album. We are sick and tired of labels that can't reach out to
our possible fans. If people don't like us that's fine, but you should at least have a
chance to hear us first.
Metal Rules!!:
Will you be touring in support of "Fall From Grace"? Where will you play and
with whom?
Lars:
We did four tours (Saxon 2 times, UDO, Iced Earth & Nevermore), on the last album so
I'm sure we will tour this time as well.
Metal Rules!!:
Being from Sweden you must be surrounded by allot of bands that fall into the category of
the "New Wave of Swedish Death Metal" as I've heard it called...what do you
think of this growing seen??
"We
have NO death metal scene here at all and as far as I'm concerned there has never been
one." |
Lars:
This is a funny thing because I often get this kind of questions when doing foreign
interviews. We have NO death metal scene here at all and as far as I'm concerned there has
never been one. I know there are a lot of Swedish death metal bands that have contracts in
Germany, but living in Sweden you don't know a shit until you open a German fanzine.
Metal Rules!!:
How big is your brand of metal in Sweden today?
Lars:
Melodic metal is coming back here as well. KISS are HUGE and a lot of the
people that grew up with classic metal are now working at radio and TV stations. The best
part however is that I see a younger generation that are into this kind of music. I was at
DIO concert recently and were expecting to see a bunch of 30-35 year old males, but the
place were packed with girls and boys in their early 20's.
Metal Rules!!:
What newer bands are there from Sweden that you personally
enjoy?
Lars:
A band called Human Race. There are a lot of talented musicians in Sweden,
one good example is this dude (Max Martin), that used to sing in a metal band called Its
Alive and now he's one of the biggest producers in the world with both the first and
second spot on Billboard at the same time.
Metal Rules!!:
Back to your newest CD......where did you get lyrical inspirations from?
Lars:
Andy writes about fantasy stuff, nothing really personal or political. The most important
thing for us is the music.
Metal Rules!!:
Can you please tell me what the song "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" is about?
Lars:
That song was written by City Boy, so I don't have a clue but it's a great
song. It was actually included on a sampler that came free with Germany's biggest metal
magazine Rock Hard (Feb '99).
Metal Rules!!:
Why did you call the CD "Fall From Grace"?
Lars:
Andy wrote the lyrics to that song, and I thought it was a cool title for the album. It
was easy to picture the cover with people (fallen angels), getting kicked out from heaven.
Metal Rules!!:
As this is a title that has religious connotations I'll ask you this...what are your own
beliefs on the subject of religion?
Lars:
We have no opinions as a band regarding religion or politics, Lion's Share is all
about good music and having fun. As far as each member in the band, I don't have a clue.
Metal Rules!!:
In closing, is there anything you'd like to pass along to the
readers of Metal Rules!!?
Lars:
We want to thank all of our fans for their love and support. For people that
haven't heard us, please visit our official homepage www.ronnerdal.se/lionsshare and check us
out. We also want to thank Metal Rules for the award and for this interview.
Keep the metal alive!
More Lion's Share:
[Listen][Feature][CD Review]
©1999, Metal Rules!!
