Interview With Reptilian
Interview By Anders Sandvall
Thanks to Regain records for the promo
pictures of Joel, Peter
and the new line up. All live pictures taken by Anders Sandvall
I recently sat down with Joel Linder, the drummer of Reptilian, and talked about the
new album “Thunderblaze” and a little about what the band is up to now.
Why did you and Jonas leave Majestic?
We quit because of the difficulties of working with Richard Andersson.
What was it that made you and Jonas take the decision to continue working together?
We liked the type of metal on the first Majestic album, although we wanted it a little
more rough and more based on guitars.
It wasn't so hard to find people to join the new band. Did you know the people from
before?
Sure. Lasse joined Majestic for the Pretty Maids tour. Thomas Is Jonas’s Brother,
Peter played in Majestic, and Reingold did some bass for Majestic.
Why did you name the band Reptilian, and what does it mean?
Actually it spells Reptilian, and snakes and crocs are cool looking
predators. We didn't want any kind of fantasy name, because I think it takes a cool name
to a cool band. It means "reptile-like."
What do you think about your debut, “Castle of Yesterday?"
It's a good album, but I think we played a little to much neo-classic stuff. More metal
- less symphonies.
What was the respond from the fans and press on your debut?
It was really good, especially in Germany and Japan.
On the debut there are some neo-classical influences, but on the new album
there’s more 80's heavy metal and glam rock influences. In my opinion, the new album
is much stronger than the debut, don't you agree?
Yes, we’ve already done two neo-classical albums and our main influence
is 80's metal. It is more natural for us to play this kind of metal, instead of doing fast
classical scales. But it’s pretty fun to play.
Is Jonas Reingold still a member of Reptilian?
Yes, he just took an alias.
Are you satisfied with “Thunderblaze?" Do you have any particular favorite
songs?
Sure. The title track is cool, and the Japan bonus tracks. I do a pretty crazy version
of Kachaturian’s, “Sabredance.”
If you should describe Reptilian's music, how would you describe it?
Just good old Heavy Metal with a lot of guitar duels and a touch of classical music.
What is the response from the fans and press on, “Thunderblaze?”
Actually I have not seen any press reviews yet. Jonas has made remarkable
progress vocally on “Thunderblaze,” compared to the debut.
What do you think of Jonas’ voice on this album?
Jonas is an extremely powerful singer, his range is remarkable. And his voice is more
rough than the average heavy/power metal vocalist. I think he did a great job on
Thunderblaze, but I think he did almost as well on Castle.
How is your relationship with Regain Records?
Great, Per at Regain is a cool guy to work with, but his taste in movies is a bit
strange. His favorite is “Necromantic” and the “Human Guinea Pigs.”
What are the plans for Reptilian after the release of the new album?
Do some live stuff and write some new material.
Why didn't you go on a tour for the debut?
We did some live gigs, but a good tour deal didn’t come up.
I think the production is much stronger on this album compared to the debut. What do
you think? Where was it recorded?
The drums are recorded at Berno studio. The rest in Reingold’s Chicago studio. The
production on this album is stronger.
Are the members of Reptilian involved in other bands? In that case, which one?
Reingold are involved in a number of bands. Jonas sings for a living in a band called
Bhonus. The rest of us are totally dedicated to Reptilian.
You have played with a lot of different bands along the years like Tenebre and
Majestic. Which band has been the best to play with?
Reptilian without a doubt, because that’s the metal I prefer, and I get
to compose my kind of stuff.
Do you have any particular drum idols?
Buddy Rich, the master of snaredrumming. Vinnie Apicci, for the legendary fills. Gene
Hoglan, the war-drummer of death.
Why doesn’t Reptilian have a website?
Yes, Lasse is working on a site right now, but I don’t know if it is complete yet.
What is your opinion about heavy metal/hard rock in the twenty-first century? Does
it have a future?
Well, all the new American metal really sucks. I mean almost all that stuff
contains rap, and where are the cool guitar solos and drum fills? Almost all
European metal genres just keep getting better. The power and death metal of today is great. That
kind of music is going to live on for sure.
Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans out there?
Watch out kids - Reptilian is coming with a blast. Hope to see you soon!
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!
Thank you Anders.
