There were a few rumors and news items coming
from the HammerFall camp that we wanted to get the inside story on. We therefore contacted
Oscar (lead guitarist) to elaborate on these items. this is a short interview, for a more
in depth interview with Oscar check out our previous interview from late 1998.
Metal
Rules!!
I read about a month or two ago about the
HammerFall tour manager going missing and that police were even dragging a few lakes
looking for him. What in the hell was that all about?!?!? Did they find him, is he ok?
Oscar:
The tour manager we had in the beginning of the Scandinavian tour vanished after five
days. The police still haven't found him, and suspect foul play. He was just a temporary
stand in for us, as our usual tour manager couldn't go with us at the time.
Metal Rules!!
Last time we spoke you were about to head off to the US for a
short tour with Death...well how was it? Were you happy with your reception? Do you think
that there is much crossover between fans of Death and fans of HammerFall? (I would think
there is as I really like both bands).
Oscar:
The tour was a big success for us, and we accomplished what we set out to do: making
promotion for HammerFall in a country that heavy metal has been virtually gone for the
past several years. It was expensive for us, but totally worth it! The Death guys are very
cool and they rule! We had a great five weeks, and did a lot of good for HammerFall and
heavy metal in the process! What more can you ask for?
Metal Rules!!
Are you touring or playing any upcoming festivals?
Oscar:
We have done all the regular touring we will do for "Legacy Of
Kings" - six months worth, on four continents - so now the festival season begins. We
will do festivals in a lot of different countries in Europe, most notably Sweden (Swedish
Rock Festival), Italy (Gods Of Metal), Germany (Bang Your Head IV and Wacken Open Air) and
Denmark (Roskildefestivalen).
Metal Rules!!
I read that your drummer - Patrik, is now out of HammerFall....The stated
reason was that the band and him were "growing in different directions." Can you
elaborate on that? Was it just musical differences...if so what were they? Or was it
personal differences?
Oscar:
We were developing in different directions, and something had to be done for
the sake of the band. Patrik leaving was a mutual agreement and we still remain good
friends.
Metal Rules!!
Anders Johansson is the temporary replacement...if playing live goes well
with him is there any chance of him becoming the new HammerFall drummer?
Oscar:
He is a true professional, and he fits very well into the band, so it's
definitely not out of the question. But right now, we just want to concentrate on playing
the shows, have fun, and we'll see what comes out of it later.
Metal Rules!!
Is Anders in any other band right now?
Oscar:
Not that I know of, but he usually fills in as a studio musician / session
drummer. But he's not a permanent member of any band, that would never work.
Metal Rules!!
Are you playing any different songs live such as different cover songs?
Oscar:
No, the songs we do live are all from one of the four records we have
released. Except "Breaking The Law", which just is a special thing we do for fun
at the end of the shows.
Metal Rules!!
Is there any other news you can pass along on what is new with HammerFall?
Oscar:
I think we have covered most of it, but we do have two new releases planned
for August. One is a single with "I Want Out" (Kai Hansen and Joacim share the
vocals!) and "At The End Of The Rainbow" on. The other is a home video that has
been in the making since last September. It's finally done, and I think the fans will
appreciate it a lot, since it is compiled by us and chronicles the life of HammerFall from
beginning to the release party for "Legacy Of Kings". It's going to be called
"HammerFall: The First Crusade", but I'm not sure if it'll be
available in the U.S.A., Nuclear Blast America should know.
Thanks for the interview, and keep the flame burning!
-Oscar-
Read our October
1998 interview with Oscar
and...
Visit the official HammerFall website:
