I’ve first seen this interview from 1989 with David Vincent from Morbid Angel done by a Swiss fellow on an Invisible Oranges post a while back, and man that was simply hilarious and I almost laughed myself to death with such stupid questions. Who in their right mind would have ever thought of asking Morbid Angel’s frontman their thoughts on lemon pies, microwaves ovens and the Goo Goo Dolls? Admirably, Vincent never looses his composure and answers every question politely when others would have simply laugh at that journalist’s face and ask him if he’s serious or just taking the piss.
I was curious to find out if other moments like that ever happened to other bands, so I’ve questioned a few of them on what was the dumbest question they ever been asked in an interview.

“I guess there's at least one dumb question in every interview haha! Yes one time I had to answer to an e-mail interview. I think the guy didn't know Mumakil at all, or he never listened to our music…
One of his questions was “I really like the atmospheres and ambience in your music, can you explain us how you can deliver such emotion through it?”
I mean... Maaaaan come on, what is this question??!! haha!!”

Sebastien Schacher/Mumakil

“You have used Greek language in your last album...Are you nationalist????????
Yes I have heard this!”

Sakis Tolis/Rotting Christ

“Would be quite a cliché to answer "this one", wouldn't it? Heh ... well, I don't know about "dumbest", but I've indeed got many amusing questions due to bad language skills. Sometimes you wonder if they simply run it through some free online translation tool. It's quite common you get a "statement" rather than a "question" which makes you quite uncertain on what to say...”

Patrik Lingren/Thyrfing

“I don't actually recall any especially dumb questions. My answers are usually dumber, haha. One question got me bit offended though, but I think there might have been some language- issues there too, how they were putting out the question. Anyway, question was about fans and how we kind of "select and approve" ours. I mean wtf? If you get your kicks out of Ghost Brigade, that's everything and enough to me. At that particular second I was that offended that I politely refused to answer, haha.”

Tommi/Ghost Brigade

“I have probably been asked a lot of stupid questions during interviews, but I tend to forget them afterwards. I don’t want to spend energy on remembering negative things, especially such un-important things a weird question. I’m pretty sure that no harm is meant by asking a question, even if it might be slightly stupid, so I feel there is no reason for getting angry about it.”

Jørgen Munkeby/Shining (NOR)

"Are you djent?" A new fashion term that means nothing for me and seems to represent a certain style of music.”

Franck Quintin/Eryn Non Dae

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“Hels Vite” marks a new beginning in the career of Swedish group Thyrfing with the introduction of new vocalist Jens Rydén formerly of Naglfar as the replacement for Thomas Väänänen, who departed last year along with guitarist Henrik Svegsjö, following a whole decade holding the microphone in the band.
Surprisingly, even though the Swedes lost two key elements in their formation, “Hels Vite” doesn’t deviate very far from the path Thyrfing have been carving for over a decade now. Perhaps the addition of Jens merely added a breath of renewed enthusiasm to the band’s sonority, but otherwise the new work could simply be regarded as a natural follow-up to its predecessor “Farsotstider” from 2005.
Translated as “The Penalty of Hel” and influenced by Scandinavian mythology, “Hels Vite” essentially sees Thyrfing continuing their remarkable journey through the mysterious, dark and richly atmospheric world of Pagan/Folk/Black-Metal. Most of the songs have a grandiose epic feel with triumphant passages that have a cinematic scope, evoking a wide variety of ambiences and musical landscapes. It could either serve as the perfect soundtrack for an ancient battle, the coronation of a noble king or the burial of a brave warrior. It’s replete with rich atmospherics and diverse dynamics courtesy of a masterful use of keyboards and the addition of gentle acoustic sections, yet it also packs enough vicious aggression throughout its serpentine and cold riffing and grim vocalisations. Personal favourite “Griftefrid” is good example of such diversity, high-levelled by grandiose choirs and orchestrations it’s a sublime song that can be simultaneously dark, ferocious and epic.
This is the sound of Thyrfing growing stronger despite of the recent adversities, the refinement of their already outstanding craft. (8/10)

Band info: www.thyrfing.com
Label info: www.regainrecords.com

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Long heralded as one of the most significant and influential groups dwelling on Pagan/Folk Black-Metal, Sweden’s Thyrfing are about to release their six full-length record “Hels Vite” through Regain Records. The follow-up to their successful 2005’s work “Farsotstider” marks the debut of new vocalist Jens Rydén formerly of Naglfar following the departure of their long-time singer Thomas Väänänen. Guitarist Patrik Lindgren explains us how Thyrfing have managed to overcome the loss of two key elements.

Guess it were difficult and turbulent times for Thyrfing considering that guitarist Henrik Svegsjö have also decided to follow Väänänen’s decision to leave the band, during that period did you felt like giving up completely?

“Not really. Of course losing two members is tough, and it's sad both on a personal and musical level. But on the other hand, the four remaining members (which were also the original members), always felt confident and motivated enough to go on with the band. There might have been a passing thought now and then, but it was never anything that we seriously considered.”

Meanwhile, it didn’t take Thyrfing too long to find a suitable replacement in Jens Rydén, formerly of Naglfar and the force behind Profundi. What made you decide that he was the right man for the job?

“We knew Jens in person from before, and were obviously aware of his skills and experience as vocalist and front man. Also he lives in the same town as we since five years, so it was a natural choice, and he was also the first person that we tried out.”

How would you describe his adjustment to the band’s working ethics and musical evolution?

“Even though Jens is a person who does things to 100% and wants to be a part of composing and rehearsing, he approached the band with fullest respect and I think the chemistry was perfectly right from the beginning. He came up with many ideas for arrangements and also composed some music and lyrics. So even though it was nothing that we demanded or really expected, he became an important part of writing the album, something that we are really pleased with. Jens is well aware of the domains where Thyrfing operates musically and never really tried to change anything in that, just brought ideas and some new energy into it.”

However, Thyrfing have decided not to incorporate a new guitarist for the time being, relying solely on the services and guidance of main composer and founding member Patrik Lindgren for the recordings of new work “Hels vite”. Do you think that from now on, Thyrfing will function only as five-piece group recurring to the services of sessions members for live performances?

“I don't know, time will tell. We have not been actively searching for a permanent member, but things might change for the next album.”

Do you feel comfortable working as the sole guitarist in the band, not having another guitarist in the rehearsal room to exchange ideas or do you it might eventually limit the song writing process to some extent?

“I think there are two sides to it. On one hand it could be more inspirational and you get more feedback if you have two guitarists during the composing and recording process. On the other hand, you can get some more consistency and you can play all the guitars yourself on the album if you are alone, ha-ha! And when it comes to composing and feedback, both Jocke and Jens (and of course Kimmy) can play guitar too, so it was never really a problem in our case.”

Anyway, the loss of some influential elements of Thyrfing didn’t hinder the band’s evolution neither gets reflected throughout the new record. “Hels Vite” is a highly strong and mature release, displaying a confidence and excellence that surpasses their previous and wonderfully crafted works “Farsotstider” and “Vansinnesvisor”.
What were the most challenging elements and motivations for the creation of this new record?

"Thank you sir! I think every new album gets more and more challenging as you have more "good stuff" in your back catalogue to surpass every time. However, I think we somewhat eased up the boundaries and pressure this time, and just decided to go with what we liked ourselves. So I think compared to for example "Farsotstider" it was a slightly easier process this time.”

What does “Hels Vite” stands for? Can you give us an insight of lyrical themes you’re dealing with on the new album?

"The title can be translated as "The Penalty of Hel" or "The Fine of Hel", where Hel is the goddess and guardian of the kingdom of death in Scandinavian mythology. The lyrics can be stories from mind and thought, usually expressed through metaphors to make it more interesting for the overall experience and to go along with the atmosphere and feeling of the music.”

The band has also opted to include two new songs written in English on the new album, “Isolation” and “Becoming the Eye”. Did it convey these songs a better ambience to be singed in English?

“There is really no reason for the two English lyrics. Jocke just happened to write two that worked well for us. We have never been very consistent when it comes to the language of the lyrics.”

Thyrfing due to their personal and professional commitments is a band that doesn’t tour extensively in promotion of their records. Was there a time that you felt that you could be a professional musician, as opposed to someone that plays music as a hobby?

“Maybe. However, I think that we can operate somewhere in between. I mean, Thyrfing is more to us than what the word "hobby" usually refers to. There is also an artistic freedom and time for inspiration and recreation if you don't have to see the band as your main provider economically. But yes, there are moments when you think about it that way, I can't deny that...”

Nevertheless, I believe the band will make some appearances in festivals and occasional dates in selected countries, so what exactly are you planning to do following the release of the new record?

“We have a few festivals and gigs booked (see www.myspace.com/thyrfingband for up-to-date details). Thus far, it's mainly in Germany, but we some other stuff coming up too ... so hopefully it will be extended soon.”

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