“Death in Vogue” - Third full length Deathglam examines the darker aspects of Deathstars mainman “Whiplasher Bernadotte”


By Anthony Morgan

Forming via the ashes of Swordmaster, Stockholm, Sweden's Deathstars grouped in 2000. Its ranks boasted the following lineup; former Dissection drummer Ole Öhman (“Bone W Machine”), guitarist Emil Nödtveidt (“Nightmare Industries”), vocalist Andreas Bergh (“Whiplasher Bernadotte”), and second guitarist Erik Halvorsen (“Beast X Electric”). Debut album Synthetic Generation witnessed its inaugural release through LED Recordings during March 2002. In November 2003, legendary German label Nuclear Blast reissued the debut album. Only a month earlier, Jonas Kangur (“Skinny Disco”) was announced as the group's official bassist. Tentative recording sessions for sophomore effort Termination Bliss occurred at the group's self-owned Black Syndicate Studios during early 2005. In August of that year, axeman “Beast X Electric” parted ways with Deathstars. Lack of enthusiasm, combined with the fact that he lived far away from other members, were cited as the primary reasons for his departure. Issued in January 2006, Termination Bliss achieved 87th position on the German Media Control charts. Eric “Cat Casino” Bäckman joined as temporary guitarist during May, a vacancy he occupied on a permanent basis by September. Scattered live dates here and there, including a winter supporting slot with Cradle of Filth, promoted the sophomore full length.

On October 29th 2007, Deathstars entered Metrosonic Studios in New York City to begin initial recording sessions for Deathstars third album. In a press statement, Deathstars declared that “this album will start another chapter in [Deathstars'] history of vanity, darkness, blood and sleaze.” Entitled Deathglam, the album's title is named after the genre which the group proclaims to be their territory. While Deathstars guitarist Emil Nödtveidt will produce the third full length, the veteran Stefan Glaumann will undertake mixing duties. Whereas Deathglam musical offerings have been described as “outgoing”, its lyrical preoccupations document weaknesses within oneselves.

Granted a European supporting slot under Nu Metal pioneers Korn, the tour was scheduled to begin on January 13th 2008 at Dublin's Ambassador in Ireland. Making its lone Welsh stop on January 23rd at Cardiff's CIA, Nuclear Blast's UK press representative kindly granted an interview with Deathstars vocalist “Whiplasher Bernadotte”. Scheduled for 4pm UK time, yours truly unfortunately arrived a little late. At the CIA's front entrance, a mobile phone call to Deathstars tour manager was made. Unfamiliar with the venue, an agreement was made to meet at the venue's back entrance where the tour bus was situated. Given the fact Bergh needed to purchase several items, the tour manager informed Lucem Fero that the conversation would have to be a “walking interview”. It was naturally assumed this meant the interview would have to be cut short, words which are the grave nightmare of all interviewers across many spectrums. Upon meeting the tour manager and Bergh, the obligatory civilities were made. Explaining that Bergh needed to purchase several items, we were told to accompany the frontman during his journey towards the outlet Boots within Cardiff's city centre. During that stroll, Bergh kindly answered Lucem Fero's questions. Purchasing facial wipes and multiple toothbrushes at Boots, Bergh also wished to obtain vodka and cigarettes. Thus, the journey continued onwards towards Sainsbury's. A somewhat bizarre arrangement, all involved made the best of a difficult situation. A range of items proved scope for discussion, such as; touring with Korn, why drummer Ole Öhman couldn't participate in the group's spring 2008 European trek, how recording sessions for Deathglam have developed in New York City, how guitarist “Nightmare Industries” will approach production, the lyrical focus for Deathglam, the musical stance that Deathglam will adopt, and how Bergh likes to relax prior to a live concert.

A quiet and unassuming follow, Bergh's offstage persona sans makeup paints quite a striking contrast in comparison to the individual which bursts onto the stage during live concerts. Shy and retiring, Bergh's demeanour is at sole odds with the usual attitude of the average vocalist. Following the release of third full length Deathglam, it'll prove rather interesting to note how Deathstars modest fortunes take shape.

 

  • First of all Andreas, how are you?
  • I'm alright, though we just had a massive party yesterday.
  • Oh yeah? Did you enjoy yourself?
  • Yeah, yeah. Of course - I always enjoy myself.
  • Did you hang out with Korn and Flyleaf, and have a drink?
  • Yeah, we did. We hang out, which is a fun thing to do.
  • How is this tour, and more specifically gaining a headline support slot with Korn, helping to raise Deathstars' profile within Europe?
  • It's a different crowd than we usually have. A lot of the people attending tonight will be a totally new audience, so of course it helps the group to achieve more notoriety amongst music listeners.
  • As a result of this specific support slot, is Deathstars also receiving more press attention?
  • I don't know. I think so, maybe. Yeah, I guess so.
  • Is Deathstars gaining new fans as a result of this tour?
  • Yeah, I hope so. Otherwise, this tour would be of no use. Hopefully, yeah we are.
  • Deathstars drummer “Bone W Machine” couldn't participate in this tour, so can you reveal why?
  • He had to take care of his family back home, so that's why he couldn't join us. He's got a kid.
  • Do you know when “Bone W Machine” will rejoin Deathstars to participate in live shows?
  • It's just for this tour that Ole will not be performing with us.
  • Has he participated in recording sessions for Deathstars' third album?
  • Yeah, we already started in November (2007). We're going to continue in Sweden, for a while.
  • Is that at “Nightmare Industries”'s own studio?
  • Yeah, we're recording with him. He's producing the album. We were recording in New York, and now we're going to continue in Sweden. At which studio though, I don't know.
  • In late October 2007, Deathstars went to New York in order to begin recording as you mentioned. Can you talk me through how the recording process began, and how it is taking shape?
  • Yeah. I think it was a nice, really good studio. Yeah, everything was fine. It was just very very cold in New York.
  • Had you been to New York before?
  • Yeah.
  • When you're in New York, is there anything specific you like to do during your free time?
  • Yeah. Usually, it's just a nice city to hang out in. We have some friends there, and there's a lot of parties in New York. That's good.
  • In the future, would you record in New York again?
  • I don't know - you never know.
  • It's probably easier just to stay home, and record in Sweden really.
  • Yeah. Next time, I think we'll possibly rent a house in Spain or something. We'll just record everything there, and that would be the easiest I think. Within the group, everyone lives far away from each other.
  • If you all stayed home though, it'd help in the respect that “Bone W Machine” now has his own family, and everyone else has their family too of course.
  • Yeah, that's true. In that respect, yes it would help. Having said that, it's also nice that everyone stays together during the recording process.
  • How is “Nightmare Industries” approaching the production of Deathstars' third album? In terms of production, what is he seeking with Deathstars' third album?
  • I think it's pretty much the same group, although the songs are a bit more outgoing. It's very very dark, and also much more outgoing.
  • It's more of a leisurely album, would you say?
  • It's more of a live album, I guess. Yeah, I guess it's a bit more leisurely.
  • You said that Deathstars' third full length is more of a live record, so is it rawer than past albums?
  • I think it has more melodies, and it's even more straightforward. It's hard to describe really.
  • Are the songs roughly three minutes in length, with a chorus included? Are they those type of numbers?
  • Yeah, they are. They're a bit more different. When it comes to the song structures, there's more variation. They're basically in the same vein as we usually write though.
  • According to the group, “this album will start another chapter in Deathstars' history of vanity, darkness, blood and sleaze.” Can you tell me about that?
  • Yeah, it will; it'll just continue with the Deathglam that we play. In terms of this new album's style, I think it's more Deathstars than ever. It's called Deathglam.
  • Deathglam is the name of Deathstars' third album?
  • Yeah, Deathglam is the name of Deathstars' third album.
  • Is Deathglam a working title, or is that definitely going to be the title of Deathstars' third album?
  • I can't say definitely. I think so though, yeah.
  • You said that Deathglam's style is more Deathstars than any of the group's previous albums, so would you say Deathglam is more refined and that you've learnt from past records in making it?
  • Yeah, of course. You learn a lot. We're digging deeper and deeper into the impression that we began with Synthetic Generation, and we're achieving more and more freedom. We're breaking more and more away from Metal and things like, which is all we just played before. It makes Deathglam interesting.
  • In making Deathglam, you're incorporating different styles of music?
  • We're getting further towards our own style. Yeah, we have a lot of Pop elements and so on within our music.
  • Some groups stay solely focused on Metal, so what do you feel about that?
  • That's cool as well, though we would like to develop a different style.
  • You prefer having more freedom within your music?
  • Yeah, I think what we're recording is what I'm interested in playing. I think it's just nice; a long time ago, we did so many Death Metal albums and so on. It's nice to be able to use that history, but still combine it with other elements.
  • Can you tell me about those “other elements”?
  • I don't listen to new Rock groups, or new groups in general, at all. I guess it's just everything we have collected throughout our whole lives, and the lessons we've learnt. Then, you combine those elements.
  • Personal experiences?
  • Yeah; Deathglam just concerns our lives.
  • Would you say that Deathglam documents where Deathstars has emotionally been, in real life?
  • Yeah, it does. It's all about real life situations, and so on.
  • Will Deathglam feature a title track?
  • No.
  • The mixing of Deathglam was scheduled for January 2008, so is that still going ahead?
  • No; we're going to mix Deathglam later, and that's since we want to record a couple of new tracks that we made in Sweden. It'll be later.
  • Is there a specific schedule for Deathglam's release?
  • No, I don't know when Deathglam will be released. As soon as possible.
  • So you don't have any vague ideas if it'll be released during late 2008?
  • I can't really say as we haven't discussed it yet.
  • Would you have to discuss Deathglam's possible release date with Nuclear Blast?
  • Yeah. If Deathglam isn't ready though, then we'll have to postpone the release date. Of course, it's a collaboration.
  • Obviously, you're collaborating with the other members of Deathstars by giving your personal contributions towards Deathglam. What personal contributions are you giving towards Deathglam?
  • Me?
  • Yeah. You said that each Deathstars album documents an aspect of each group member's personal life, so what part of your life have you specifically contributed towards Deathglam? What does Deathglam say about you?
  • Well, I write all the material together with “Nightmare”. It's all about the dark aspects, the negative sides. It's about the weaknesses you have which pull you down. You then use those weaknesses to overcome obstacles, and become stronger as a person. Therefore, it's all about weaknesses.
  • Are they personal weaknesses, or social weaknesses?
  • Any kind of weaknesses.
  • Is Deathglam's material a comment on certain weaknesses you've both identified within yourselves?
  • Yeah, of course.
  • Will Stefan Glaumann mix Deathglam?
  • Yeah, he will.
  • What do you feel Stefan contributes? What type of mix does Stefan tend to opt for?
  • Stefan makes everything really powerful, and he brings out all the layers within the music as well. You can hear everything very very good, so he's the perfect guy to mix Deathglam for us. That helps such a great deal.
  • Are you happy with his style of mixing?
  • Yeah, he's perfect.
  • So you feel it's perfect for the Deathstars sound?
  • Yeah, definitely.
  • At this stage, do you know how many songs Deathglam will include?
  • I don't know - I think we've now recorded twelve tracks, or thirteen. We will do some more, I think.
  • Will Deathglam's track listing then get whittled down to a specific number?
  • I don't know that yet. We'll see.
  • You said that Deathstars has recorded twelve or thirteen songs, and that there's a few more songs to record. Do you know if Deathglam will be a one disc album, or if it'll possibly be a double album?
  • It's going to be a one disc album.
  • Deathglam will feature possibly eleven or twelve tracks, and the rest will be used as B-sides?
  • I don't know that yet, though we'll see what happens.
  • You'll have to undergo discussions within the group about such topics?
  • Yeah, when everything's finished. We'll see.
  • At the moment, would you say that your focus is upon Deathstars tour with Korn and Flyleaf?
  • Yeah, though I also work on some new songs too.
  • Have you worked on any songs while in Wales?
  • Yeah; we were working on the bus, and writing music.
  • Can you tell me about that?
  • I can't tell you (laughs).
  • When you pen music on the tour bus, how does the writing process between you and “Nightmare Industries” usually work?
  • He usually writes the music, and shows me sketches of his tracks.
  • Do you then ad lib over his music, and then hear how things sound?
  • Yeah.
  • As you and “Nightmare Industries” have been writing songs together for a longer time, is the process now much more natural?
  • It's always been natural. We've been writing together for sixteen years or something, so we've just written the same way all the time.
  • You and “Nightmare” have been writing together for sixteen years or so, so it's quite funny that Deathstars won the Best Newcomer at the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards (laughs).
  • Yeah, although Deathstars has only existed for seven or eight years. In some respects, Termination Bliss is our first album in Europe. I think that's what happened, so that's why we won the Best Newcomer award.
  • Personally, I was familiar with the name Deathstars from the first album, namely Synthetic Generation.
  • Yeah, although we didn't tour during Synthetic Generation that much.
  • So you feel touring is extremely necessary in Deathstars gaining new fans?
  • Yeah, it's important.
  • You said the name of Deathstars third album is likely going to be Deathglam, so what does that specific album title mean to you personally?
  • It's our music genre; that's what we call our music, and we always have called it that. For that reason, we thought it would be nice to call the album that.
  • As the album title is simple, do you feel Deathstars' fans will get the message more clearly? Do you feel they'll think “This is just an album which features Deathglam songs”, and that “what you hear is what you get”?
  • Yes, I do.
  • What new territory will Deathglam explore?
  • That remains to be seen. I don't know... It's a Deathstars album. I can't describe it more than what I already have.
  • Do you have to keep that information a secret?
  • No, no. Pretty much, what I told you earlier is how it sounds.
  • In comparison to Deathstars previous albums though, what new territory does Deathglam explore though? What new sounds, which Deathstars haven't incorporated in the past, feature on Deathglam?
  • Actually, I don't think we explore any drastically new territory at all.
  • You've mentioned the themes that Deathglam will explore, such as weaknesses. You've written lyrics for several songs thus far, have you not?
  • Yeah, and roughly twelve songs have been recorded.
  • In terms of the lyrics, is there anything you can tell me as regards specific songs featured on Deathglam?
  • No, I don't want to talk about that.
  • The lyrics are too personal?
  • No, although I can't talk about lyrics when Deathglam hasn't been finished.
  • It's too early to discuss? You wish to keep such information a secret, and then reveal that information when you feel the time is right?
  • Yeah, so people can actually listen to the album.
  • Can you reveal the titles of any tracks that'll feature on Deathglam?
  • No, I can't reveal any information regarding that either. I don't want to.
  • As you wish to also keep that information a secret?
  • Yeah. We don't know when Deathglam will be released, so it's too early to reveal that much information.
  • Can you confirm that Deathglam will be released during 2008?
  • I certainly hope so, though I don't know.
  • Following this tour with Korn and Flyleaf, are there any other tours planned?
  • No; we'll just focus on Deathglam when we get back home.
  • When Deathglam is eventually released, will Deathstars return to the UK and conduct a headline tour? Is that possible?
  • Yeah, of course it would be possible.
  • Following the release of Deathglam, would the possibility of a UK headline tour be discussed?
  • Yeah. We don't know when Deathglam is going to be released, so obviously we don't know when we'll be touring that album.
  • Has this European supporting slot with Korn delayed Deathglam's progress, in some respects?
  • No. I can't really say it has.
  • Are you very comfortable in writing lyrics while on tour?
  • Yeah, though we don't write that much. Of course, you write more music while you're at home. We're still working on Deathglam though, so...
  • Is the fact you're writing while on tour giving you a fresh perspective on the process?
  • No, not really. We're always writing music, every day. Even though you're on tour, it doesn't stop. It just slows down.
  • Prior to taking to the stage for a live concert, is there anything you like to do?
  • I just like to hang out, and relax.
  • Prior to a live concert then, you don't like people approaching you to have a conversation?
  • No, not before the concert. I usually stay in the bus, or in the dressing room, and then just relax.
  • Does that help you to focus on the task ahead?
  • Yeah, it does. I don't like to be stressed before a show.
  • Is there a difference between the person I'm speaking to right now, and the person onstage?
  • No, not really. Compared to the person standing here, I guess the person onstage represents the more entertaining aspect of myself. There's no big difference.
  • When performing at a live show, is there anything specific which you aim to achieve?
  • No, nothing. I just give it my whole heart, and that's it.
  • With every live concert, do you feel that you actually give your whole heart?
  • Yes.
  • Thanks for the interview Andreas. I wish you all the best with Deathglam, and hope the show goes well tonight.
  • Thank you.