Lucem Fero | Interviews | X-World/5

“Lunar Voyage” - X-World/5's debut full length New Universal Order plans to “bring Heavy Metal into the future”

By Anthony Morgan

In March 2007, it was announced that Gothenburg Power Metal act HammerFall had lost longtime bassist Magnus Rosén from its ranks. Forbidden from stretching his creative talents, Rosén wasn't allowed to pen material in support of the group's full lengths. A man in his early forties, Rosén felt it was important to be afforded the opportunity to creatively prosper. Time could now be suitably donated towards X-World/5, an outfit whose existence was announced in December 2006. Rosén joined forces with King Diamond axeman Andy LaRocque, and the following musicians; Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind, vocals), Big Swede (drums) and Reeves Gabrels (ex-Tin Machine / David Bowie, guitars). Armed with a mission to “bring Heavy Metal into the future", X-World/5 aims to envision what the sonics of Heavy Metal will be in a thousand years. It was revealed during August 2007 that the group were close to inking a record contract with AFM Records, a deal that eventually came to fruition. Credit can arguably be given towards Markus Wosgien (current A&R for AFM Records, and former Head of Promotion for Nuclear Blast Records), and with a deal in tow, an inaugural album was inevitable.

Usually developed in terms of guitars and bass between both Rosén and LaRocque at LaRocque's Sonic Train studios, the songs' very framework were then emailed to the United States. At that juncture, Big Swede would contribute drums and loops, whereas Reeves Gabrels would supply additional guitar work. Emailed to Norway afterwards, Nils K. Rue would donate vocals. Resurfacing at Sonic Train studios, where mixing ensued. The debut full length was entitled New Universal Order, an album whose lyrical content revolved around the future, and how the choices made by the people of today affect that future. Those choices encompass the growing danger posed by global warming, mankind's violence towards one another, and a range of other themes.

X-World/5 co-founder Magnus Rosén courteously spoke to Lucem Fero, and shed light on the following topics; the formation of X-World/5, the motives behind forming the group, the pressure upon the act given the high profile musicians involved, how each musician compliments one another, inking a contract with AFM Records, debut full length New Universal Order, its lyrical content, and the possibility of a music video. In addition, Rosén discussed his upcoming charity tour of South America during May 2008, and his time with HammerFall. A courteous individual firmly rooted to the ground, Rosén's tones provely extremely conversational and forthcoming. Holding genuine opinions and keen to express those views, the bassist's zest shines throughout.

Hello?
Hello. It's Magnus Rosén calling.
This is Anthony. How are you?
I'm very well.
Is it ok if I begin the interview?
Yes, of course. It's fine.
How did X-World/5 form?
One year prior to my departure from HammerFall, X-World/5 was formed. I wanted to participate in the songwriting process and discuss future musical plans, and that was something I felt very very strongly about. This wasn't possible during my time with HammerFall, so I was more than happy to search for other musicians who actually liked working with me. King Diamond's Andy LaRocque, a guitarist that's from my town, was one musician whom I liked. In our earlier years, we performed in different outfits. We've known each other for a number of years. When we discussed both the ideas I had and the vision I held for the group, he replied; “Yes, I'd like to be involved”. Several years ago, I recorded an album called Out to Every Nation (2004) in Skien, Norway with Jørn Lande. Skien is the town that Nils K. Rue hailed from, and where I met him. Over a mug of coffee, we had a conversation. I'm aware of the material he has recorded with Pagan's Mind, and feel that he's a very good singer. In addition, he's also a very good person. If you wish to form a group, that's a very important element. A group should be composed of musicians who are nice, and down to earth. Drummer Big Swede is an old friend of mine, and lives in Los Angeles. He worked with Reeves Gabrels at the time, so he asked Reeves to join and record New Universal Order for that reason. X-World/5 was formed with a great vision; to have a group where each person can use their knowledge, and musical experience. Each member of the group became involved in the songwriting process, and that made the eventual results very very powerful. We have much skill and experience in our respective roles, and it was interesting to use all that. In short, that's how X-World/5 was formed.
Given your reasons for leaving HammerFall, was each respective member being able to make songwriting contributions important to you?
I'm a very creative musician, and a creative human being. As the bassist of HammerFall, I didn't have the opportunity to be creative. After ten years as part of the group, I felt that it was time for me to move on. That's why I left HammerFall. When I departed from a famous group like HammerFall of course, I said “No thank you” to both good money, and stability. However, that wasn't so important - in my life, being able to express my musical creativity was the most important. Of course, I needed to strenuously work together alongside other musicians. This is what I'm achieving as a member of X-World/5, and as a result, my musical life is very interesting now.
What's the concept behind X-World/5?
In space, there are planets. Individuals have both a past, and a future. Earth has a past too, not to mention a future. What will happen to Earth in the future? One factor will make this decision, and that is the choice of the human being. That's the choice I make, the choice you make, and the choice other people make. Our eventual choices will possibly make a small difference either tomorrow, in ten years, or in the very distant future. People should make the right choice, and that's so important. As a consequence of other people's choices, the future was somehow written by the past. Today we have pollution, and other major issues. That's due to the fact that other people made the wrong choice in the past, and that people are continuing to do so today. It's good to reflect on this. Until the world becomes a great place, it's important that everybody makes the correct choice. If you indulge in the concept, then you're a passenger who's situated in the future. You're looking back at the Earth, as it was in 2008. You're then faced with many different kinds of choices - those same choices which people living in 2008 are faced with. Looking at the situation from this perspective is rather stimulating.
Do you feel that people can sometimes feel afraid as regards the future?
Yes, I believe that. When it comes to the future, I think many people feel slightly afraid. Personally, I think the years that follow will be great. However, people need to feel afraid of the future. Pollution is becoming more and more frequent, and we're noticing that the world is beginning to change. That causes fright amongst people, and when people are frightened, they begin to open their eyes. They begin to understand what has brought the world to this situation, and that's due to the fact that people made the wrong choices in the past. Hopefully people will begin to change their lives in some respects, and actually become aware of the importance of making the right choices. The future will then improve, I'm sure.
Do you feel the world should become environmentally friendly then?
Yes, I do. The world will recycle materials I think, and people will also be more careful with each other. In order to wake up, people initially need to be really scared. We need to stand up, and make a choice. That's important, I think.
Do you feel that world conflict is another reason why people are scared?
Yes, I think people are scared due to conflict in the world. People are also scared as a result of pollution, and due to the fact that others commit violence without reason. Those issues cause much fright, and when fright eventually overwhelms people, they also begin to realise certain facts. People dislike embracing change in that manner. If those who commit much violence discover important things in life, then I think they'll stop committing that violence. They'll then begin to focus that energy, combined with the power they have, and collectively use that to achieve positive goals. However, they need to be shown positive things which they can find an interest in. In the future, I hold high hopes that the world will be a much better place.
Does X-World/5 offer hope to those who are afraid?
Yes. I think X-World/5 invests listeners with both inspiration, and imagination. X-World/5's sound is not only comprised of melodies and guitar riffs, but can also be described as an audio landscape in some respects. If you listen to New Universal Order, you'll understand that the album contains more than just melodies and riffs. The album also concerns emotion, and you can feel that emotion. For example, that emotion may be directed at the future. The overall experience is like attending the cinema, but not seeing the visual picture which accompanies the music. If you're blessed with a great imagination though, you can imagine that visual picture. If you actually listen to New Universal Order, and take a glance at the cover artwork, then it isn't too difficult to fully indulge in that fantasy.
It's a way to escape?
It's a way to free the mind, so much so that the brain actually starts to think. The more you listen to New Universal Order, the more you discover fresh sounds prevalent within the songs. Somehow, that will inspire a vision. If you attend the cinema, then an audio landscape accompanies the movie. As a consequence, this strengthens the movie with an emotional conviction.
Is X-World/5 a full-time group?
Yes. In order to strive forward as part of X-World/5, its five members will work strenuously. New Universal Order is our first album, whereas writing sessions for X-World/5's second album will begin during June 2008. In the future, we'll continue to work strenuously.
Are there any specific plans for X-World/5's sophomore album? Musical direction? Lyrics?
In writing X-World/5's sophomore album, we'll continue with the audio landscape we chose. X-World/5 boasts a sound, an idea and a vision, so we'll move on with that general style. Slowly yet surely, we'll build our music via this direction. Also, we've made plans in terms of stage performance. During X-World/5 concerts, we wish to take listeners on a journey. When you come to an X-World/5 concert, it will slightly different in comparison to a regular concert. However, I'm not saying that there are deficiencies in regular concerts. We'd like to take one step forward, and people can then say; “This is something else, and is different in certain respects. Interesting”.
Does X-World/5's planned sophomore album have a name?
No, we don't know what X-World/5's second album will be called. We'll pen the tracks first of all, and then we'll discover the album's actual meaning. Following that, we'll decide the title of the album.
Is there a tentative release date for X-World/5's sophomore album? Will it be released during 2009?
Yes, we'll try to release our second album during 2009.
Can you reveal X-World/5's touring plans?
Yes. Right now, we're discussing how we will approach concerts, and how we will actually play those concerts. All in all, we want to reveal something else to the public. Although we don't intend to tour right now, we have plans to embark on tours in the future. In my opinion, that's what being a musician is all about; writing material, and performing before people. That's the pleasure of being a musician. I don't know when we'll begin to tour, although we'll tour in the future I'm sure.
At the moment then, there no plans for X-World/5 to play concerts within certain continents?
No. We're going to release New Universal Order first of all, and then we'll collect together our ideas for X-World/5's live shows. We'll possibly tour during late fall, or maybe slightly later than that. Sooner or later, we'll embark on the road and perform many shows. That's our plan.
Will the shows be a visual spectacle?
Yes. Somehow, the shows will indeed be a visual spectacle. The concerts will be for both the ears, and the eyes. Also, the concerts will contain emotional feeling. It's important that concerts are powerful, given the fact that the true meaning of music is to somehow touch other people. With all our experience, we'll do our best to build a show which touches other people.
What does each member bring to X-World/5?
Each member brings their individual personality to both the music, and the songwriting. In X-World/5, each member contributes to the songwriting, and everybody is free to inject their respective personality into the music. X-World/5 isn't comprised of one sole leader who tells the others; “All play like this, this and this”. In X-World/5, each person has the benefit of experience. Each member is really talented, and we all have a chance to collectively to compose this music. When we discovered each respective member, the idea behind X-World/5 was that it should resemble the construction of a house. Each member was to contribute one brick to the group, and collectively we would all build this house. If a musician had already built his house so to speak, then he would've been the wrong musician to join X-World/5. We should all be involved in X-World/5.
Is creativity an important element of X-World/5?
Yes, it's very very important. It's important to know that each member can contribute, and also be creative. Whatever actions we take, it's very important to realise that those actions affect other people. It's important to be open with each other, and maintain a healthy respect for other people. If you respect others, then they'll respect you accordingly. That's very very important.
Could you provide an introduction to New Universal Order?
New Universal Order refers to the fact that the human being needs the machine. Today, human beings handle a lot of machines. We drive cars for example, and that's a type of machine. We log onto computers too, and that's another type of machine. More and more, we use machines. I'm not saying the fact that we use machines more and more is wrong, nor am I saying that it's right. However, this is reality. More and more, machines are becoming a part of our daily lives. In some respects, this is what X-World/5's about. Machines need the human being, and the question is if we can actually handle this situation. If machines remain machines, then human beings will stay important. That's due to the fact that human beings will simply be the most important.
How did writing songs for the album develop?
Usually, both me and Andy LaRocque met at Sonic Train Studios, which is Andy's studio. At that studio, we composed the guitar riffs, the styles, the chords, the intro, the verse, the chorus, and the bridge. In terms of the guitar and bass, we laid down those specific parts. Following that, we emailed all those recordings to the United States. In the United States, Big Swede cut both the drums and loops, whereas Reeves Gabrels added a second guitar to the tracks. Following that, they emailed all the recordings to Norway, where Nils K. Rue lives. He laid down both the vocals, and the melodies. Once he had made his respective contributions, Nils then emailed all the recordings back to me and Andy. Upon opening the file, it was rather absorbing given the fact that we didn't know how the tracks should sound. We then placed the material into the mixing table, and mixed the numbers. The composition of most of the tracks began in Andy LaRocque's studio with me and him at the helm, whereas the composition of some of the other tracks began in Los Angeles. It's an extremely interesting way to work.
Is this the way that X-World/5 will work in the future?
Yes, I really believe that. In comparison to how we've respectively worked in the past, it differs. By adopting this method, each member is free to inject their individual personality into the music, and without someone else demanding that they play in a certain way. People can sit alone, or alongside fellow members, and craft their own music without hearing the thoughts of many other people.
Considering you were previously a member of HammerFall and that Andy LaRocque is currently a member of King Diamond, is there a lot of pressure upon X-World/5?
I'm unsure as to whether those circumstances cause pressure, although we don't think in that particular manner. Within X-World/5, we have great ideas concerning democracy. If we can cope within a democratic framework, then this'll make X-World/5 very strong. When playing the music, each member can channel the power they possess. So that we'll secure a healthy future, it's important to make great choices in life. In X-World/5, we're proud of that. If you're proud of something, then you don't feel particularly pressurised. I also hope that X-World/5 draws interest amongst music listeners, much in the same way it has amongst ourselves. If it only draws interest amongst a modest amount of people though, then that's fine. If it draws interest amongst a wide range of people, then that's also fine. Irrelevant of what happens, we'll work hard as members of X-World/5.
Are there elements of the members' past and present groups to be found within the music of X-World/5? For example, are there elements of HammerFall, King Diamond or Pagan's Mind?
Yes, there are. I spent ten years as HammerFall's bassist, whereas Andy LaRocque has spent over twenty years as King Diamond's guitarist. From each of their respective groups, each musician accrues a wealth of experience. Of course, there may possibly be elements of the members' past and present groups within the music of X-World/5.
In writing and recording New Universal Order, did the members show new sides to their personalities?
Yes, I think it's really new. The members revealed new sides to their personalities, and fresh musical ideas. Music that was written during the eighties is particularly worthy, and the same can be said of music from the nineties and the fifties. Many different genres have merit. However, there's also merit in taking a step forward. The history of music is a testament to the fact that music lives, that music moves forward, and that music moves and music goes. This isn't to say that old music is dead - in order to pen new music, we need old music.
New Universal Order was originally scheduled for release in February 2008, though its release date was delayed by three months. Was there a reason for this?
Not really, as the delay of an album release can always happen. This can be the result of minor issues. For example, you submit tracks to a studio so that they can master your album. The studio may possibly say; “Yes, we'll master your album. We're busy right now though, although we'll be able to master the album at a later date”. There isn't actually a special reason behind the album's release delay. Of course, it's great to be able to release an album whenever you wish. On this specific occasion though, the album's release was delayed by three months. Now that New Universal Order is going to be released, we're very happy of course (laughs).
Does New Universal Order's May 2008 release prove more convenient for the bandmembers, as opposed to its previously scheduled February 2008 issue?
I don't know, and I didn't think about that. Releasing New Universal Order this month should prove very interesting though.
A press release stated that X-World/5's mission is to bring Heavy Metal into the future. How do you feel New Universal Order achieves that goal?
I think myself, and all other people, slowly bring their lives into the future. Yes, you continue to compose the same kind of material. However, life will move towards the future irrespective of that decision. We'd like to bring music into the future, and pen material which is slightly different in comparison to other material. Also, we'd like to include fresh elements, and think from a different perspective. All in all, we want to take a step forward, much in the same vein as our lives, and the whole world in general. Each aspect of life will move into the future, though you can take steps to prevent this. For example, some musicians perform in one specific style for over two decades. I'm not saying that it's wrong to opt in favour of this. Sometimes, it's good to perform in one specific style for over two decades. Some aspects of music must move on however; if no music moves on, then all we'll have in the world of music is African drums and vocals.
What's so unique about X-World/5 though? What makes the group stand out from the crowd?
I think X-World/5 is unique due to the fact that we, like I said before, try to build an audio landscape. If you attend the cinema, then you hear an audio landscape which strengthens the movie. We have that audio landscape, and within that, we have the songs in question. When you listen to X-World/5, it's not only the song which you can hear; you can also hear emotion, and feeling. X-World/5 doesn't only feature melody, it features more. After you've listened to New Universal Order for the tenth time, you'll still discover fresh sounds - New Universal Order features an infinite amount of engaging elements. With the ideal vision that we possess, it'll be a pleasure to release an album.
Can you identify these individual qualities within X-World/5's music? Is there something unique in terms of the guitars, the vocals, the bass or the drums?
Yes. For example, listen to the bass sounds. “CyberChrist”, the album's inaugural track, is only bass. The bass sound is so powerful, so big and so ugly, and so much so that it's the ugliest bass sound I've ever heard in the whole of my life. That bass sound is new (laughs). When you compare each respective instrument to one another, you'll discover fresh nuances. If you compare the guitar style of Andy LaRocque to that of Reeves Gabrels, they contrast with one another. We incorporate a lot of loops within the music, and that isn't common either. Of course, the vocals incorporate a slight eighties influence, but also a slightly more modern influence. Additionally, there's a slight American influence. For example, you can hear true Heavy Metal within the choruses. In the verses however, you can hear something else. The verses are powerful, but so is everything else. Overall, it's a nice mix.
So you feel that X-World/5 cannot be pigeonholed within any certain genre?
I really hope so. Each member will work very hard so that X-World/5 is a great group, and one that strives forward into the future. We'll all move forward into the future. Even if this is a development we personally dislike, that'll happen regardless (laughs).
How do you feel Andy LaRocque's and Reeves Gabrels' guitar style both compliment one another?
They possess very different guitar styles. Andy LaRocque is a genuine Heavy Metal guitarist, and can also be deemed a very very great guitarist. Andy pens great sounds, and suggests great ideas. Overall, I think he's really excellent. Reeves Gabrels is a really really great guitarist, yet plays in a really different vein. Reeves suggests ideas which contrast with Andy's, not to mention other sounds. Within a group, it's stimulating to boast two contrasting guitarists. Most groups boast similarly styled guitarists, more or less. There's nothing wrong with that, although it's captivating to experiment with a fresh approach.
What do you feel Nils K. Rue contributes towards X-World/5?
The lyrics he writes are extremely engaging, and appropriately suit X-World/5's vision. He's a very very great singer, and sings with a hefty amount of passion. Also, he isn't scared to use the voice he has. Nils can sing in a Metal vein, but can sing in other styles as well. On New Universal Order's material, you can hear Nils voice travelling from one specific Heavy Metal style to an aggressive demeanour, and then to a dreamlike state. He suggests very very great ideas, I think. He isn't scared to utilize that vocal power. I like his vocals very much, I must say.
Can Nils K. Rue adapt his vocal style? Can his voice suit both faster tracks and slower tracks, and also different genres?
Yes. Nils' voice is so great in many different respects, and can be pulled around a lot. If you listen to New Universal Order, and really think about how Nils sings, then you'll notice that his voice embarks the music on a journey that contains different feelings. Of course, music solely concerns feelings.
In terms of playing, do you feel each member of X-World/5 is being pushed to the limit? Do you feel you're being pushed into directions you've never previously explored, and that it's the same situation for fellow members of the group?
Yes, exactly. When I pen my solo bass albums, I adopt a clean bass style. That's something I don't use as part of X-World/5. In X-World/5 though, I cannot adopt an extreme bass playing style and push it towards that specific direction. As a member of X-World/5, I push both the ugliness and the power prevalent within the bass sounds. The bass is really pushed to the limit. I think the bass sound is more than great, not to mention very very interesting.
What does Big Swede contribute towards X-World/5?
Big Swede contributes the loops, and great ideas. In Los Angeles, Big Swede plays within many different musical styles. Using loops is possibly the most unusual idea, given the fact that few Heavy Metal groups prominently use loops.
You mentioned that X-World/5 ventures towards different musical directions, so could you be more specific? Are there certain types of Heavy Metal, or certain types of Hard Rock?
I think we venture towards the American style of Heavy Metal, but also incorporate aspects of every other style. However, we don't decide; “Now we're going to incorproate the German style into that song”. We've accumulated so much experience though, and have all played in so many different groups that boast different backgrounds. We've built a new cake so to speak, and that utilises different sounds.
X-World/5 is very progressive then, would you say?
Yes.
Can you shed light upon X-World/5's lyrical content?
X-World/5's lyrical content focuses upon the opinions we hold regarding the future. For example, “CyberChrist” explores the issues surrounding cyberspace, the internet and so on. These days, we're surfing the internet more and more frequently. Via the internet, some people also play games more and more. People in England, Germany and China play games together via cyberspace, and that's another life in some respects. Life in the real world has no computers. Within cyberspace though, a new type of life lurks. Despite the fact it isn't really life, a new type of life has been built within cyberspace. As they feel that their real life is too difficult, some people will run away from that and opt in favour of a life within cyberspace. Within cyberspace, new rules may be developed so to speak. I'm not stating that having life within cyberspace is right, wrong, or anything of that nature. However, you begin to realise that cyberspace has changed things in our world. So that we can assess what's going on, it's great to draw attention to such issues.
Does New Universal Order feature political themes?
Not really. New Universal Order features no political meaning, but actually concerns life, and people's choices. We're not insinuating that people make wrong or right choices, though we'd like to encourage listeners to give thought as to what kind of choice you make. That choice will change the world, more or less.
So New Universal Order features social themes?
Yes, yes.
Will any music videos be recorded in support of New Universal Order?
We have talked a lot about that, and have very very good ideas in making a music video. The whole vision we have of X-World/5 would appropriately suit an interesting video, though we'd like parts of the music video to be featured within the live shows. We already know what we want as part of a music video, although it's subject to discussion. We've started discussions with our record label, so that option is on the table so to speak. Right now, I can't say we''ll begin the recording of a music video tomorrow, and that's because I don't know.
Can you reveal which track from New Universal Order would feature in a possible music video?
At the moment, I can't tell. I believe “CyberChrist” will most likely be chosen, though it could possibly be “Man Machine”.
Why do you feel that specific track has the potential to be featured in a music video?
I think “CyberChrist” has a very very strong personality, but also represents X-World/5 in a very positive manner. Some of the songs are very unique, and very interesting. If the audience listens to the songs ten times, then they'll discover fresh aspects. All in all, the songs will grow upon the listener. If you listen to the song for the first time, you'll find “CyberChrist” very catchy. For that reason, I think the song would be great to feature in a music video.
Do you know when a possible music video would be filmed?
I don't know. I think X-World/5 and AFM Records should be excited to make a music video, though more discussions are needed.
Is there a certain director you would like to work with, should a music video be made?
I don't know, but there are many talented directors to choose from. We should be careful to find a director who suits our needs, and not a director who thinks we suit his needs. We'd like the video to be filmed in the manner we choose, so we need to find a director who will respect those feelings.
Do you have a favourite track on New Universal Order?
I have many favourite tracks. What makes New Universal Order interesting is the fact that the songs are very different, and don't stay faithful to one specific style. However, you realise that all the tracks suit one another. “Man Machine” and “CyberChrist” are so different for example, yet are equally similar as well. Really, I can't say that I prefer a specific song. When you initially listen to New Universal Order, I think you'll deem “CyberChrist” an engaging track, and “Man Machine” also proves engaging. After you've listened to New Universal Order on a number of occasions, you can choose other songs which you may feel are the album's greatest tracks. It depends on whether you're listening to the tracks for the first time, or for the umpteenth time.
Although the songs are different, they gel together pretty well in your opinion. Why do you feel that is the case?
Some of the songs were initially composed in the United States, although most of the songs were initially composed in Sweden by me and Andy LaRocque. Like I told you earlier, the songs were emailed back and forth. Each track was composed from birth, though each respective track was composed in a different way. We opted for each mix to possess roughly the same type of sound, and you can hear similarities. Each track is extremely different, although it's difficult to express in words. When you listen to New Universal Order, you'll understand though.
Could you discuss X-World/5's initial search for a record deal?
When I was a member of HammerFall, I knew a guy called Markus Wosgien (current A&R for AFM Records, and former Head of Promotion for Nuclear Blast Records). During most of my tenure as HammerFall's bassist, Markus worked as part of Nuclear Blast. Every time HammerFall embarked upon a tour, I met him. He's a really nice guy, and we constantly spoke - it was a pleasure. One day, Markus resigned from his position at Nuclear Blast. Following that, he began to work for a record company called AFM. I thought he was a very nice guy, and liked the idea of introducing X-World/5's music to him. When he brought the music to AFM, they said; “Yes, we'd like to sign this group. This is interesting”.
You signed to AFM due to your working relationship with Markus Wosgien?
Yes, you could say that. If you know someone nice within the music industry, you'll consult them initially. If they don't express interest, then you strive onwards and approach people you're unfamiliar with. While that's good, I think it's best to approach someone nice initially (laughs). By initially speaking to Markus of AFM.
Did X-World/5 ever consider signing to Nuclear Blast? Obviously, you're familiar with the label given the fact you were previously HammerFall's bassist.
We discussed that possibility, but I thought it wasn't a good idea to sign with Nuclear Blast. HammerFall is part of Nuclear Blast's roster, and for that reason, it felt strange to stay as part of the label. Signing with a different label was possibly a good idea, or could possibly have been the wrong choice. I don't know. It felt comfortable to ask a person whom I thought of as nice, and this person had previously worked within Nuclear Blast, but had since left to work on behalf of AFM. We felt the right choice was to sign with AFM Records.
You've scheduled a solo tour of South America in support of charity, so can you discuss this further?
Yes. Within South America, it'll be the fifth solo bass tour that I've embarked upon. It began when I participated in a South American Heavy Metal tour during the end of the nineties. I saw many poor people, and realised there were a lot of ghettos. I was not only sad to see the situation these people were a part of, but also very interested in it. I liked to go into the ghettos, and meet the people in question. I wanted to truly feel what kind of people live in ghettos, though you can't truly feel what they feel. I then thought I could embark upon a solo bass tour, and let people purchase the tickets with food. People would attend my concerts, and bring two kilos of food. People can take the bag of food, walk towards the entrance, and exchange the bag of food for a concert ticket. With the aid of other organisations, I'll go into the ghettos the next day. I'll meet the people who live there, and give away all of the food. All of that food will be donated to the poor people. In the past, I covered all of the expenses for my charity tours. During my time with HammerFall, I made a little extra money. I didn't think that the ticket money should be used to handle my expenses, so I felt comfortable in handling the costs for my charity tours - the proceeds from ticket sales should be donated to the poor people.

When I venture to the ghettos, and stare into the eyes of the poor folk, it's good to see their plight for myself. It could be me; it could be me who suffered from unfortunate luck, and was born in such an impoverished area that I have no money. These people have no houses more or less, and need to search for food on a daily basis. It's important to draw attention to their plight, I think. I know what I'm doing isn't much at all, though it's a good contribution. Even if it's small, it's the thought that counts. Food brings life, and they need food to survive. I've spoken to those who attend Swedish schools, and have spoken about the charity tours I've embarked upon. I've explained that nobody is bad person due to the fact that they're poor - me, or other people in the class, could've suffered from a difficult start in life as the result of being born in a ghetto. It's important that we respect one another, and the fact that we're all different. It's a pleasure that we're all different; if everyone in the world drove a bus for example, then imagine how boring the world would be (laughs). Everyone being the same isn't possible, although it's healthy to draw attention to the issue. It's great that each individual person is different; that causes inspiration, and causes things to happen. We should be careful with one another, and that's important. We shouldn't hate others as a result of them being different, but actually be happy that we're all different. These charity tours spawn good, real stories which I can tell to these younger people in Sweden, and that's important too.
Do you work with a specific charity which you can name?
I work with different charities. With the aid of one specific charity, I bring food to poor people. I have another message to promote as well, given the fact that I work in an organisation called Music Against Violence. The organisation is comprised of several musicians, and some other people. We try to use music as a weapon, so that we're aware of the dangers of using violence against one another. I'll promote this message while participating in my South American tour, and to do so, small flyers have been printed. As the people in those countries use the Spanish language, the flyers have been printed in Spanish. Sister organisations will hopefully be built within both South America, and Sweden. A sister organisation is going to be formed in Russia, for example. If people start to enhance the profile of Music Against Violence, then we'll be strong. That's very important, and once we're strong, we can then possibly work together in a different way. I'll also embark upon solo bass concerts within Sweden, and all the proceeds will be donated to an organisation which deals with women who have suffered abuse from men and husbands. I think it's good for men to stand up, and say “Men shall not harm women”. You should kiss women, not harm them (laughs). I like to use my instrument as a tool.
How do you look back on your time as part of HammerFall?
The ten years I spent as part of HammerFall gave me, first of all, a lot of pleasure. I met so many fans, and they hailed from so many different countries. I travelled across the world, and saw many countries I never thought I would never see. To perform for the fans was the greatest pleasure. To play music, and survive the obstacles of the music industry, is an enormous pleasure as well. From those ten years, I have many good memories.
Of the albums you recorded with HammerFall, do you have a favourite?
Yes. Personally, my favourite album is Legacy of Kings (1998). I think the first two HammerFall albums (1997's Glory to the Brave and 1998's Legacy of Kings respectively) have a spirit inside of them, and you can actually feel something unique. I'm not saying that everyone agrees with my opinion, although I think this wonderful spirit is easy to kill - the production values can kill an album's spirit. I like the first two HammerFall albums the most, but Legacy of Kings is my favourite.
Of the albums you recorded with HammerFall, do you have a least favourite?
No, I wouldn't like to say that. It's nicer for me to say that my favourite album from my time with HammerFall is Legacy of Kings (laughs). All HammerFall albums feature the same songwriters, and the last three HammerFall albums featured the same person handling production (Charlie Bauerfeind). Of course, the material can sound a little similar. I prefer the older HammerFall albums.
Do you keep in touch with your former bandmates from HammerFall?
I keep in touch with both drummer Anders Johansson, and solo guitar player Stefan Elmgren. However, Stefan left HammerFall a few weeks ago.
To pursue his career as a pilot.
Yes.
You don't keep in touch with your other former bandmates from HammerFall then?
If I meet them in town, we exchange hellos. Really, that's all in the past. We spent ten years together, and don't share so much in common.
What qualities do you feel your former bandmates have?
Anders Johansson is an excellent drummer, I think. If you listen to the material he previously recorded with Yngwie Malmsteen, then you'll discover that he's a very good drummer. He's a very funny person, not to mention a little outstanding. Stefan Elmgren is outstanding too, but in a different respect I think. When music fans saw HammerFall onstage, I think they'd possibly notice how Stefan fits in the group. When you've come to know him personally though, you realise that he's a very nice guy who's also smart. He had the desire to be a pilot, and now he's a pilot. In my opinion, both Anders and Stefan are my best friends from HammerFall. Everyone has a different view of things.
Where would you like to take your career in the coming years?
In the future, all I want to do is to be able to create music I love together with other people - people that like working together with me, and I with them. If X-World/5 can survive the obstacles of everyday life so that we can play music, then I'll be real happy. If we don't become wealthy, then I don't care. As long as I have enough money to purchase food, and am able to play with musicians I love, then that's the most important thing.
Do you have a message for the fans?
Yes, I do. I think it's important to listen to yourself, and to also respect other people. It's a pleasure that each and every human being is different, and I think it's very very good to realise that. Don't hate others on the basis of them being different, but see the positive aspects in us being different. If someone murders a fellow person, then that isn't good of course. Murdering another person outlines someone as being different, but that isn't a good thing. Within the spectrum of human rights, it's good to be different though.
Ok, thank you for the interview Magnus.
Yeah, thank you very much for asking very nice questions.
Thank you. Take care, and good luck with X-World/5.
Thank you very much, and I hope I'll meet you sometime in the future.
Hopefully you will. Take care, and goodbye.
Bye bye.