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SOURCEWEBZINE - Thyrfing’s sound doesn’t change dramatically from CD to CD, but what’s different about “Hels Vite”?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - We still travel a darker and more sinister path that we started with Vansinnesvisor and kind of refined with the release of Farsotstider, both through music and lyrics. The main difference compared to the predecessors mentioned above is that we added alot more atmosphere and epic grandeur to our style again. The keyboard got a lot more space in the music. We haven´t felt any urge to change our style dramatically, we rather take what we started thirteen years ago further, within the frames of what Thyrfing is all about.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Where was the CD recorded?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - Some parts were recorded in the same facilitys as our rehearsal place. Our engineer Jörgen Svensson got some recording equipment set up for us and got us started. Drums, bass, guitars among some other shit was recorded there. The final touches and the mixing process was done att Jörgen Svensson own studio. Everything was done in our home community which was very practical for us.

SOURCEWEBZINE - What are your expectations for the CD?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - We hope that it will do well of course, sell enough copies to finance another recording so we can continue this journey. Some touring are planned and it shall be interesting to see how the new songs will be received by the audiences out there.

SOURCEWEBZINE - With the success of your last CD, did you feel any added pressure going into the studio to record this one?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - I don´t know how to measure the “success” of our last cd but it sold ok for a band of our size, that doesn´t performe live that much. With “Hels Vite” it was kind of a new beginning with only the four original members left when Thomas and Henrik decided to leave after “Farsotstider”. Of course we felt sad when they left but at the same time, strong and convinced that we would be able to make another great album. When Jens joined and we started finishing up our first tunes – if we had any doubt in the beginning – it was washed away very quickly when he became part of Thyrfing. We didn´t feel any pressure at all, I don´t think we ever seen it that way.

SOURCEWEBZINE - What does the lyrical concept of the album deal with? Is there any concept per se? Also why did you put two tracks in English?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - The lyrics can be pure stories of mind and thought, usually expressed through metaphors to make it more interesting, both for the writer and the overall experience. The writer often spices things up and puts his vision of the world and society in the Thyrfing stew.  I’d say the lyrics need to pass a certain “Thyrfing filter” to suit the feel, artwork and imagery of our albums. Fortunately we don´t share one brain so the lyrical content do differ depending on the writer and his outlook, views and state of mind. I wouldn´t say it is a concept album, yet the main part of lyrics lurks in the same murky waters. There is really no reason for the two English lyrics, I 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.

SOURCEWEBZINE - As you release more and more cool albums, does it become difficult to put together a set list for concerts?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - Not that hard. 80 porcent of the time we use the material we want to play, the other 20 is what we think the crowd wants to hear, which is probably the wrong choice of songs. Everyone wants to hear “Going Berserk” from our self-titled anyway … he-he.

SOURCEWEBZINE - You use the internet to communicate with fans and others and your writings have drawn some controversy. Have you found that instant accessibility and ability to post your thoughts a positive or negative?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - Huh, don´t know what kind of controversy you are refering to? I think we managed to stay somewhat on our side of the fence through the years. As for communicating with fans on the Internet – it must be good thing both for them and us. It´s fun to get praises or critism on what we do, that means that other people care of our music but ourselfs you know, it´s a really great feeling … Of course you get in touch with some miserable pieces of human trash occasionally that presents themselfs as fans (but for the most part never is), or assholes who just need to get some useless thoughts or information out of their empty heads … it´s the same in real life, you keep them you love and respect close to you as friends, family and fans … the rest …. totally different story.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Being a band from Sweden,and being a Swedish… Could you tell us the Swedish people characteristics?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - Mellow, shy and withdrawn. Not interested in making a big noise or be seen as someone who thinks to high of himself. Drinks to much and becomes the opposite of what I just wrote and makes a total fool out of himself, then crawls back into his comfortable little shell again. Ha-ha … don´t know man, there are all kinds of people here as anywhere else.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Take us through your typical day.
Joakim Kristensson (D) - Wakes up by the sound of the alarm way to early, raises my fist against the sky and curses my mother for being sexually active 30 years ago. Goes to work, gets home. Eat, drink a beer, play some guitar, listens to music or rehearse with the band. Goes to sleep.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Do you have any other passions or hobbies besides music?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - Actually not that much I’m afraid … Music is, and have always been my passion. Creating music in the home studio, rehearsing or just listen to some good tunes … that’s life man.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Do you momentarily make enough money to live from being a musician?
Joakim Kristensson (D) - He-he… The homeless guy playing accoustic guitar in the subway for sure makes more money then we do on record sales and merch. Of course, this would change if we got our asses in a tour buss more often.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Thank you again for your time, and if you would like to add something more, please do.
Joakim Kristensson (D) - Buy or steal a copy of “Hels Vite” on October 22. Thank you very much for the interview! Cheers!

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