Swedish
Doom/Sludge Rockers – THRONELESS – will be releasing their new
album – CYCLES – in March 2018 via Black Bow Records. We've
already reviewed this record and rate it very highly.
Very
different to their debut album and perhaps more aggressive with their
overall sound. I was asked to interview the band where we discussed
the making of their new album and what albums they enjoyed the most
in 2017.
Hi
Throneless. How are things with you today.
Things
are great, thank you.
Can
you give a brief history of how the band came about and where it is
today.
We
all met through skateboarding, that’s basically how we know each
other. We had a vision of starting a band together, since we were
into slow and heavy music. We started jamming and Throneless
happened.
How
would you describe your overall sound.
We
all three come from different paths, musically, and combining them is
Throneless. The sound is built on a heavy low end foundation,
combined with psychedelic and spacey attributes.
We
are here to talk about your new album Cycles. Such an incredible and
progressive album compared to your debut album. What can people
expect from the album.
Thank
you. People can expect a variety of tracks, travelling in and out of
heavy riffing and unexplored spaces.
What
influenced you all when recording the album.
Our
lives got harsher and so did our music.
Did
you want to move away from the sound that you created on your debut
album.
We
let sorrow and disappointment take a step forward on this album.
Capture a more melancholic and bitter point of view, musically and
lyric wise.
You're
now signed to Black Bow Records (Jon from CONAN's record label) and
who will be releasing the new album. How did that come about. As you
were previously signed to Heavy Psych Sounds.
It
stretches back to the first album actually. Heavy Psych Sounds
released the physical version of the album and Black Bow were/are
responsible for the digital release. Once “Cycles” was completed
we decided to do this release fully with Jon. We’re grateful for
the time with HPS and are now looking forward to deepen our
collaboration with Jon and Black Bow.
Did
Jon have any input or provide any helpful advice in regards to the
recording and releasing of the new album.
Jon’s
been great, everything been going smooth and been handled
professionally. We do record and write everything by ourselves, and
are free to do that. Having this freedom being able to write our
music the way we want to is essential.
What
is the song-writing dynamic in the band. Is it a group participation
or down to one individual.
It’s
definitely a group effort, everyone of us are providing riffs, but
it’s when we jam it truly comes together.
What
influences you when writing music.
Everyday
life and everything that’s going on, it all goes into our music.
What
have been your high points and low points with the band.
We
had a dip during the recording process of “Cycles”, all of us had
our own stuff to cope with. We pushed through and are proud over the
fact that we’re still here and have a new album on the way.
Would
you change anything about your time with Throneless.
We’ve
been together for some time now, we all learn from our mistakes and
everything happens for a reason. It’s how you handle setbacks and
what you make of it that matters.
Are
you all involved with different musical projects or is this your main
band.
Johan
Burman and Johan Sundén have a new sludge project, it’s still in
the making and jam phase, but it’s something new and fresh. Johan
Burman also has a Black/Death band with his brother Patric
Kreutzberg, called Oberion.
What
is your musical setup when performing or recording live. Is it an
advanced setup or a basis setup.
The
setup is kind of basis, even though our amps are vintage powerhouses.
We’re always having troubles with the local sound guy, but it
usually works out. We strive for getting the audience, and ourselves,
in a medative state throughout the show.
How
hard is it for Throneless stand-out from the crowd. Or do you not
worry about things like that.
We
want to stay heavy and do our own thing. As long as we do that, we
feel that we’re on the right track.
Sweden
has a well deserved reputation for being one of the best countries
providing top-notch Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal bands. How is the scene
actually perceived by the Swedish Public. Do you get more recognition
from abroad or at home.
Yeah,
only in our home-town we have great bands like SUMA and Pyramido. We
have actually played more abroad then in Sweden, and the response has
been really good both at home and abroad.
Do
you perform many local gigs or do you have to travel further afield.
We’ve
mostly performed local gigs, now when we’ve been recording and so
on. We’re going to book more shows now when the album’s finally
out.
With
2017 drawing to a close. What have been your favourite albums you've
listened to this year.
There’s
been kind of few. We are listening to a broad variety of stiles
within the band, but here are a few ones we agree upon.
*
Slomatics – Futurians (Live at Roadburn)
*
The War On Drugs – A Deeper Understanding
*
The Bug vs. Earth – Concrete Desert
Do
you have any other exciting plans happening in 2018. Such as tours.
We
have some plans for the future, we’ll be playing a lot shows and
work on a new album.
Before
you go, do you have anything to say to your fans.
We’re
grateful for all the support and appreciation we’ve been given. It
means the world to us!
Thanks
for doing this.
All
the best with the new album.
Thank
you!
Words
by Steve Howe and THRONELESS
Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR for
arranging this interview. Cycles will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Black Bow Records from March 23rd 2018.
Links: