Interviews: Carry The Torch

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Death Metal/Thrash Metal band CARRY THE TORCH from Sweden. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

Dennis came up with the band name after some different ideas had been passed around. We like to think of it as we are creating and playing music we like and that we have a responsibility to make good music. Hence, we are carrying the torch and giving out the version of metal.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

The genre was not something of choice, it just happened to be. Dennis and I (Philip) like the same music, and the genre of the music came naturally. Björn and Victor also enjoy the same kind of music, so we kind of did not even have to plan anything out. We just play!

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

We did! Me (Philip) and Dennis have played before in another band (Plästered), so have Victor at a different time. We all knew each other before this band started. Except for Björn. He came out of nowhere, is a fantastic drummer, and is a really nice guy. We did not know him before. We have been a band since around 2018, but have played in different groups earlier.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

Tricky question, it is like trying to pick your favorite child? Favorites are something that tends to change over time. What can be said is bands that have influenced us in the past and still do. Björn is a big fan of Soilwork and In Flames, and Dennis is a huge fan of Panera and Phil Anselmo's work (regardless in which band, almost). Victor has a fun and varying taste listening to a lot of black metal like Mayhem one day, and the next day he listens to Nirvana. I (Philip) like all the already mentioned acts, but have a special place for At the Gates, The Haunted, and Slayer in my heart (…well, all four of us do). These days I tend to listen to a lot of bands from the Finnish metal scene. Bands like Kalmah, Before the Dawn, Blood Red Hourglass, Wolfheart, and Wintersun are played on repeat.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Interesting question! I have many times asked myself this very question. Inspiration comes from so many different places. It can be life in general, things that has happened, things that are going on in the world or when you for some reason feel inspired. Let me explain. One of the songs on the upcoming record (Delusion) is called ”El Niño”. This is a very fast and angry song, that was written when I was in the very same mood. I took that feeling and tried to translate it into music. Of course the raw idea had to be refined, but it can be as simple as this. Just write. If it’s good, keep it. If you are not sure, let someone listen, if it’s bad, throw it away.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Our latest (hopefully not last) was at Gefle Metal Festival 2022 in Sweden.

7. Where would you like to act? 

We would like to play abroad, that would be a first. Germany would be fun, Sweden rock festival, the festival scene In general.

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

As in a tour? Well, there are so many to choose from! I’d love to play together with The Haunted or Soilwork. Really nice guys all of them! If we were to dream big-big, Metallica.

9. Whom not?

Whom not to feature with? Well, we have no such restrictions. In the best of worlds, we play some sort of the ”same” genre, maybe our primary audience is not found within the rap and rnb-scene, if that makes sense?

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that? 

Haha, as a matter of fact yes. Story time! Prior to our first gig (2019) we had various amount of expereiance. Victor and Dennis had played a lot of shows with their band Headstoned and was used to being on stage. I had also played other music and was used to the feeling. Björn however, had not. About two hours before our show he was laying down sweating backstage, because of stage fright. He was so nervous he could barely speak. When we were 30 minutes from show time, he went down to his drums and sat down. He did not move until after the gig. He did a really nice job, and a very good gig! Today he is not even close to feeling this was, it was just a threshold that needed to be passed. Your best way to beat stage fright is to enjoy yourself and play. If you have fun, the audience sees that. They will speak of you (hopefully) as full of energy and ”giving it all on stage”. Remember though, a small amount of nervousness is good. It makes you play better.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

I think I have already mentioned some of the bands, but let's do it again! At the Gates, The Haunted, Slayer, and Testament could be considered our primary influences. However, the list can be made endless. I mean, what we listened to when we were younger made us what we are today, right? By that way of viewing things, a band like Metallica, Machine Head, Pantera, In Flames, and Bloodbath has influenced us a lot. It’s like asking what came first, the hen or the egg?

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? 

Guitar lessons. I mean, I get along and can play alright, but that does not mean I can teach you to play the guitar? Just play, it takes practice band time.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I do not know of any fans, we are a small band. The ones that do show up to our gigs are super awesome! 14. What do you think of our site? We like your page and think it is good that musical magazines get a new generation ”taking over”. A place for the interested to find new bands and music that has not been around forever.

15. Something to add?

We are releasing a new album on the 26th of May on Black Lion Records (swe). The album is called ”Delusion”. Save the date and check it out! If you have the chance, come see us live. Say hello and we’ll buy you a beer!