INTERVIEW: Jens Bäckelin – Martyrdöd
Since 2001, MARTYRDÖD have been ruling the roost of Sweden’s underground music scene. Blending crust punk and the melodic metal long associated with their homeland sounds like it shouldn’t work on paper, but with a career now in its 18th year, the band have made it so. Although they have been criminally overlooked compared to some of their fellow countrymen, Hexhammaren, their seventh record, intends to change all this. Prior to the record’s release (read our review here) we spoke with drummer Jens Bäckelin about all things Hexhammaren as well as reflecting back on some of the highlights of his long career.
So, your brand new album Hexhammaren is very nearly here. How are things in the MARTYRDÖD camp?
Jens: Things are excellent in the band. We’re having very positive feelings for the future.
Hexhammaren arrives three years after your last studio effort, 2016’s List. How has the band developed in that time?
Jens: Well, we’ve changed half of the personnel so there has been quite a lot of changes. We’re now based out of Stockholm which means we have better chances to practice more regularly. Also the live performances are better than ever. Other than that we’re just continuing as usual.
In between List and Hexhammaren you’ve experienced some lineup changes, with Tim Rosenqvist taking up the guitars and Daniel Ekeroth being recruited on the bass. How have they settled into their respective roles?
Jens: Both are great guys. True friends and very competent musicians. They fit perfectly with the band.
Can you describe the writing and recording process for the new album?
Jens: Sure. Writing has been pretty much the same since at least 15 years back. Mikael [Kjellman, guitars/vocals] writes all the riffs and most of the arrangements. Then we meet up and practice the songs and finalise song structures including filtering to reject ideas that won’t make the cut. The lyrics will be the last thing before going into the studio. All written by Mikael and he’ll change them and work on details until the very end just before tracking the vocals. The recording process has also been pretty much identical for all albums. It’s classic separate tracking starting with drums followed by all the strings and at last vocals. All this will take no more than a week. Mixing and mastering usually just takes two-three days.
The sound of this album is a solid mix of metal, raw hardcore and subtle blends of Scandinavian melodic metal. It’s quite an impressive sound, do you pull from a range of influences to forge this sound?
Jens: Probably yes but I couldn’t tell you what they are. We never discuss influences or talk about visions for our sound. We just plough ahead and all of us know that it’s gonna sound great trusting our own taste when it comes to sound and feel.
One of the things I really like about the album is how melodic guitar leads almost acts as a counter to the raw ferocity. Was it difficult to find this balance of these two musical elements?
Jens: Thank you. Yes, I agree and know the other guys do as well. No, it’s not really that difficult. Mikael just writes awesome riffs and melodies and when in doubt we usually experiment and try different beats and tempos to find out what’ll sound the best.
This new album will be your first outing with Century Media Records. How is the working relationship with the label?
Jens: The label and our guy Leif is just the best. Really professional and easy to work with. Also the PR-team from Century Media International with Birgit running things for us has just been phenomenal so far.
Hexhammaren will be your seventh album. In your opinion, how do you think this new album compares to your back catalogue?
Jens: It’s a perfect sequel. I personally think it’s the best so far. I love it!
Having formed in 2001, you’ve enjoyed a career spanning 18 years. What have been some of your highlights down the years?
Jens: Too many for listing here. Okay let me try. Signing with Havoc Records and recording In Extremis in Fredman back in ’05, touring the US with our friends and meeting up with Greg of Southern Lord which led to signing his label. Countless shows that all were amazing. Signing with Century Media and of course all the fans and happy moments hanging out in the band. Cheesy answers but it’s super hard to pick moments like that. MARYRDÖD is part of our lives.
Once the album is released, I imagine the focus will turn to touring. What touring plans do you have for the rest of the year and can we expect you on UK shores in the near future?
Jens: At the moment we’re actually off season because of family health problems. We need to let family come first for a while but will get back out for shows and tours asap. Hopefully we’ll hit a bunch of the bigger fests in Europe for season 2020 and maybe go further east.
To close, we’ll offer you a chance to leave a parting message with our readers. Do you have anything to say to the readers of Distorted Sound?
Jens: Thank you for all and any support! Play our records loud if you like them. We’d absolutely love to rage and tear it up with all of you at a show in the close future.
Hexhammaren is out now via Century Media Records.
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