While chatting before the actual interview we got confirmation that Buster has indeed replaced David Lindkvist as the band's drummer and is now a full songwriting member of the band which, for people who enjoy screaming Thall, is pretty big news. For those unfamiliar with Humanity's Last Breath they could be described as a slightly more death metal oriented Vildhjarta although that doesn't really do it justice. I really recommend their self-titled debut (I've actually written about it here before), it's heavy as hell, the riffs are glorious and it has one of the best guitar tones I've ever heard.
So "exclusive" scoop aside let's get down to the interview:
Daniel: Meshuggah.
Buster: Black Tongue
Daniel: Really?
Buster: Yeah!
2. Have you discovered any new bands from the line-up so far?
Both: Not really.
3. If your last tour was a movie what would it be called and what would the genre be?
Daniel: Funny you should ask because we actually have a running joke of naming the tours after we get home, this last one is called...shit how would you translate it.
(Daniel and Buster talk a bit in Swedish)
Buster: Americorny? Like a blend between America and horny.
Daniel: And it would be a documentary.
Great name.
4. This year we have Jon Gomm who, while not a technical- or progressive metal artist, really appeals to this crowd, do you have suggestions for something that would fit in here outside of the actual scene?
Daniel: Dirty Loops.
5. More band related stuff now: From Masståden to the Thousands of Evils EP there were some slight changes in style, is there a specific direction you see future material going in?
Daniel: More sadness. We all like sad metal, making sad music is...
Cathartic?
Daniel: Yes! So I guess more sadness is what I'd say.
6. Every now and then you throw in some clean vocals in your music, is that something you can see yourselves expanding on or do you think you'll keep it as sparse as it is now?
Daniel: We all enjoy clean vocals, all of us love Katatonia for example who, these days, only use clean vocals so that's something we'll keep using when it's appropriate but it'll always be used sparingly so it's most effective.
7. So what are the band's plans through the rest of the year?
Daniel: We're going to keep writing, we only have three more shows planned this year so after that we're going to go into writing mode and try to finish the new album.
So it'll be a full length?
Daniel: Yes, we released an EP last time but now it's time for a full length.
8.Do you feel like there is a difference in crowd reaction to your music in different places in the world?
Daniel: Definitely.
Buster: Sweden is kinda weird.
Daniel: Yeah, they're so calm, they're into it but they mostly just stand there trying to focus on what's happening while a lot of other places people just go crazy.
Since we have you here Buster I'd love to ask you a few questions about Humanity's Last Breath if you don't mind.
Buster: No problem.
Fantastic!
9. First of all, you released that teaser earlier this year and since then you've been pretty quiet, any news of new material?
Buster: I've got about three songs finished for a new album but I've gotta finish five before I'll release anything.
So it's an EP then?
Buster: Yes.
Any rough estimate on a release date?
Buster: After the winter.
So winter is coming and so is a new HLB album.
Buster: Yeah, I guess so.
Thanks for the interview guys, I realize it was really short notice but it's been great.
-
I'd definitely see them again given the chance and I'm really excited to hear their sadder follow up to Thousands of Evils when it comes out. Until then there's an album and an EP to check out if you haven't already, neither of which are on Bandcamp.
Here is the opening song from Masståden as I personally find that a better introduction to the band than the official single Dagger:
Jón Þór
*unless otherwise noted all pictures taken by me