Hi there! How are you doing these days?
Fredrik: Hey! Doing good thanks, hope you are as well!?
How would you classify AGAINST I music? Do you agree with the reviewers who are trying to describe your musical genre?
F: Hardest question for all musicians, isn't it? We've been called everything from industrial to groove metal. For us we call ourselves a blackened death metal band.
Are there any details you can share yet about the Anti Life album, or is it still too early?
F: Its never too early to hint a little of what's to come, isn't it? Anti Life will be darker and more atmospheric than "Songs for the dying" I think it will show off a new side of Against I, but also familiar things.
This is all I will say for now hahaha.
Who are your top five musical influences?
F: A very hard question, but for me personally and maybe also for the upcoming album its been, Orbit Culture, Septic Flesh, Rotting Christ, Behemoth and Shade Empire.
Tbh my influences shift from year to year, sometimes you run into something you've never heard before and it inspires you.
What do you want fans to take away from your music? Is it just a mood, or do you hope to communicate specific ideas?
F: Everyone interpretate music differently, and as long as people enjoy the music we make its all good. If it makes people feel something, then we've done something right.
There are no subliminal messages or specific ideas, lyrical wise its basically about how I feel and see things for instance the state of the world today.
What do you love and hate about the music business?
F: I love the community and to be able to interact with other bands and musicians. I hate that its so hard for new bands to break through and how closeminded venues, festival and promoters can be.
What is the best concert you have ever been to? What do you enjoy most about playing live?
F: Now that is a tricky one! Been to many fantastic concerts, last one was probably Rammstein. That was crazy good! When I play live I love to see people having a good time, that gives me energy!
How have you evolved as an artist or band over the past year?
F: As a self taught musician, vocalist and producer I always learn new things every year. Both in terms of production, techniques etc. There is always parts to evolve when it comes to music, and you always find new things to improve.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, or get drunk with any band or artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
F: I'd be down to play, get drunk or have dinner with anyone who's down to earth and cool as a person. I don't have any specific person i'd like to meet or play with. Anyone goes as long as they are a good person. We are all human after all.
What’s ahead for AGAINST I leading up to the release of Anti Life?
F: I'm going to be boring and say that not much is going on atm. We've been very very active and need a few months to relax and gather inspiration. As for the time being I'll be looking for more live shows for us to play.