THE HAUNTED INTERVIEW
Launched in 1996 by guitarist Jensen, bassist Jonas Björler and drummer Adrian Erlandsson, THE HAUNTED enjoy a cult status in the metal world, boasting a diverse catalogue of material that would have left other bands digging their own grave. Whether the band's continued success is due to an open-minded fanbase, stellar musicianship, or an infallible sense of timing when it comes to releasing new material - perhaps a combination of all three - THE HAUNTED continue to be an unpredictable and beloved force to be reckoned with in spite of the curveballs thrown at their loyal followers and the line-up changes since releasing their self-titled debut in 1998.
Their latest album, Strength In Numbers, is the latest testament to that claim. THE HAUNTED'S legacy of remaining diverse without diluting the sound that seeded a loyal fanbase two decades and is continuing to being in new listeners not only by its compositional class and performance prowess, but also by its relentless heaviness, the displayed atmospheric intensity and the material’s consequential imminent impact.
Twinmusix got to speak to Marco Aro about their upcoming tour and more.
TM - What can fans expect from your Australian tour?
MA - Fans can expect a really good show with fun.
TM - How did you pick your setlist for touring?
MA - We decided back in 2013 when we decided that we wanted to do this on the same level that we did this before. we will incorporate at least one song out of every album into our set list so almost everyone gets their song.
TM - What are you most looking forward to doing in Australia?
MA - I would like to go to Australia Zoo again but other than that I would like to enjoy the sun because it's not very warm here.
TM - You brought out your last Album Strength in Numbers in 2017, what is your favorite song to play off the Album?
MA - Preachers of Death because it's a pure old thrash song, there is nothing fancy about. It is thrash and that is what we grew up on.
TM - What was your writing and recording process for Your Album Strength in Numbers?
MA - We are old people in a modern world, we never hooked up in a studio once and everything was done via email. For the next album, We want to it do it then, we will meet up and start jamming and see what comes out of it. Everyone now has a Pre Made format for a song and that's pretty much it. We recorded more songs than we used on our album and then we sat down and pick the songs we wanted. Everyone had their favourite and I normally end up with not having my favourite songs on the album.
TM - What's your favorite memory from playing Gefle Festival?
MA - It's in Sweden so it is really organised and you can jump in your car and go home afterwards, which is a really nice thing. The Swedish crowd is like if you would have a musical police force, they are always standing in the back with their arms crossed saying I can do that better and faster that. That is what it is like if you're a Swedish band playing in Sweden.
TM - (laughs) I have to come to one of your festivals in Sweden.
MA - Yeah there's always the front row headbangers and they are always going to be there, then you have four or five rows down and that is where the music police begin.
TM - I have to go see this.
MA - Southern Europe is more passionate about music and they to have fun. Being in Sweden there is a lot of musicians and a lot of bands, then you have that natural Envy because if a band is successful they suck and I'm the same way which is horrible to say. If there is a band that is successful and I don't think they deserve that success then I think they suck.
TM - If there is a more successful band than you do you think they suck?
MA - Generally (laughs), but I'm not going to say which bands but that's the general mentality of musicians in Sweden.
TM - (laughs) that is so funny.
TM - If you could play any festival in Europe what would you play?
MA - Download UK because we haven't played yet.
TM - What's your favorite festival?
MA - Hellfest because it is very well organised.
TM - I agree, it is one of the best festivals in the world. This is my third year back in a row and I cannot wait.
TM - If you could have any bands play one of your songs which band would it be, which song would it be and would it be in your style or their Style?
MA - Karnivool do one of our songs in their style.
TM - What if they are more successful at it then you are (laughs).
MA - They are not a Swedish band which makes it more acceptable. This envy just goes to Swedish bands you know. Kerry King said in an interview that The Haunted is the only band that he would let cover a Slayer song.
TM - Wow that is Amazing! What an achievement.
TM - Is there anything else you want to say to your fans?
MA - For the upcoming shows brace yourself because it's going to be very very intense and a great show to watch.
TM - Thank You for this interview today and we cannot wait to see you in Australia.
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