ANDROMEDA INTERVIEW

Sweden seem to be exploding with hot new talent. One of the hottest to come out in recent years is the progressive metal band Andromeda. Not only technically well above the majority of bands out there now, but also capable of writing beautiful melodies, as evidenced on their latest disc ""II=I". Guitarist extra-ordinaire and band leader Johan Reinholdz were kind enough to reply to Intromental Webzine's questions …

Interview by Martin Jørgensen

What is you opinion with the result of "II=I", your second full length release, compared to your first album "Extension of the Wish"?

"I think it´s a lot better than our first album. I´m still really satisfied with "Extension of the wish", but "II=I" has much more to offer. I think it´s more original, more dynamic and varied, better vocal-arrangments and the productin is cleaner and more precise."

"Extension…" got great reviews in a lot of magazines and webzines. What have been the reactions for "II=I" so far?

"They have generally been really good. But because "II=I" differs a lot from "Extension…" some people were disappointed. That´s pretty a ordinary reaction when I band you like change their style, I´ve felt like that towards many bands, so I understand them in a way. But sometimes it´s a bit sad when people can´t accept that bands want to evolve and move on in their development."

What do you consider the biggest differences when comparing your two Andromeda-albums?

"There are a lot more variation in the music now. Also, the chord-progressions and harmonies are maybe less accessable now, they´re a bit more intricate now I think. Also, the vocals play a greater role in the music now."

In your own words, how would you describe the album, musically and lyrically?

"I haven´t written any lyrics on this album, so I can´t really give you a full account on them. But I know that Martin writes about a lot of personal issues in some of the songs, like "Mirages" and "Two is one". Musically I would describe the album as heavy, intense, emotional and dark. Most of our lyrics are also pretty sombre. Somehow it´s easier and more interesting to explore those areas. Some therapethic function maybe."

You call your newest album "II=I". What is the meaning of that?

"A refence to the titletrack as well as to the lyrical theme of the last three tracks which are connected both musically and lyrically. They are about schizophrenia - two in one head - two is one. Also, it´s our second album, our first as a whole band."

What do you think of the progressive metal bands nowadays? I mean, do you think that enough bands with their own originality arise?

"I don´t really listen to a lot of new prog bands. I think there are some really good and original bands though, but too many are boring and unoriginal."

What do you think of the Swedish breed of progressive metal bands?

"There are some good ones: Opeth, Karmakanic, Flower Kings, Meshuggah and ACT for example."

What are the expectations for Andromeda and "II=I"?

"For II=I; gain many new fans, not lose too many old ones, hehe. A tour would be nice! In the long run, we want to continue to develop our music, not make the same album over and over again. It´s really hard to do that. Most bands do three or four albums that are really good, and then they start to decline and suck more and more. We don´t want that to happen to us. And commercially, we want to sell millions of records of course, but that´s a utopia, so we don´t expect that really. One shouldn´t expect too much, it will only make you disappointed."

Are you planning a tour to support the release of "II=I" and will you visit Denmark?

"We don´t have any plans at the moment, things are moving pretty slow. Check out our homesite for news: www.andromedaonline.com. Would be nice to come to Denmark again, we´ve played in Copenhagen once before. It´s not that far from home though, hehe. A couple of miles…"

5 years from now, where do you hope to see Andromeda on the metal scene?

"On the throne!"

Do you have any last remarks?

"Thank you for a nice interview and support!"