The Swedish doom/heavy rock band Noctum recently released their second full-length album Final Sacrifice. It's their first for Metal Blade, which should provide them with a little higher profile. Drummer Fredrik Jansson introduces us to Noctum.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Noctum.
Fredrik Jansson: Noctum was formed in 2009 in Uppsala by David Indelof (guitar, vocals) and Tobias Rosen (bass).
The first album The Seance was released in 2010 and the Fiddler EP in 2011. Daniel Johansson replaced the first guitar player in 2011 and I took over the drum throne at the beginning of 2013.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for Final Sacrifice.
David wrote the music and Tobias had the story for the album tumbling around in his pretty little head for a year before it was done. The recording took three weeks, compared with the 24 hours it took to record the first album. It was done in Uppsala with the helping hand of a fellow called Lawrence Mackrory. It turned out quite nice, if you ask me.
How would you describe the style/sound of the album?
I think it's a mix between doom, classic heavy metal and bit of '70s rock.
What's the lyrical concept?
It's a fictional horror story where the music, the lyrics and the artwork are tied together. I won't tell you what it's about though, gotta leave something for the listener.
What are your expectations for the album?
I try not to have too high of hopes.
If things don't turn out as you planned, you'll just get disappointed and bitter.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Hopefully we'll get to tour like idiots next year. No dates are confirmed yet, but we're working on it.
What has been your most memorable Noctum live show?
We've only done two shows since the album came out. The second one was at a really cool festival called Nordfest. We were really happy with that one.
How did you get started in music?
I have always been into music. I started collecting records when i was 7. After that I tried to play guitar and piano for a while until I was 13, then I discovered the drums.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
Kiss, Iron Maiden and Mötley Crüe were my first heroes. Then when I started playing music it was Black Sabbath, Metallica, Anthrax and lots of other thrash bands.
What's the first rock/metal concert you attended as a fan?
I saw the one and only Yngwie J Malmsteen in 1990. He came out on stage, threw the guitar around his neck and the strap came off and the guitar hit the amps. Hilarious!
Who are your top 5 greatest Swedish metal bands?
November (although they were more of a heavy blues band), Candlemass, Entombed, Terra Firma and early Bathory.
What are your hobbies and interests outside music?
I have four other bands, two kids and family, so I don't really don't have the time to do anything else. If I have a few hours off I like to watch movies or cook. Simple stuff.
Anything else you'd like to mention or promote?
Do yourself a favor and buy our album instead of listening to it on your crappy computer or even worse, through a phone. I recommend the vinyl version. Only vinyl is real!