DRACONIAN – Interview with Johan

I am Andrew. How are you?

I´m great, thanks. Just gone from one interview to another. This one, ha ha.

By the time “Where Lovers Mourn” is your debut album and you are not familiar to most people I would like you to tell me some words about Draconian in brief.

You can describe our music as melancholy gothic/doom metal. We have been around for almost 10years and signed a deal with Napalm Records a year ago.

Don't you think that Draconian is very common name for a metal band? It doesn't even hint the style you are into. Do not think I am not well-disposed; I just wonder why you ended up with this name.

No I don´t. It means Devlish… also something which describes something dark, like in Draconian Magic. Dragons symbolizes the dark side in ancient magic. Dark a bit like life and love, ha ha…and these cold winters in Sweden. I don´t remember how we decided to change name, the band was called Kerberos before. Draconian is a far better one I think.

Give me some details about where did you recorded “Where Lovers Mourn” and who was the producer…

In Studio Mega, Sweden and the producer for the album was Chris Silver (Arise, Beseech). Once upon a time the drummer for Cemetary and Sundown.

And are you satisfied with the final result or there is something you would like to change?

I'm not satisfied at all…the production is a little to thin for my own taste and I would like a heavier production next time. The playing from our part is also a little questionable. But it's still a very good album and I think a lot of people in the genre will like it very much. But overall considering the short period of time we had to record the album it's ok.

Your music will remind many bands to the listener and many will think of Theatre Of Tragedy because of the 2 kind of vocals (male and female) you use. In my opinion you have some parts that remind of Theatre Of Tragedy but the whole atmosphere of the album brings me to mind “Paradise Belongs To You” of Saturnus. What do you have to say to those who might blame you for just copying Theatre Of Tragedy?

I would say that they haven´t heard either Draconian or Theatre Of Tragedy. I don´t even listen to them so how can I be copying them. Saturnus the other hand is very good band. But you can´t really copy a feeling or an atmosphere, can you?

What are your lyrics talking about and what is their connection with the music? The promo I have does not include them…

About all kinds of themes….mostly about the world we're living in and severe heartache, loss, solitude and despair. Anders writes the lyrics… I guess this question is his… hehe

You have a strong underground presence with several demo releases. Do you watch the underground scene of your country? Do you agree with the opinion that metal bands must not forget their roots and leave their underground days behind?

No, I don't think we have much of an underground scene anymore…not like it used to be anyway. The best bands are true to the scene and it's roots. That's why they're the best.

Would you prefer to be a great band in the underground scene or just an average mainstream one?

I will never play in a mainstream band I think but you can't hide forever in the underground. Somewhere in between is the best.

Have you arranged any live performances in order to promote your debut album? If you had the chance to play on the same stage with any band or artist you would like who would that be and why?

Just came back from Stavanger, Norway from a gig with Forlorn. There's also some festivals in the spring. It would be great to play with Saturnus or My Dying Bride.

Why should someone prefer to buy your album than any other release of our days?

Because it's a very good album and you don't get tired listening to it . It really grows on you. We are an old band , no beginners and we have been playing this kind of music for many years . Give us credit for it.

So, we are approaching the end. I want to thank you for your time and wish you good luck for the future. Closing is yours…

Thanx and look out for Draconian in year 2004…