Heavy Metal Fire: INTERVIEW: SORCERER

jueves, 17 de marzo de 2022

INTERVIEW: SORCERER

SORCERER is an Epic Doom Metal band from Stockholm, Sweden. They were originally formed in 1988, released a couple of demos and then disbanded just four years later. The band reformed in 2010 and released “In The Shadow Of The Inverted Across” five years later to critical acclaim. “Lamenting Of The Innocent” is their last album to date, a new album that could not be properly presented live due to the pandemic. The band is back on stage and next May they will be performing in Spain. Anders Engberg, vocalist of the band, told us about SORCERER’s future plans.

-Hi! How are you doing? I suppose you are tired of this pandemic. We need the ball rolling for gigs and festivals again, right?

Yes, definitely! We have all been waiting for things to go back to normal. We are really looking forward to get out and play live again.

-SORCERER was formed back in 1988, but you had to stop back around 1992. What was the reason?

I was involved with another band and Johnny Hagel joined TIAMAT at that point. We really didn’t have a plan for SORCERER at that point so it just stopped and we disbanded.

-If I’m not wrong, SORCERER come back in 2010. What made the band decide to get back together after being away so many time? Take me through the steps of what made it happen? Whose idea was SORCERER reunion? How it all happened?

Johnny got an offer from Hammer Of Doom in 2010 to do a reunion gig. He called me up we’d been friends through the years so our friendship was solid. I said no at first because of work and family but I changed my mind later on. I told him if we do this we pull together some great musicians that can bring the old songs to life in a good way He agreed and we went on playing a very successful show, great memories.

-SORCERER has now delivered three albums since the band reformed, and it doesn’t seem like it will stop here. What would you say are the main differences between those three albums?

The first album was mostly the brainchild of Johnny Hagel who had quite a few song embryos we then transformed into the album “In The Shadow Of The Inverted Cross”. The album was supposed to pick up ewere we left so many years ago but with a band that could play and great songs. “The Crowning Of The Fire King” was more of a collaboration and with Peter Hallgren coming onboard we really made SORCERER go in a new direction, with more progressive elements and a modern sound. “Lamenting Of The Innocent” is the natural progression of the two first albums with some touches new to us like a bit of growl by Justin Biggs. All albums got that SORCERER sound we bring to our music.

-Can you tell us in your own words what it is that make SORCERER sound like SORCERER? Do you believe you have a “trademark” SORCERER sound?

Yes, definitely! The SORCERER sound is built on two amazing guitar players, Peter and Kristian and my vocals, backed by a heavy rhythm section in Ricky and Justin. Then we can write interesting music to top that off. Voilá SORCERER sound. Ha, ha.

-What do you think when SORCERER is tagged as “Epic Doom Metal”?

Well, people can call us whatever really, we make music we love and if a genre is put on our sound and music that is ok. I feel we touch more than just that particular genre, we’re metal and we’re progressive too. But hey, who cares?

-Justin Biggs joined the band permanently on bass in 2019, having been a touring member of the band since 2018. As the same time, you announced that that Johnny Hagel would remain an essential part of the band. Is Johnny still a member in the shadows? What is his current contribution to the band?

Johnny is still a part of the SORCERER family. He contributed in songwriting and promoting the band in everyway. Even though he does not play live he is a key figure in the shadows.

-During the pandemic SORCERER recorded a digital EP called “Reverence” including four covers. How have you chosen these songs?

-By votes! We choose four songs each and those with the highest number of votes won. Simple as that.

-Will we ever find these songs in physical format?

The future will tell. We do hope so.

-“Gates Of Babylon” is the second RAINBOW cover you recorded. Back in the day, you covered “Stargazer” on “The Inquisition” demo. What does mean RAINBOW for you?

RAINBOW is a huge influence on SORCERER. The way the band formed its songs and the concept of the lyrics. Yes, they are a major influence for sure.

-To promote your last album you filmed nine videoclips, one for each song on the album. How important are music videos in the industry today?

Videos are as important as the actual album, not to say you have to make a video of each song as we did on “Lamenting Of The Innocent” but it’s really important.

-What about a new full-length album? Have you begun work on the next record?

Yes, we are writing for a new album and I can say it will be a great one again!

-“Lamenting Of The Innocent” is based on the witchhunt that went on in the 16th Century, revolving around the book “Malleus Maleficarum”, usually translated as “The Hammer Of Witches”. Any idea about a central topic in a new release?

“Lamenting Of The Innocent” is a conceptual album based on the 16th century witch hunts and crimes against the innocent during that period, “Malleum Malleficarum” was what triggered it all. The next album will not be conceptual but right now we’re in the writing process so you never know.

-Justin did the growling parts in “The Hammer of Witches” and “Lamenting Of The Innocent”. Could we hear some harsh vocals in your future albums?

Sure, if the song needs it. We have no bounaries regarding what elements we bring into the music. We won’t do utterly crazy stuff but we will try things we feel go well with the songs.

-I noticed that you signed a deal for three records with Metal Blade, three albums that you now have delivered. Will you continue working with the label?

Yes, we have signed on for three more albums, we are working on the 4th right now.

-You are going to play in Spain next May at Pounding Metal Fest. What can we expect from SORCERER? What kind of set list are you working on?

You will hear songs from every era and some songs never played live so this is pretty cool. A massive crunching show of course, ha, ha!

-Besides playing the festival, what else do you plan on doing with your time in Madrid? You’re going to share the stage with TYGERS OF PAN TANG, EASY RIDER, VULTURE, DEXTER WARD and REDSHARK. Do you want to see the show of any of these bands?

Definitely! TYGERS OF PAN TANG is an old favorite of mine, I hope they play “Paris By Air”. We will hang out with the crowd and have a great time, I’m sure.

-Is there a chance a SORCERER doing more dates here in Spain any time soon?

We go where we are booked, we can’t decide where to go sadly but we hope to play more shows in Spain.

-What are your future plans?

We have a lot of shows in the spring and summer so this is great and then we start to record the new album so we have a busy schedule.

-Well in wrapping up, what are your thoughts for the future of metal? Any promising bands on the horizon? What are some of your favorite “new” heavy metal bands?

I have a very diverse taste in music so there are so many great bands. I’m not a big fan of “new metal” so the old school is more my taste.