Two decades in, Sister refuse to slow down. Instead, the Swedish horror-punk metal outfit have delivered their most focused and uncompromising album yet. The Way We Fall arrives after years of evolution, identity battles, line-up changes, pandemic setbacks, and a relentless commitment to staying true to themselves, even when the world seems to be falling apart. In our conversation, the band reflects on the misconceptions that have followed them since their early days, the dystopian themes shaping their new record, the sacrifices made for their art, and the renewed fire pushing them into a powerful new era.
M.I. – When a new album comes out, after 20 years, do you still feel butterflies in your stomach before a release?
Yes, absolutely. It’s always the same feeling: the newest product feels like your best to date. We’re super excited, very happy with the album, and everything in the preparation went as planned. Even though I’ve been listening to the record for about a year now, it’s still great to finally get it out there.
M.I. - What’s the biggest misconception about Sister that this album finally destroys?
A lot of writers still try to put us in a “sleaze/glam 80s” box. Maybe it's because of where we came from, but our sound has evolved a lot. I think this album really defines the true Sister sound and wipes away those old assumptions.
M.I. - How would you define your sound today?
It’s hard. People expect something strange because we’re associated with sleaze, metal, punk, makeup, and theatrics. But when they listen, they often say it’s actually classic metal with darker influences. So I’d simply call it a metal album.
M.I. - “Tanz Der Toten” was the final preview released before the album. Did it feel like the obvious choice for a single?
Not at all. When we presented our preferred single options, that track wasn’t even included. Our management and label singled it out and insisted it should be a single, especially for a Halloween release. Over time, it grew into one of the strongest songs.
M.I. - Sister walks a line between horror, punk theatrics, and metal aggression. Where does the new album sit within that identity?
It contains all of those elements. The horror part is in the visuals and presentation. The metal provides the backbone. The punk side keeps everything raw and unpretentious. We don’t want “perfect” metal, we want it alive. I think this album blends those elements very well.
M.I. - You blend chaos with melody. How do you balance these extremes without losing your identity?
It comes naturally. New members bring new ideas, but once Jamie’s vocals are in place, the material gets a clear Sister identity. His voice is a big part of what ties everything together.
M.I. - “The Way We Fall” feels dystopian. Was there a real-world moment that pushed you to write this album?
Not one specific moment, more the general feeling of how the world looks today. The theme of “The way we fall” connects all the songs, whether it’s personal, societal, or existential. The title track is more personal; “When She Dies” relates to environmental collapse; “Tanz der Toten” explores mortality. It all fits into that idea of decline.
M.I. - Did you draw inspiration from films, stories, or historical events?
Mostly from today’s world, but one song stands out: “Howling Hell”. It’s based on the 15th-century witch-hunting manual “Malleus Maleficarum” (“Hex Hammer”). The spoken intro references the ritual in which women who had lost everything were said to renounce God and make a pact with the Devil.
M.I. - You’ve described the album’s message as “opening your eyes and questioning what the masses accept as truth.” What sparked that?
It's hard not to feel that way when watching the news. The world feels crazy. The message is both political and personal: trust yourself, think independently, and follow your own path, just like sticking with a band for 20 years requires you to.
M.I. - Have you sacrificed a lot for Sister during these 20 years?
Yes and no. We’ve sacrificed time with family and friends, career opportunities, money. But we’ve also gained a lot. As we’ve grown older, we’ve had to balance life and music, we can’t sacrifice everything anymore, so planning is key.
M.I. - Do your children understand that their fathers are musicians who need to travel?
Jamie’s daughters do, they’ve seen him on stage and understand that he has to be away sometimes. I just became a father for the first time a few weeks ago, so I have no idea yet!
M.I. - The music video for “Tanz der Toten” looks intense. What can you tell us about shooting it?
We filmed in ancient ruins outside Stockholm. It was beautiful but brutally cold, around –10 to –15°C. We had to walk a long distance carrying everything, wearing only vests and tight jeans. Only I brought a proper jacket. We shot each member separately, so while one was filmed, the others froze in the woods. It was unforgettable.
M.I. - Your new album has been described as your most powerful and uncompromising. What made this the turning point?After “Vengeance Ignited” (2021) we couldn’t tour due to the pandemic, so the album never got its proper momentum. Instead of waiting, we immediately started writing a new record. With no pressure and plenty of time, everything clicked naturally.
M.I. - What pieces finally fell into place?
The songs, no fillers. The band dynamic… Fredan grew into the band as a songwriter, and after parting with our previous guitarist, working as a trio strengthened us. Bringing Axel in later also helped. We had time to shape everything, including visuals… I spent about a year and a half designing all artwork.
M.I. - If you had to pick one track that defines Sister’s new era, which would it be?
“The Way We Fall.” It’s why it became the title track, first single, and opener. It sums up the album and where we’re at today.
M.I. - What do you hope fans feel when they listen to the album for the first time?
That it’s good and that they listen to it from start to finish. We’re very old-school in our approach to albums. There’s a reason every track is where it is. It’s a journey: fast, slow, dark, theatrical, mysterious.
M.I. - You’ve worked with producer Jona Tee for three albums now. What makes the collaboration work so well?
He understands us better with each album. On this one, he was spot on with what we wanted. He feels like a fifth member in the studio. He can listen to a demo once or twice and immediately know what to cut, shorten, or add. He elevates our songs.
M.I. - Is there a production detail listeners might not notice but you’re proud of?
Not one specific detail, more the overall authenticity. It’s not overproduced: no over-triggered drums, no endless layers of guitars. It’s us playing. Jamie also delivered vocals incredibly fast and strong this time, with no issues.
M.I. - You just toured Scandinavia with Wednesday 13. How was it?
Fantastic. We toured with them years ago, so it was great to meet again and bring that package to Scandinavia. Even though we’re Swedish, we rarely play here, so doing shows in Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden was special.
M.I. - Will you tour the rest of Europe next?
We hope so. Nothing official yet, but plans for next year are being made. The goal is both club tours and festivals.
M.I. - Any dates for Portugal?
Unfortunately, none yet. We’ve never played in Portugal, but we really hope to someday.
M.I. - Which bands would you love to tour with next?
Dream scenario? Ghost. They often bring smaller bands on tour, which I think is great. I wish more big bands did that. Metallica also does it well.
M.I. - What would you like to say to fans who have followed you since 2006?
Thank you for sticking with us. I hope you’ll evolve with the band. Some people prefer early albums, and that’s fine, but give this new record a chance, we always aim to take a step forward with each release.
M.I. - And what message do you have for your Portuguese fans?
Thank you for the support! If you want us in Portugal, tell your festivals, clubs, and promoters. We’d love to play for you, we just need someone to book us. Spread the word and share the music!
For Portuguese version, click here
Listen to Sister, on Spotify
Questions by Sónia Fonseca
