Hailing from Gothenburg, Åskväder are back with “Wax”, a new album that opens a different chapter in the band's history. With Saga Flygare Täll taking on vocals and guitar, the quartet explores new nuances without losing the hard rock energy that characterises them. We spoke with the band about the new lineup, the creative process, the influences behind “Wax” and their plans for the future.
M.I. – “Wax” marks a new chapter for Åskväder, particularly with Saga Flygare Täll joining the band on vocals and guitar. How did this new lineup come together, and how has it changed the band's dynamic?
The guys in Åskväder were looking for a new singer for the recording of their new album. They knew of me as I’m acquainted with their old singer Albin and so reached out to me for some trials. We worked together well from the start! Dynamic wise I guess the guys would know better, but I think my voice fits the music we’re writing well!
M.I. - Saga, stepping into an established band and taking over vocal duties must have been quite a challenge. What did you feel you could bring to Åskväder, and what has the experience been like so far?
To be honest I wasn’t 100% sure how it would go as i didn’t know any of the guys from before. But I was on the lookout for a new band having recently moved back to Gothenburg from Stockholm and decided to give it a go. The result feels fantastic now that we’ve recorded an album and even better for every show we play.
M.I. - Compared with your previous releases, what do you think is the biggest difference in the Åskväder we hear on “Wax”?
We’re inching closer and closer to what we are, I think. More advanced yet more simplistic at the same time. Allowing each musician to shine and put their own take into what we make. The biggest difference might be that it feels slightly less punk and more soul, perhaps?
M.I. - The new album seems to put an even stronger emphasis on melody while retaining your trademark hard-rocking attitude. Was that something you consciously aimed for during the songwriting process?
No, not really. It’s something that’s grown organically over time. Exchanging members in the band has also led to different inputs which might have affected the whole thing, but not as a conscious decision.
M.I. - How does the songwriting work within the current lineup? Has Saga's arrival influenced the way you write or arrange songs?
The start of what will become songs mostly show up in Martin’s (guitarist) head during his long showers. He brings these ideas to the band and we polish them together into what becomes something more finished. My arrival has changed things slightly as me and Martin now usually start off with the ideas together with my song, to see what fits and allow my impression to take place early on. This might evolve over time, but as it is now that’s essentially it.
M.I. – “Wax” moves between classic hard rock, heavy metal and Scandinavian rock n’ roll. Which influences were particularly important to you while making this album?
We’ve been in a Beatles mood writing this record which might have affected the final product! Classics like Kiss, Hellacopters and ZZ Top etc are always in our ears and our hearts though, so the basis is there as usual.
M.I. - Gothenburg has such a strong rock and metal tradition. Do you think the city's musical heritage has influenced Åskväder's sound or attitude?
It might have as we meet so many talented and friendly colleagues in the music business! It’s certainly inspirational to be part of such a great scene.
M.I. - You have released “Salt” and “Farewell” as previews of “Wax”. Why did you choose these particular songs to introduce the album?
We’ve released “Farewell”, “Salt” and “Aim High”! And “On The Fence” coming out shortly. These songs felt like a good spread to show what the album is about and were also songs our new label ICEA cared for especially. It’s always hard to choose your favourites, but we feel and hope these singles will prove what we’re about!
M.I. - Your music combines heavy riffs with very infectious melodies. When writing a new Åskväder song, what usually comes first: the riff, the melody, the lyrics, or something else?
It depends! It usually starts out with either an inspired guitar riff or a special melody popping into our heads. The lyrics added on top of this are fashioned from topics that affects us at the time of writing, such as family losses or friends leaving, for example.
M.I. - Bands such as The Hellacopters, Dead Lord and Honeymoon Disease are often mentioned alongside Åskväder. Do you see yourselves as part of a new generation of Scandinavian hard rock, or do you prefer to avoid such labels?
Great company to be mentioned in! We hope to one day be as great and remembered as any of the bands mentioned above and absolutely feel that we fly under the banner of Scandinavian Rock. Proud to!
M.I. - How important was the live experience when writing “Wax”? Were you already thinking about how these songs would sound and feel on stage?
For some of them this was certainly the case! Usually when we feel like we’ve written a few slower paced, melody forward songs we want to shove in at least a few faster bangers. Live performance needs waves of fast paced tracks coupled with brief periods of respite in our opinion.
M.I. - Finally, what can we expect from Åskväder after this release?
Post release we have some more local shows coming up and after that we’re aiming to tour with the new record. We’re already writing new music as well, the show must go on!
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Questions by Sónia Fonseca
