Interview with Joakim, drummer of the great Necrophobic. Thanks to Anne Marie Bowman from Manic Prods. for doing this possible

How would you compare "Bloodhymns" with "The Third Antichrist"?

Joakim: "Bloodhymns" is far more better produced and it will surely blow your stereo. As usual, it's killer music, so if you haven't bought a copy yet, I suggest that you do so. You will never regret it...

This time you have Johan Bergebäck on the guitars....how did that change Necrophobic´s music?

Joakim: A new member always bring something new to a band. Johan has been a close friend since years back and have also played together with Sebastian in their old band Morpheus. He has brought fresh ideas into the band, still that fits Necrophobic. He's a great musician and have great musical ears, so to speak.

"Bloodhymns" sound is really huge...how important was Tomas Skogsberg recording of the music for achieving this result?

Joakim: As important as Necrophobic telling him how we wanted it. We have worked with Tomas since 1991, so he's really familiar with how our music shall sound. We just explain to him what we're looking for and he makes it happen. Of course, he has his own ideas, but they have to approved by us before we use it. He's the best man to work with, in our opinion and I guess it's the right decision, as every album has turned out great. It's no idea to change what's already is a success, if you know what I mean.

"Bloodhymns" seems to have more rhythm changes and parts than the previous albums...was this done consciously or was it a natural progression?

Joakim: Nothing is planned when we write music. It just turn out this way. Of course, we add or take away parts to come up with a final song, but it's our mood that sets the rules of a new album. I agree with you that this new album has more variation...

What decided you to change from Black Mark Productions to Hammerheart Records?

Joakim: As nothing happened with Necrophobic while being contracted to Black Mark, we thought that it was time for us to move on. The band needs to get the attention we deserve.

Which is the meaning of the "Bloodhymns" cover art? Obviously the red colour is related to blood...

Joakim: It's your mind that has to decide for you what you think it is. There are no rules...

Are you touring to support "Bloodhymns"?

Joakim: So far, we have only played a couple of shows in Sweden and 2 festivals in Germany this summer. A mini-tour in Poland is coming up next month, but the tour we had planned earlier this year got cancelled. The tour has been postponed until January 2003, but that's only in Europe. I don't know when we'll come to your side of the world, but we sure hope that it will be soon.

Are you aware of the status of "cult band" that Necrophobic has? What do you think of that?

Joakim: Yeah, I've heard words like that. I guess it's cool...

How do you see the evolution of the band from its beginning in 1989 up to now?

Joakim: Slowly, we've climbed our ways to reach the top, but have never compromised with our music to get there faster. We have been doing this because we're so much into it, we're metal-fans ourselves, since we were kids. We have never followed any trends to please the industry, just kept on playing what we love. I guess that's why poeple like Necrophobic. It's death metal - the way it was meant to be!!!

Any final thoughts?

Joakim: I just want to thank you for this interview and for your support. Keep it up! Stay metal! Bye!

Interview by Federico Marongiu