UN: Your latest album Domi<>nation, I’d say is one of the most impressive power metal albums I’ve heard in quite sometime. The genre seems to be overflowing with bands that are, while talented, just seem to be playing copycat power metal. I’d say that Domi<>nation is actually quite original for power metal. Was it a conscious decision to try to be an original band, or is this just how the bands music comes out? Did you approach this album different then any of your previous albums?

Stefan: I think every band wants to sound original, but it wasn’t a conscious decision from our side. We’ve been playing together for such a long time that we’ve developed a special Morifade sound that people can recognize.

UN: Domi<>nation served as my introduction to Morifade, and I’ve been told that this album is much heavier then the previous albums. What would you contribute this too? Also, in what ways is the music heavier? Possibly just a heavier guitar sound?

Stefan: Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that three members have written material on this record. On the previous albums Jesper Johansson has been the main writer of the music. The guitar sound and the production are also heavier on this release and that contributes to the heavy impression.

UN: Lyrically the album takes influences from two classic novels, 1984 and Brave New World. Can you explain the themes explored in the lyrics of the album? I’m assuming everything is basely loosed, and that you’ve interjected some of your own original ideas in as well. What influenced this lyrical approach with the album?

Stefan: I’ve always loved these two novels so when I started to think about writing a concept album, I came up with the idea of basing the story on them. During the process my story kind of grew to something separate from the originals and became a story in its own right. The theme is about the problems of living in a state where everything is controlled by the government, and about man’s free will.

UN: I was curious to ask if you guys were afraid of what the future has in store for all of us? Both novels deal with paranoia and the future, it seems like in this day and age you especially have no idea what the future holds. You never know when you could wake up to another 9/11, or to possibly even worse.

Stefan: I wouldn’t say that we are afraid of what the future might bring, but we’re certainly concerned. The themes in these novels are still very modern even though they were written over fifty years ago.

UN: I was very surprised that the booklet didn’t have any of the lyrics printed. Was there a reasoning behind it? Possibly just a budget thing? Are they available on the bands website?

Stefan: I didn’t even know that the lyrics weren’t included on the US version? I don’t know why, but I guess it’s a way of saving loads of money for the record company. The lyrics will be available on the website www.morifade.com

UN: I was very impressed with the cover art to the album. It’s easy to tell that the landscape of buildings in the background, is supposed to represent a futuristic city, but I was wondering if you could explain how the rest of the art works into the concept of the album?

Stefan: We wanted a timeless cover that harmonized with the themes of the album. The man bowing his head in front of the city in a slave pose is expressing submission; The butterflies are symbols of inspiration and freedom; The clock is of course a symbol of time.

UN: The new album was produced by Andy LaRocque and in opinion just sounds phenomenal. What prompted you guys to work with him? Was it an easy recording process? It was recorded at the studio he runs, so I’m sure he knows all of the equipment like the back of his hand.

Stefan: Andy needs no introduction, and his experience and guidance really made the recording process easy. He instantly knew what sound we wanted and he knews how to create a soundscape that matched our wishes.

UN: Does it sometimes take a bit of restraint to hold back on some of the more progressive elements of the bands sound? By this I mean, you guys can obviously play your instruments, yet the songs remain catchy and filled with many hooks. You guys show off your chops once in awhile, but it’s never at the expense of the memorable nature of the songs. Is it more important to have a memorable song then an outlet for your musical abilities?

Stefan: Yes, the song always comes first and there’s no need putting progressive parts and something just to show off. As you said anyone can tell that the guys know what they’re doing on their instruments anyway.

UN: The track Judas is included as a bonus track on the new album, and it’s actually one of my all time favorite Helloween songs! What made that track stand out as a choice for a cover? Would you agree that the band has had an influence on the Morifade sound?

Stefan: Judas has been one of my all time favourites as well. I has a natural rawness to it that I can’t put to words and I still love the punky approach Helloween gave it, so it was our first choice for a cover. We have all listened to Helloween when we were growing up so they have probably influenced us more than we think.

UN: I was pretty surprised to hear that you guys were from Sweden. Let’s face it the country is known for melody, but it’s not really in the form of power metal. Do you think that coming from a country with a metal scene so fall of talent has made it easy for Morifade to become known outside of the country? After all, there are some people who won’t listen to a band if they aren’t from Sweden!

Stefan: Yes, many bands has been given the chance to be heard outside of our country thanks to Hammerfall and other giants that came before us. But the metal scene in Sweden is big and still growing so I’m not surprised that we produce so many good acts.

UN: Seeing as though Europe seems to be the hotbed for power metal, have you guys had much of a chance to tour the surrounding areas of Sweden? I’m sure your sound would go over quite well in a country like Germany! Has the band ever considered looking into a Japanese tour? I’d say you guys would do quite well there as well.

Stefan: We have always wanted to tour the countries you mentioned but every time we’ve had a tour planned some unforeseen problem has come up and made us cancel it. But we are hungry for touring and we know there are may people waiting to see Morifade on the road in the near future.

UN: Do you have high hopes for the album in the US? I’m sure with a label from the US also releasing the new album it will be easier for people to pick up without having to pay import prices. Any plans to possibly come over for a North American tour?

Stefan: We are quite excited to finally have a proper US release, and hopefully the album does well so that we can have the opportunity to tour the states. That would be a dream come true for us all!