- Posted By: Dark Emperor
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Infernal Masquerade: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions and let’s get started.
First question right off the bat, what’s up with the weird outfits you guys wear? Are you trying to start a new trend?
Aron Parmerud: Haha, the outfits we wear are more of a statement than to just look cool. A lot of metal heads are kind of close minded when it comes to their music. A popular statement of people who listen to metal is the “It’s all about the music” statement. Many of these people then see our image before hearing us and immediately make assumptions of what we will sound like, often their assumptions don’t match reality. When they realize that we actually play pretty aggressive kick ass metal, they are challenged in a way that I find very interesting. If they want to be true to themselves, they have to try to forget our looks and only focus on our music. Same thing live. It has happened on more than one occasion that people have been yelling stuff like “Emooooo!!” when we first get up on stage. After the first song the same person will more than likely be headbanging and cheering like crazy. Those moments are great!
I.M: What is the main concept and reason behind the formation of Marionette?
A.P: It’s related to what we talked about above. It’s all a mix of playing metal but with a lot of focus on how we and others think of metal and music/life in general. Why do you have these ideas? Who put them in your head and why do you stick to these? You’re a puppet and you don’t even realize it. You like to think of your self as different and outside of mainstream society but in reality your not. We are all part of the herd of sheep who follow the leaders. You may be a black metal sheep but you’re still a sheep! The goal of Marionette and a key concept in our latest album “Enemies” is about breaking out of the herd and being different.
I.M: Featuring aggressive guitar melodies and great keyboard arrangements, how did you guys crafted your Melodic Death Metal style?
A.P: We listen to a lot of different styles of music in and outside of metal. Inspiration comes from stuff like Strapping young lad, At The Gates, Raised Fist to stuff like Pendulum, Björk and videogame/film music.
I.M: “Enemies” is the band’s latest release. Can you tell us more behind the concept and the ideas behind the lyrics?
A.P: Axel [Widén, vocals] writes all our lyrics and they are all based on personal experiences and feelings he had at some point in life. The theme of Enemies is pretty much focused around this person who struggles in life to keep his independence and stay true to him/herself in a world that really won’t let one do that. You could call it a concept album in that way, all songs are related.
I.M: From the titles of both albums: “Enemies” and “Spite” you guys sound kind of pissed off, is this among other things the subject of your lyrics? What other things do you guys talk about (we do no get lyrics in the promo cd’s to review)?
A.P: Well, in a way we are pissed of but the message is always positive. Kick and scream until you get what you want! The themes are about stuff that pisses us of but it’s not just complaining, it about dealing with it. And to play heavy music is one way of doing that.
I.M: The cover of “Enemies” is pretty bizarre why did you guys select this cover? And can you tell us more about the concept behind it?
A.P: It’s a part of the whole theme on Enemies. The pig holding a knife represents thething/people in life, trying to control and shape you into something you’re not by force. The man in the mask is not willing to oblige but instead of running, he’s dealing with it. So he grabs the knife by the edge. “I’ll stand up for myself, it will hurt and it will scar but I’ll never be like you and do what you tell me.” It’s a very literal cover art that we think drives home the most crucial lyrical elements of Marionette and Enemies. Axel was also the artist for the cover art.
I.M: Any touring planned in support of the new album? How about any shows in the USA?
A.P: We have done a few tour here in Europe together with Five finger death punch, Shadows fall and now recently a Europe/UK tour with Bless the fall. We are now looking into tour possibilities for the fall and we are looking into maybe going overseas to tour the US, which would be amazing. Nothing is confirmed yet though so we’ll have to wait and see.
I.M: If you guys had unlimited money for a live performance, what props and stage set up would you use?
A.P: Haha, haven’t really thought about that! It would be very theatrical I’m sure. I imagine some kind of musical style interactive stage with lot’s of epic shit going on! Perhaps some dead sheep representing our theme black metal style ;) I guess we’ll see in time!
I.M: Anything else you want to add for your fans and our readers?
A.P: Thanks for reading and check out “Enemies” and “Spite” if you haven’t already! Marionette will hopefully be in a venue near you soon, so see you in the pit!
I.M: Thanks for answering the questions and good luck with the new album promotion.
A.P: Thank you! Nice talking to you!
