Interview
(Progressive Newsletter Nr.25 05/99)
excerpts from an interview with Nicklas Berg (Mellotron, Fender Rhodes, Theremin, Guitar, Bass), Stefan Dimle (Bass, Mellotron, Moog), Reine Fiske (Guitar, Mellotron, Violin, Fender Rhodes) and Peter Nordins (Drums, Percussion, Mellotron)
(Stefan) It all started in the summer of 1997 when the Goblin Home page did invite Landberk to perform on their "tribute to Goblin" album. Later the same summer an invitation to perform on a Lucio Fulci tribute album came up. This time the invitation came from an Italian label named Black Widow. The dilemma was that it was just me and Reine who could work with the tribute project. That was also the reason why we decided to cancel both the projects. Peter and Nicklas heard about our situation and asked if they could join instead of the 3 other who was out of town. It all did happen the very same day. We started to rehears in October. We booked the Largen studio the very first weekend in January 1998. 5 songs were tracked down on tape. We came back to Largen in October for a continuing session. This time we also brought Yessica who did a brilliant version of "Lullaby" from "Rosemary´s Baby".
Are you all fans of horror movies or what was the reason playing cover versions of film music of this special genre?
(Peter) Yes all of us are big filmfans. Remember that we were teenagers at the time when the VCR were introduced to be an extra member of each and every family. And the winter season is very dark up here so what could have fit our spare time better than shocking films from weird directors. The main reason of playing horror covers is that we love this kind of music.
(Stefan) The invitations from Black Widow and the Goblin homepage gave us a good reason to start.
Was this just a special project for just one record or is there a continuation planned?
(Nicklas) The horror concept will probably not happen again but if new and fresh ideas comes up then we will be ready to record again. As a matter of fact no one can be sure about the lineup for a new project. The only important thing is that every person involved has to give 100% of themself. The Symphonic Holocaust album took 1 year of our time. If someone is willing to spend so much time again then we soon have another Morte Macabre album to wait.
All four musicians are mentioned for playing Mellotron. Is there one passage on this record, where all play simultantiously together or is it more or less a joke for the exaggerate use of the Mellotron on this recordings?
(Stefan) Nicklas is doing most of the mellotrons you hear on the album, but Reine has also made some exellent arrangements for the melllotronstrings. They shared some parts of "Quit Drops" with each other. With a careful ear you can hear 2 mellotrons recorded at the same time. Very unique...
Was this project also a platform to widen the musical horizons of all the four players by not only playing their „usual“ instruments, but also using different instruments?
(Reine) Yes I guess you´re right. In a permanent band you have your definite place and you are doing what you are intended for. I don´t say that Landberk and Anekdoten are such strict bands that not improvise. I know that both are full of fun. In a project like Morte Macabre you can be even more playful because you don´t have any expectations on you. So many keyboards has never been used on any Anekdoten or Landberk album before. The most interesting thing was the way I did develop my violin technique.
And last but not least, the unevitable question: are there any news concerning Anekdoten and Landberk?
(Peter) Anekdoten will start recording their new album this summer
(Reine) Landberk hopefully starts in the end of 1999.
Kristian Selm © Progressive Newsletter 1999