If riff laden rock with a healthy dose of sludge, doom and psychedelic influences is your thing then you’d be a fool to miss out on The End Of Electricity, the brilliant new album by Swedens Domkraft We caught up with vocalists and bassist Martin Wegeland to hear all about the new album and it’s creation, the bands live show, what his favourite riffs of all time are and bands from his native Sweden.
Your new album The End Of Electricity is out very soon. Can you tell us about the album?
It’s a heavy, pounding and slightly psychedelic album that should get into your brain as well as your spine.
How did the recording of the album go?
We work pretty fast in the studio. Apart from a few guitar dubs and vocals, everything was recorded live over a weekend in February. Kristoffer Folin, our engineer and co-producer is a master of highlighting the most important details and making them stand out, so much of the impact came in the mixing process.
What inspired the songs on The End Of Electricity?
Lyrically, all sorts of dystopian and post-apocalyptic films and literature. Musically, everything that is heavy and/or suggestive.
Is there any significance to the albums title?
Well, it sort of ties the album together, theme-wise. And listening to the album should feel slightly exhausting, like we drained the world of the very last wattage.
Does the album differ much in style from your self titled EP?
Not really. Production-wise, it’s slightly crisper and more in-your-face. But it’s just a progression from where we were, I guess.
You have done a brilliant video for Red Lead. Can you tell us about the video?
We have a friend who does light for us when possible, and he set up about 15 GoPro cams and we just ripped through the song a bunch of times. Then we gave all the raw files to Kristoffer Folin, who is also pretty suave when it comes to video editing, and gave him free hands. And he knows exactly which vibe we are looking for by now.
The album is packed full of brilliant songs and killer riffs. Do you come up with the riffs and rhythms first and then base the lyrics around them or do you start with the lyrics first?
Always the one riff. Then the rhythm and some kind of structure. Lyrics come way later, and they’re always based on the feel of the song.
Do you still adhere to your Riff.Hook.Repeat until numb adage?
Short answer: yes.
Do you have a favourite song on the album yet?
There are a few. I actually haven’t listened to the album for a while – you sort of get sick of it during the mixing which is always the most critical and – for us – painful part. But I really enjoy playing The Rift and Meltdown Of The Orb, they are pretty different but sort of share the same headspace for me.
You seem to get heavier with each release. Do you try and get heavier and heavier or does just work out naturally when you come to record and write the albums?
It’s not a goal in itself. And heaviness is sort of subjective, right? We just follow the path we’ve set out, really. And the new material we’re working on is pretty much in the same vein – at least to our ears.
Who did the albums artwork?
A genius called Björn Atldax. He’s a pretty renowned illustrator and a friend of mine, and we gave him free hands to interpret what he was hearing. He’s not really into heavy music – he likes GG Allin‘s country stuff and things like that. But we just love his work and the way it incorporates so many classic hard rock/metal themes, but in this strange, bizarre and slightly disturbing way. In pastel colors.
Who are some of Domkrafts main influences?
Oh, so many things. Of course, the classic heavy stuff; Sabbath, Sleep, Neurosis, Eyehategod – but equally much non-metal bands like Loop, Spacemen 3, Hawkwind, Jesus Lizard and Swans. And all sorts of kraut and psych.
You have those doom, sludge, stoner and psychedelic influences in your music. Did you want a sound that embodied all theses different styles?
Well, yes. Sort of. We really don’t care too much about genres, we just play what feels good. But, yeah, we sort of decided early to not be a generic this or that band.
You are supporting Boris who are playing Pink in full on the 20th November. You must be looking forward to that?
Oh yes. We’d be there anyway, so opening for them is just great. And I think we sort of share a certain approach towards music.
Is Pink your favourite Boris album?
Album-wise, yes. But their collaborations are also completely genius.
Who else would Domkraft love to play or tour with?
Too many bands to mention. But we’ve got a bunch of great label mates, so Elephant Tree would be one band. Or doing Australia with Watchtower would just be wicked.
Have you got any other upcoming live dates?
We’re currently scheduling early 2017. But no dates are confirmed yet.
Will you be making it over to the UK for any live dates in the near future?
Sure hope so!
What are the bands plans for the new year?
Gigging, writing, recording.
What is a Domkraft live show like? I’d imagine it’s very loud!
A groovy, pounding trip that should leave you needing a cup of tea, a hot bath and a neck support collar.
You’re well known for your riffs, in your opinion what are some of the best riffs ever written?
The main riff of Sunshine Of Your Love, Sabbath’s Black Sabbath and Supernaut, Spacemen 3’s Revolution, all of Dopesmoker.
What albums do you never tire of listening to?
Again, too many to mention. At a certain age, you sort of know what you really like. And keep returning to those.
What is the heavy music landscape in your native Sweden like at the moment?
I’d say it’s really good – and it feels like it’s been like that for a long time. There are too few good clubs, but the scene still feels healthy and pretty exciting. Especially in the brink of what is actually considered metal or not.
Sweden has a varied and legendary lineage in heavy bands from Entombed to Spiritual Beggars. Who are some of your favourite Swedish bands of all time?
For me: Silverbullit. They’re not a metal band by any means, but they’ve got an uniqueness and intensity that is still unrivaled. Breach were also great, as is Terra Tenebrosa. And Tribulation, of course. As well as a bunch of classic death metal bands. And Kungens Män – probably one of the best psych/space rock bands out there today.
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