Pressure is a melodic metal band from Stockholm, Sweden. Pressure gained traction making Swedish metal covers of pop songs like Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky.” Now, however, they have discovered their own niche of “story metal,” which strives to tell narratives and experiences through metal music. Their singer Olof Jönsson’s distinct Skanian dialect gives their music an unforgettable sound.
Interview with frontman and guitarist Simon Sirrpo Forsell.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF YOUR BANDMATES?
Haha, well, we are and have always been very good friends. But also quite different. We complete each other. My first impression of Emil was that he was a cool dude but needed some more rock n roll in his life, but that was over 13 years ago so my memories can be clouded! I was a bit afraid of the hard singer Olof when I saw him, but then after the audition he made for us I learned that he was just a great and super friendly person with a great sense of humour.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY PLAYING SHOWS?
All shows have their own appeal and wonderful moments. It’s hard to choose because you get different things from different shows. Sometimes you connect with the audience or just a person on the show or you get the whole room and floor going. Either way, I don’t want to prioritize the shows. My favorite is every show!
WHAT ARTIST WOULD BE YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION?
The amazing guys in the power metal band Sabaton would be a dream to collaborate with. We love their historical storytelling and their hard hitting, heavy riffing sound!
WHAT SONG ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY?
On our upcoming album there is a song called “Where Are You Now”! That song is very close to me. The song is about loss, and how to be able to handle the pressure from losing someone close. I really felt that I connected with the guitar solo in that song.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR NON-MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
I get both my musical and non-musical influences from the stories that I collect. Being in a Story Metal band is not only about the music, it’s also a lot about the stories and experiences. How could you write and make music about life if you don’t dare to live life to its fullest? So my greatest inspiration must be the stories and things that I experience firsthand and the wonderful moments when people share their stories or experiences with me. Many of the songs that I wrote has come to be in this way.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO GAS STATION ORDER?
Hmmm, hot dog, with mashed potatoes and ketchup! Nothing can go wrong with that and you can vary the type of hot dog you order!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
To keep doing the things you believe in. I mean I have gone through many hard times in my life but it is actually all worth it. You must face your demons to be able to really enjoy the great moments in life. I wouldn’t give me advice that helped me out of hard times. I needed the challenges and the setbacks to be able to be that person that I am today!
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND PLANS FOR THE YEAR?
We are releasing our new album on May 7th. Its called “Path of a Shadow”
about “path of a shadow,” Pressure’s upcoming album
Are you bold enough to endure the journey of your own pressures?
This album takes you, the listener, on an adventure that are based on your life. Your shadow, the one that has been following you throughout it all tells your story as he has seen it through his dark but fiery eyes.
Self – Recorded in both English, German, and Swedish the album is masterfully done.
The introduction of the Story Metal concept is something that we has done well with every track being a story within a bigger story about life’s pressures and how the shadow beside you is always around.
From the beginning to the end, PATH OF A SHADOW will intrigue your conscious mind and you will realize things about yourself that you either did not know or was too afraid to tell. You will be left on the edge waiting for the next guitar riff. as well as raw yet rigid and harmonious vocals.
The story as life’s pressures has its ups and downs but that’s reality and that is what you get with this album. Songs, lyrics, and guitars that tell of your own true self! Reality that pressures exist, and you can either lay down and be run over or stand strong and conquer. Life is never easy but PRESSURE provides the tools to help you on your journey! The Shadow knows the path as he walks with you and sees it all! He will guide you on your path into the realm of life’s pressures! Do not worry, the shadow will never leave your side – he is always around
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