Ελληνικά
In the ever-evolving landscape of melodic death metal, few bands have sustained their spirit and commitment as authentically as Sweden’s Ablaze My Sorrow. Emerging from the vibrant metal scene of early ‘90s Falkenberg, this band has woven a distinctive sound influenced by legendary acts and personal passion. After years of growth, a hiatus, and a revitalizing reunion, Ablaze My Sorrow continues to sharpen their identity with uncompromising energy and dedication to their craft. In this exclusive interview with Metal Invader, the band reflects on their origins, influences, legacy, and the excitement building toward their upcoming show in Greece. Lights on Anders Brorsson and Jonas Udd…
Hello and welcome to Metal Invader!
As it is your first meeting with Metal Invader, even though our readers definitely know you, for the newer fans, can you tell us about the origins of Ablaze My Sorrow and how the band formed initially?
(AB) -From the very early days of the 90’s our hometown Falkenberg, a small town 100 km south of Gothenburg, had a very dedicated metal scene. As early as 1991-1993 we had shows set up where bands such as Entombed, Dissection and At the Gates played. This created a very strong scene where new friendships were born and new bands were formed. We were all very young at that time but in 1993 members from a couple of different bands got together and formed Ablaze my Sorrow.
What have been the main influences—musical or otherwise—that shaped your identity as a band?
(AB) -We have always been strongly influenced by bands such as for example At the Gates, Dissection and Eucharist but of course also the thrash metal genre with bands like Kreator and Slayer. Bands such as Helloween, Blind Guardian and also Sentenced has, in one way or another, influenced our sound.
What led to the decision to go on hiatus, and what inspired the reunion in 2013, and how has the band evolved since then?
(AB) -In 2006 members of the band had started to have families and had work that took a big part of their time. We also stood without a record deal since No Fashion Records now were dead and gone. These were probably the main factors to why we decided to not continue with the band. Some years later one of all these drunken “let’s go again” conversations did actually result in a rehearsal and from that day we’ve been playing again. Musically we just picked up were we left it in 2006.
How do you see Ablaze My Sorrow’s legacy and place within the melodic death metal scene today?
(AB) -It’s not up to us to speak about these things. We do what we do and that’s fine for us.
What song from your discography do you feel best represents Ablaze My Sorrow’s spirit right now, and why?
(AB) -I would have to say “Rotten to the Core” from our latest ep since it’s a straight forward song with both melodies and aggression.
How excited are you about your upcoming show in Greece on October 12th?
(AB) -I’m really looking forward the visit Greece and Athens. Not only to see the others bands we are going to share stage with but also to meet the Greek people. You’ve had a very strong death/black metal scene for 30+ years so it’ll be extremely satisfying to come over there to play.
What can fans expect from your live set in terms of song selection and stage presence?
(AB) -We will be playing songs from all of our releases so it will a mix between old and new songs.
Do you have any memorable experiences or stories from previous live shows that you’d like to share?
(AB) -Even though we haven’t been the most active live band there are for sure stories to tell. The best stories are probably not fit for publication though.
How important is the live connection and energy with your audience during performances?
(JU) I would say that it’s very important, but it starts with the music. The music is the intermediate between us and the audience, that’s where we meet. During our best live shows, I as a vocalist do not experience the live show as a performance but as being in the flow of music together with my bandmates and the audience. So, the connection and the energy with the audience is very important for the music to take front row, so to speak.
What are your plans following the Greece show? Are you working on new music or touring elsewhere?
(AB) -We’ll go right back to rehearsing new material to be able to enter the studio within a not too distant future. The material for the next release is written and only needs some small changes to be ready for the studio.
How do you see Ablaze My Sorrow evolving in the next few years?
(AB) -We’ll keep sharpening the same razor sharp death metal we’ve been sharpening since the beginning. No bigger changes, just trying to make it better.
What are your long-term goals as a band, both musically and professionally?
(JU, AB) -Our main goal with the band is to keep having a great time with our band mates and to keep playing the melodic death metal we enjoy playing. We’ve never had any goals to make this band “successful” or “big”.
Are there any messages you would like to share with your Greek fans ahead of the concert?
(JU, AB) -Let’s make this evening an evening to remember!
