Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The 5 piece band Evil Masquerade are about to release their album “Pentagram” on May 21st. I caught with Henrik Flyman to ask him about his influences, the new album and his charity work and here’s what he had to say…

1. Hello Henrik, I’m David, Welcome To MSF!

Hi David and thank you.

2. How and why did you start playing?

I picked up a flute when I was 10, switched to piano at 11, added drums at 13, bass & guitar at 14 and then some vocals much later. Why? I had to do something and I had no interest in sports or drugs… hahaha. Except for the occasional game of backgammon and a cold one. But seriously, I don’t think you choose to become a musician. Either you are or you’re not.

3. Which bands would you say inspired or influenced you?

If we’re talking metal and hard rock I’d say bands like Rainbow, DIO, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, ACDC and all those classics. But I listen to all sorts of music as long as it’s melodic and sincere.

4. How did the name Evil Masquerade come about?

I had been in some bands that were impossible to pronounce. Therefore I wanted to go mainstream and be pronounceable. I also wanted to point people in the right direction of what to expect to come out of the speakers. We’ve been very successful with the name Evil Masquerade because it’s not more than a handful of people that expect us to be Country & Western.

5. Do you still get nervous before shows?

I never was. I look forward to them.

6. When the first album Welcome To Show was released what was your reaction to how well it was received by the fans?

I was pleasantly surprised because I didn’t know what to expect. “Welcome to the Show” is pretty different compared to what is normally released, so we were out on thin ice. But that’s how I like it. Some hated it, and many more loved it. I’m still very pleased with our debut album.

7. I see that you got your first permanent Keyboardist in Artur Meinild last year How and why did that come about?

There’s a very simple explanation to that. He was the first guy that fit right in on all levels. Very professional, committed and a perfect social match. We don’t rehearse much, but when we do I expect the band to be ready for a show the same night. We have that kind of band now. I enjoy their musicianship and company. It’s a pleasure to share the stage with them and I’m sure the audience can tell. It’s equally pleasant to share a keg of beer on a day-off.

8. You have a new album Pentagram coming out in May can you tell me about it?

It’s the most straight forward, organic, honest and effective punch in the face you ever got from Evil Masquerade. It’s a very dark and heavy album with great melodies from start till end. It’s the best collection of songs I have ever written and I have never heard the other guys perform better. Apollo’s vocals are absolutely amazing. This album already feels like an old classic to me and you can count on that we will include a bunch of these songs when we play live. Perfect beer drinking music!

9. Could you please tell us about the songwriting process of the album?

The tough part was to find the direction. I wrote lots of music that was good, but it didn’t feel like our 5th album. When I finally realised what I was looking for, it came like a running water. This is the album I grew up with – if it had existed.

10. What can you tell us about the lyrics to the album and what influenced them?

It’s influenced by darkness, pain, frustration, agony, hell and high water… hahaha. A real party starter! I’d say it’s partly influenced by personal experiences and partly by the music itself. It kind of floats together. I try not to think too much in the creative phase. I write and see what comes out of it. That’s why it sometimes take a long time to come up with what feels right for a complete album. You never know, and that’s how it should be.

11. Technically how does this album differ to your debut/last album?

I think we have moved slowly towards this album since the debut 2004. Songs like Black Ravens Cry, I’ll Make You Burn, But You Were Smiling, A Great Day to Die, I Believe in Sin could easily fit on the upcoming album. So in a sense there’s nothing new. But all those songs were a bit lonely on the albums they appeared on. This album is more solid and certain of its direction.

12. How did you make the decision to make the video for the album Animated?

Oh you mean the video presentation? It’s not really a video as in music video. It’s a medley of songs from the album – more like a teaser to show what to expect. I ran in to the guy from Blackbay Studios (Tomas Flodin) and soon realised that he was as talented as equal minded. One thing led to another and there you have it. This is usually how great things come to happen. Fortunate coincidences. Soon we will have another video out for a full song. But this is a more traditional video with the band playing, actors and more animations.

13. I read that you got involved with the Metal For Cancer Charity could you tell me what that involves and why you wanted to help?

The founder of Metal For Cancer, Richard Ofsoski asked me if I wanted to donate an Evil Masquerade song to the project. I thought it was a good project, but I was in the middle of tons of legal stuff concerning the band and didn’t want to add more possible conflicts. Therefore I offered to write a new song instead that could be performed by an all-star lineup. He thought it was a great idea, and so the project was launched. It was fun to include so many talented guys from bands such as Sonata Arctica, Therion, Megadeth, TNT, Krux and several others. Of course my band mates from Evil Masquerade are aboard as well. This song, “Let’s Unite in Rock”, was actually the first production I did on my own label Dark Minstrel Music. The song is very DIO-ish and everyone involved performs from the bottom of their hearts and souls. All income is donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. I would really recommend you to spend a couple of bucks to support something that affects us all. We need to put a stop to this disease once and for all. It has already harvested too many good people and loved ones. And when you do support the project you also get a copy of this metal anthem. Go to http://www.metalforcancer.com and do what you should have done a long time ago. Every dollar counts.

14.  Thanks for the interview Henrik!!!! Is there any last words that you Like pass on to our readers and your fans?

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have started buying their music again. This will allow for your favourite bands to continue releasing music. Keep it up! We need your support to survive.

Interview By David Pearce