Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Symphony of Sweden is turning up the volume with the electrifying addition of Erik Arkö as their new bassist. Fresh from Stockholm, Erik brings a dynamic blend of experience and energy, currently shaking stages with Six Feet Deeper and known for his powerhouse performances with bands like Structural Disorder, Sorcerer, Frontback, and Misth. Beyond the stage, Erik captivates fans with his YouTube channel, where he delves into the world of bass and music gear, adding yet another layer of excitement to Symphony of Sweden’s evolving sound.

Below you can find an exclusive interview with Erik Arkö.

-Welcome to Symphony of Sweden! How does it feel to be making your debut with the band at such a significant event?

Hello! Thank you so much! It feels amazing – it’s truly an honour and a  privilege to get to join the band for this upcoming chapter and I couldn’t possibly be more excited about this!

-How did this opportunity come about?

It was a bit of a “Sliding Doors” moment, really. I was just about to head to bed and, just out of routine I opened up the
Swedish buy/sell music gear page Vend. I scrolled down to the “Bass Player Wanted” section – and there I found the ad
saying that the band was in need of a bass player. I googled the band and listened to a few songs before writing a short introduction and attaching a few videos of me playing both live and “in the studio” and pretty instantly got a reply from Evan.
A few days passed and I saw that they were (in the later “adds”) also asking for social media links, which I hadn’t provided – so,
wanting to be a bit “on top of things” and prove myself interested I emailed those as well. I think that resonated in a positive way with Evan and I got talking a bit over email. We scheduled a lunch meeting a week or so later and when we met, we just clicked
instantly as individuals – which is very important, in my humble opinion. A band that can’t hang as individuals off stage seldom
lasts very long as a group. Basically, Evan offered me the gig as the bass player a few minutes into the lunch, which got me firing on all cylinders and I basically got started with transcribing and learning the full set that very day.
And it all comes down to me, with no intent whatsoever checking that buy/sell page before going to bed.

-What was your reaction when you found out that the Premier Show sold out in just two weeks?

It really got me pumped up! I’ve played gigs to both thousands of people and three people and a dog in the audience – and although I love playing no matter the size of the venue and the crowd, a sold-out venue is always a wee bit more exciting to hit the stage to!

-How have you been preparing for your first live performance with the band?

I’ve been going through the live set front-to-back pretty much ever since I  got the setlist from Evan. I actually transcribed all of the bass parts as part of the learning process, so if there’s an aspiring bass  player out there who wants tabs and sheet music they can always  hit me up (given that we’re playing the song that they want to learn  in this set…) I really want the set and the songs to be part of my muscle memory so that I can focus more on the interaction with the crowd and really lock in with the guys of the band.

-What are you most excited about for the Premier Show?

The very first note that hits the crowd from the full band – and the last note of the set! That’s when some extra adrenaline really hits your brain!

-How has the band helped you integrate and prepare for this debut performance?

This aspect has been extremely professional! Evan provided me with both the isolated bass tracks, bass-less songs, and tempo charts for all of the songs – things that really made my learning process a whole lot smoother. I’m used to getting a Spotify playlist and a “see you in two weeks for rehearsal! Let us know if you need any help!”, which I don’t mind at all – but this made things a whole lot smoother!

-Are there any particular songs in the setlist that you’re especially excited to play live?

Spoilers ahead! “Even if Solo” and “Slave” are two really high-octane numbers that I’m really looking forward to playing live!

-How do you handle the pressure of making your debut at a sold-out show?

I make sure that I’m fully prepared, both in terms of learning the songs, setting up and dialing in my gear, and physically (as in going out running and building up actual physical endurance). Then it’s all just about relaxing and enjoying the moment!

-What unique elements do you feel you bring to Symphony of Sweden’s sound and performance?

A really solid bass tone and an energetic stage persona!

-Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines to get ready for this big night?

I usually spend a lot of time with my instrument before a gig. I usually run through some tricky parts, play some arpeggios, and make sure that both of my hands are nice and relaxed. I never drink alcohol before a show, but I gladly accept a cup of coffee or a Coca-Cola – just to get some caffeine going through my bloodstream.

-How have the fans responded to the news of you joining the band?

The reception has been great! I feel truly welcomed by the fans and I can’t wait to prove myself to them!

-What are your goals as the new bassist for Symphony of Sweden, both for this show and moving forward?

For this show: a rock solid show with great tunes performed with a lot of heart and energy. Moving forward: playing (and potentially headlining) big festivals! My dream is to play Rock in Rio in Brazil – and I won’t say no to the Sweden Rock Festival or Wacken either!

-How do you plan to connect with the audience during your debut performance?

I’m gonna reiterate what Ian Gillan told Bruce Dickinson in the early ’80s: Look them in the eye and mean it! You want the person at the very back to feel just as part of what’s on stage as the one standing at the very front row. That has always been my mission when on stage – and I intend on continuing that crusade with Symphony of Sweden as well!

-Finally, what message would you like to share with the fans who will be seeing you perform for the first time at the Premier Show?

Thank you for making the show sell out! Can’t wait to see you all there!

Welcome to the musical world of Symphony Of Sweden!

Coming from the North of Sweden with winter and polar bears all over the place, the music is the other way around. Grand and epic with huge arrangements, the missing link between pop and metal – this is Symphony of Sweden! Add the powerful voice of Linus “Lee” Wester and the creative talent of Pontus “Evan” Hagberg you will have a concept that brings you on a journey from here to eternity.

Symphony Of Sweden is:
Pontus „Evan” Hagberg
Linus „Lee” Wester

Contributing musicians for the upcoming Premier Show:

🎸 Erik Arkö – Master of 4-String 🎓
Erik hails from Stockholm, Sweden, and brings a wealth of experience and talent to the lineup.

 Henrik Bodin-Sköld – Guitar Virtuoso & Arrangement Maestro 🎨
Henrik’s fretwork prowess defines the soul-stirring sound of Symphony Of Sweden’s “Haunted” album, making each track an odyssey into hard rock mastery.

🥁 Niklas “Bullen” Bengtsson – Rhythmic Dynamo 🔥
Fueling the band’s heartbeat on drums, Niklas “Bullen” Bengtsson brings relentless energy and precision.

The HistoryEvan and Lee lived in the same small town up north in Sweden. Lee had his own little service point, betting shop, tobacco store nearby which also happened to be Evan’s local service point where he went to get his parcels. After saying hello to each other for a couple of years, there was one day Evan had a parcel to get – which obviously was music-related. They fell into conversation with each other, a few days later Evan invited Lee to his studio. Evan: „he had found one of my instrumental tracks on Youtube and sang it with a new melody on top and lyrics for me in the studio, right there when he just arrived! I was blown away, and a week later we had our first ever track produced and completed. As soon he sang his first two words in the studio I wanted to work with him!”

The band released their first album, Inner Demons in January 2021, and their second album, Saints Of Yesterday came out on the 3rd of February, 2022. The band’s latest material, Haunted was released on the 7th of February, 2024.

More information at https://symphonyofsweden.se/