OLAF THORSEN is an Italian guitarist and founding member of the progressive power metal bands VISION DIVINE and LABYRINTH. Metalshock Finland‘s Tarja had a chance to interview this incredible guitar speed-shredder, just one day before the release of VISION DIVINE‘s new album “Destination set to nowhere”. We were talking about Olaf’s musical background and of course about the new album. Please join our conversation…

1. Hi Olaf, thanks for this chance to interview you! how are you doing today?

Hi Tarja, I’m really busy as usual in these days, but really fine, thanks!

2. A curious question. Your name’s Carlo Andrea, but everybody knows you by your stage name, Olaf Thorsen. Why this choice?

Loooong story, I’d prefer not to stay here telling you the whole thing, as it would take 1 hour. Let´s simplify, explaining you that in Italy it´s complicated, for the SIAE, to use your stage name when you deposit the copyrights, and as I´m a lazy guy allergic to the italian bureaucracy, I never cared too much about signing my songs with my real name.

3. I know the 2012 has been a busy year for you. Tell me the most important event/s of it, so far?

Mmm let me think: maybe the release of our new Vision Divine album “Destination set to nowhere” ? ahah!

4. Your musical career is long and very convincing (of which I congratulate you!), you’ve played all over the world and with many great musicians. Which has been the most unforgettable act/s, so far?

Thanks a lot! Unfortunately, I will answer your question completely only once I´ll have the chance of sharing the stage with my all time fave band, which is Fates Warning. It may sound strange, but I’ve played with almost every known band but Them! So far, I think Iron Maiden have been an incredible act, and most of all they shown to be really down to earth people, which made me appreciate them even more.

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