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1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
We are working on the physical release of the album, getting everything right artwork wise. And we are planning and rehearsing for the release gig(s) which will happen this fall.
2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
I don't think it differs that much in style. We've always done the same thing broadly speaking. However your own musical taste develops and changes over the years, so if anything I'd say this album is a little bit darker and more intense, while still being very melodic and atmospheric which is always the goal for us.
3.This is also your first album in 5 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Just taking our time with the songwriting and production really. Since we are not signed on any label at the moment, there are no deadlines, which is both a positive and a negative thing. Positive because you don't have to release the album until you are 100% satisfied with it, but negative because if you do not have a deadline you might postpone work that could have been done earlier. That is probably why it took us more or less a year to produce the album. I have to say though, that because we spent a year producing it, the songs evolved even after they were finished. Which is cool.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
This last album is pure storytelling about the world turning to flames in the eyes of a protagonist. However it is written abstractly with room for interpretation. There are some outliers though, for example The Forsaken is inspired by the concept of dark energy and that some day in the future we might not see anything around us when looking at the night sky. Which is both fascinating and terrifying.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sworn'/
I chose this name for the band in 2005 while it was still a one-man project. I remember a friend, who also wrote some lyrics for the demo, mentioned "Sworn" when we were talking about cool band names. Seeing as it was "available" at that time, I could not find any other bands with the name that were active, I told him that I would like to use it for my own band, which he supported. I was looking for a short memorable word that fit the style of the music, and I think Sworn is perfect for that.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
It is made by Stefan Todorovic of Khaos Diktator design. It is inspired by the lyrics and themes of the album. He was basically given full creative freedom on the intial sketch, and then we worked together to shape that idea into the final piece. An album cover is so important because it subconciously is responsible for alot of the emotions and associations you experience while listening to the music. This cover does a great job amplifying the feeling we want to give the listeners with our music.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
I have to say Summer Breeze and Ragnarok Festival back in the day, playing in front of thousands of people for the first time is truly amazing. We did have a break doing live shows for almost 10 years though, from 2011 to 2020, so coming back on stage in Norway in 2020 playing our songs again for the first time was also damn awesome. I really got the feeling of "we're back" if you know what I mean.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
We are working on booking three release gigs in Norway this fall, when the physical format of the album is released. Other than that, nothing specific, but we are discussing the possibilities of a tour early in 2024.
9.Currently he band is unsigned but has worked with a label in the past, are you open to working with another label again in the future?
Yes we are, if it's a label we want to work with.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric and melodic black metal?
The reaction to the new album these four days since release has been seriously overwhelming. We knew we've made a solid album but honestly did not expect so much praise. Very grateful for that!
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
That is a very interesting question. Most important thing I think is that you stay true to what the band is about even though you might develop as a musician and feel a need to challenge yourself. Ultimately, speaking for myself, I write the music that I myself would like to listen to. I don't try to "please" anyone with a different taste. My taste changes over the years, but it is till very rooted in melodic black metal and I expect it to always be like that.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
We have different taste in music for sure, but melodic black metal and Sworn is like a common ground that we all like. Our vocalist Max usually prefers more aggressive stuff, while our drummer Tom is more into experimental and progressive music. Our other guitar player Gøran loves catchy heavy metal and is a die hard Iron Maiden fan. And for me its mostly atmospheric and melodic stuff.
13.before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for this interview. Check out A Journey told through Fire if you haven't already!
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