Since the beginning of your experience with MANTICORA, I found you have a very particular voice. So-called “Reviewers” compare it to HANSI KURSCH (BLIND GUARDIAN) style. Now what's your point of view? Other sources of inspiration for your singing?
I don't think I sound like Hansi at all!!!!! He's much more raw than I am, and his range is (used to be) much wider than mine. My influences are: Bruce Dickinson, Russel Allen, James Hetfield, Warrel Dane and Erik A.K. + a lot of other great singers, but I also get goosebumps on my arms, when hearing Luciano Pavarotti singing “Nessun Dorma”. It is without question the most beautiful small piece of music in the world, and I have in my entire career tried to find this “Melancholia and sadness” that is so greatly exposed in music like that.
Now after over 15 years of career between FEAR IT SELF and MANTICORA, try to do a balance…what's the bad situations you had to face in the past and the better moments ?
The bad things: People that deceive you. This is the most disgusting business there is, where everyone are ready to stab you in the back to gain something for themselves, so one has to look out! It's all about money and not ideals. There are a lot of assholes that could learn something, but I guess it will never change. Call me naïve, but I tend to trust people too much…
Good moments: First album deal, first Euro tour, first show in the US ….do you get the picture? All first-time things are incredible, as all these things have been unobtainable targets that suddenly come true. It's not that great the second time around to play a venue or to sign a record deal, but then you tend to grasp the moment even more, when you do things the second time. It has been a long and hard ride to get where we are today, so the greatest thing is actually that we are still here and have never given up in spite of all the shit we have had to eat through the years….
Talking about your personal dreams and ambition, what ‘s the aim you ‘d want to obtain in the future with MANTICORA ?
It has always been my ultimate goal to be able to live off the music, so I'll aim for that still. I know that it's almost impossible today, but I'll still try. If you ask people that know me, then they'll tell you that I NEVER give up on a goal I have set for myself, so let's hope it happens some day. For the short-term future, we'll just settle with the King Diamond tour and see what it creates for us. It has to make further record sales and open the eyes of festival bookers.
To me MANTICORA with your fellows WUTHERING HEIGHTS are one of the best and original expression of a new way to play “Power metal” , and not only in Denmark … imagine to be speaking to young musicians who want to play heavy metal….some personal advices you would give to them to be “fresh” and “original” ?
No matter what people say to you about doing this or doing that, you should stay true to yourself and to your style. Of course it's ok to listen to advice, but don't let people change you. Whenever you feel that you are ready to record stuff and send to record labels, play on for another 6 months and get even better as the 1 st try is normally not good enough. It might seem a strange advice, but we all think that we are kings, when we are younger and it's hard to be objective on your own material in that age.
And what about your current music listening? …some new band you find interesting?
I am listening a lot to Raintime (Italian band), Darkane, Trivium and a new young Italian band called Pathosray. Of course I am also listening to the old masters: Symphony X, Bruce D, Nevermore, etc.
We are coming to the end of the interview, so as tradition, I give you the chance to say whatever you want to our readers. In the mid-time, thanks for taking the time to answer this questions …the last words of this interview are left to you, cheers Lars….
Hey "metalheads". Speriamo di vedervi al nostro concerto a Novembre... Noi saremo sicuramente lí !
interview realized by Marco Tarda
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