Swedish Metal pioneers Portrait are set to release their new album At One With None September 3rd via Metal Blade Records. The bands guitarist Christian Lindell took the time to talk with Metal Express Radio about the band’s upcoming album, the band’s fifteen year longevity, the Metal scene in Sweden, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: Portrait’s new album At One With None is set to be released September 3rd, what can you tell fans about the upcoming release?
Lindell: The album is full of classic style Portrait Heavy Metal and is another step taken by us when it comes to the development of our sound and musical expression. It has the heaviness, aggression and epic atmosphere that are our trademarks and we have taken things even further this time.
MER: How was the writing and recording process for the album?
Lindell: The writing process was very inspirational and we ended up having loads of songs. Some were scratched, but 11 we rerecorded all in all, of which 8 ended up on the album. Tw additional songs are included on a bonus 7” that goes with the box version of the album. The recording process went smooth and in the end we got close to the production that we had envisioned, I think it perfectly fits the music.
MER: Portrait recently released a video for the song ‘Phantom Fathomer’, what kind of feedback have you received?
Lindell: I don’t read all comments, but most people I have talked to and most comments I have seen have been positive. It is nice of course but it does not really matter too much in the end as we are pleased with it ourselves and that is the most important thing.
MER: Do you feel like “Phantom Fathomer” gives fans a good idea on what to expect on the full length?
Lindell: Yes, in some ways. It is a midtempo track, quite melodic and a bit epic. There are some songs that are even more epic, even more melodic and more aggressive and faster on the album as well of course. Phantom Fathomer is somewhere in the middle stylewise, and the other songs stretches outwards from there in many different directions one can say.
MER: What do you see for plans for the band after the album is released?
Lindell: Touring, hopefully. It is just that the world tries to stand in our way. We will book some Swedish shows this autumn in connection with the release at least, and then we will continue to conquer other countries from there.
MER: Being from Sweden, how is the Metal scene there compared to the rest of the world?
Lindell: It is alive and well I would say. We have at least 5-10 interesting bands, which I would say is more than many other countries right now. Of course there are a lot of trends and it has always been like that, Sweden is a very trendy country and as soon one band does something new, a hundred others try to copy them. But yeah, overall I guess the scene here is OK.
MER: Is there anyone that you would like to tour with that you haven’t yet?
Lindell: Yes, a lot. I recently discovered that our booking agency (Dragon Productions) signed The Rods, so I really hope we can support them some day. Their two latest albums are fucking killer. I advise everyone to buy them immediately if you are into their old stuff.
MER: What is one album you would suggest to a fan that’s unfamiliar with the band and why?
Lindell: Start from the beginning and buy the first album. All the other albums are better, so no matter if you like the first one or not – buy the rest as well.
MER: What has been the key to keeping the band going after 15 years?
Lindell: A burning ambition, strong focus and a lot of patience. It is easy to get distracted in this weird world, so just focus on what is the most important and don’t rush with things.
MER: Thank you for your time!
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