It’s been over 30 years since singer Christian Liljegren and guitarist Mats-Åke Andersson first met. They took their time until 2022 to present their first studioalbum together. With their new founded band FLAMES OF FIRE, they want to relive all the feelings and emotions they had, when they discouvered the glorious Heavy Metal of the 80s. „Flames Of Fire“ is full of passion, overcoming boundaries and christian lyrics, like Christian told us.
When you and Mats-Åke Andersson met for the first time in 1987, you got the vision to make music together. After 25 years the debut „Flames Of Fire“ is finally being released. Why did it take so long to make the album and what were the biggest struggles?
Me and Mats-Åke Andersson always had a good contact during all the years, but we were both occupied with different things. Now the timing was right and we are so happy to present new music with „Flames Of Fire“ and to do concerts together.
The guitar parts were recorded in Norway, the bass, and vocals in Sweden, while the sound was mixed together in Finland. How did you experience making an album in different studios in three countries? Which were the main problems you had to overcome?
My good friends Stephen Carlson and Jani Stefanovic now live in Norway and Finland. We are all used to send files and we know how to create the good sound that we want. We have worked like this for many years.
Has FLAMES OF FIRE ever played or recorded some parts together in the same studio? If no, would you say that this will make it harder to play and perform at live concerts?
No, we have done it in separate ways, but we have close contact, so the communication is very good. When we will go on tour, we will have rehearsals in Sweden. You have to be structured and organized.
How does it feel having a band, which members are so far away and that you can hardly play together with? Do bands that are seeing each other more often have a stronger bond?
We have a strong bond as we know the skills of each member. Mats-Åke, Stephen, Jani, Per and me talkt a lot with eath other.
What would you say are the advantages of every bandmember recording their part on their own?
We save time and we want to deliver the best possible performance of each member including myself. No stress, we work until it is good enough for the album.
What can you tell about the lyrics? How did you come up with them?
The lyrics deal about different things in life, like relationships, situations in the world and about the passion to make music. My faith is that God has created you and me and the music is a natural part of me.
You were singing and writing songs for so many bands before like Narnia, The Waymaker or Audiovision. After so many years, how do you still come up with lyric ideas and where do you get your inspirations from?
Every day is unique, as well as meeting with different people. Out of that, I get the inspiration to write new songs and lyrics. I am blessed with this gift and I am able to steadily make new music. Deeply thankful for that.
Will you focus on FLAMES OF FIRE by now or are you planning other projects like „Melodic Passion“, which was released last year?
„Melodic Passion“ was my solo album, but FLAMES OF FIRE is a band. We plan to go on tour like I did with Narnia, a very important band where I am involved.
What woud you say makes „Flames Of Fire“ better than some of your previous releases and what are the biggest differences?
If I look at what I have done the last five years with Narnia, The Waymaker, Melodic Passion and FLAMES OF FIRE, I see a good progress in my voice and also the songwriting, as I have worked hard with my vocal technique. So from that perspective, „Flames Of Fire“ is my best vocal performance ever, in my opinion. I hope the new Narnia will be that way as well.
You already worked with so many musicians for your other bands and solo albums. Are there any artists left that you want to make music?
Right now I am very happy, but it would be fun to record a duet with Rob Rock and Michael Sweet, two singers I respect a lot.
In 2021 you celebrated your 35th anniversary as an artist and nearly 40 albums. Can you tell some of your personal highlights over that time? What were the biggest or most important moments for yourself?
Yes there has been many, but to name a few: First record contract in Japan 1997, the tour with Ronnie James Dio in 1998, first Japan tour with Divinefire in 2005, South America tour with Stryper in 2019.
In your band biography you say that the band already has material for several albums. Can the readers expect to hear new stuff shortly after the debut release?
We have many great ideas, so our plan is to release a new album every year. So the next album will hopefully be out on January or February 2023.
Thank you for the interview. Let’s conclude with our traditional brainstorming. Please describe what comes to your mind first when you read the following words.
Current favorite album: „Screaming Symphony“ by Impellitteri
Best band of all time: Rainbow
80s metal: Stryper
Religion: Christian
Something that makes every bad day better: Listening to great hardrock/metal. I have my personal list and listening to it makes me feel better.
FLAMES OF FIRE in 10 years: We have done several album and tours. We will make an album and do live performance with a full Symphonic Orchestra.
Once again thanks for your time. The last words are yours. Is there anything left you want to tell our readers?
I am deeply thankful for your support and hope to see you on tour with FLAMES OF FIRE and Narnia during 2022 and 2023. Enjoy the „Flames Of Fire“.
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