Here is a new interview with Johan Ericson of Doom :VS {He is also part of the great death/doom,gothic band Draconian} if you enjoy deathdoom metal with some atmosphere then definitely check out Doom :VS new cd "Earthless" through Solitude Productions.
regards
Patrick
Interview with Johan Ericson vocals and all instruments for Doom:VS done by Patrick
1.Hello Johan how is life in Sweden these days? Please introduce yourself to the readers?
The life here in Sweden is fine thanks, keeping busy. I'm Johan of DOOM:VS, DRACONIAN and various different projects.
2.What gave you the idea to form "Doom:vs? How did you come up with the band name?
I just wanted something I had total control of myself, everything from song writing, playing the instrument and production. The doom genre have always been close to my heart so it felt natural to continue with another doom laden project. The band name question is easiest the most common question and let me explain. The word Domus in Latin means big house. Adding another "o", big house of doom. Also you can interpret it as DOOM=US meaning humanity, ourselves. So the the U is written as a V like in the old days, and like Blue Öyster Cult.
3.Have you ever looked for more members to join the band or do you prefer working alone?
No, I thought about it cause there's been a lot of live requests but at the moment I can't find the time so I'm just concentrating on creating music. So to answer the question, I will always be the only creative force of DOOM:VS.
4. If you could work with any musician's{past or present} who would you like to work with?
I had Thomas AG Jensen from Saturnus as guest vocalist on the latest album so that's a bit of a dream come true. Always loved the music from Saturnus since I first heard them back in the mid 90's. I always wanted to do something with Mathias Lodmalm of Cemetery fame but that would be a whole other project I think.
5.How did you come in contact with the great label Solitude Productions?
After my previous label Firebox had to close down I was searching for an equal label with the same unique interest for doom music. And I think I found it. A label that doesn't say what to do and just trust in your vision.
6.Doom:VS is getting ready to release the new cd "Earthless" how long did it take to write the music for the songs on this release?
It didn't take that long to write the actual music. The time consumer on this one was the recording. To find time for each session.
7.Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics? What are some subjects you write about?
Inspiration comes from life in general, the ups and downs, relations and death. The general theme have always been loss and regrets, and the feeling of not belonging.
8. Doom:VS comes out of the Swedish underground, what is your opinion of Sweden's metal scene?
The metal scene in Sweden have always been great, good quality music and it seems like the younger generation are keeping it alive by playing more old traditional styles of metal. Everything from retro 70's rock/metal to old school death metal.
9.Who are your all-time favorite Swedish bands? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
Tough question as I am a big music fan. Butt what inspired the most while growing up and formed me as a musician would be bands like, Candlemass, Cemetery, Edge of Sanity, Entombed, Katatonia, Bathory and Tiamat. The list could go on and on really. Can't think of any newer bands right away but my friend in Mammoth Storm are really making a fuzz with their doom,sludge, stoner style.
10.Johan you handle the clean vocals for the band when did you first become interested in singing?
When we grow up and just played around in the rehearsal we all took turns on singing so it have always felt kind of natural. I don't sing much anymore, just on recordings and I wish I had time to learn to sing better.
11.Who are some of your influences/favorite vocalist? Do you do anything special to keep your throat/voice healthy?
When it comes to growling I always liked singers Mikael Åkerfeldt, Dan Swanö and Paul Kuhr.. No health here, I don't smoke so that's it.
12.You also play all the instruments for Doom:vs what is your favorite instrument to play? Are their any instruments you would like to learn someday?
The guitar cause it feels the most natural these days. I started as a drummer and took piano lessons as a kid so I can fiddle around a bit and fool the average joe I guess, haha. I would like to master the violin, that would be cool.
13.Johan you also do vocals for the band Draconian is Draconian still active or is Doom:VS your main project now?
I only do back up vocals for DRACONIAN, and yes, we are very much active. We are finishing up pre-production for our 6th album right about now. DRACONIAN will always be the main band for me.
14.How would you say Doom:VS music is different then Draconian's?
For me it's more personal cause I behind every note and breath. Also the music a bit slower and monotone driven.
15.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out. Do you have any final words for the readers?
Yes, I just would like to say that if you haven't picked up the new CD yet for various reasons the vinyl will be released July 20th via Wretched Records. So get over there and order it! Thanks for the interview Patrick!
To order a copy of Doom:VS new cd go to this web-site
http://www.solitude-prod.com/
and if you want to learn more about Doom:VS check out the Official Facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/deadwordsspeak
