Ahead of their forthcoming Planet Loud sponsored UK trek, Planet Loud had a quick chat with new Marionette vocalist Alexander..
Planet Loud -So, how are you today, how is life in Marionette?
Marionette – Just got off work and chilling at home. This past five months with Marionette have been awsome, a lot of partying and meeting new friends. All the dudes in the band have welcomed me with open arms so life has been pretty good to me! We did a few summer festivals in Sweden and I’m feeling well warmed up, and like everyone else in the band, eagerly anticipating “The SlaughTour 2010″ our UK headline run in October and then our support shows with Dark Tranquillity in Scandinavia this November!
Planet Loud – Can you give us a bit of a life story …
Marionette – When I first came into music I was a bassplayer but soon realized I was supposed to be in front of the mic. I started working pretty early in my life, allways hoping to reach a big stage. Joining Marionette as the new frontman is the first step of my journey – so maybe ask that one again in a few years (laughter)!
Planet Loud – Can you describe your life away from Marionette? How do you spend your time?
Marionette – Just working my day job (nothing glamorous), rehearsing and hanging with my friends. And the girls ofcourse, they are a big part of life.
Planet Loud – How did you end up joining Marionette, what made you accept the role?
Marionette – It was a big opertunity, and when I first heard Marionette I knew it was the obvious choice for me. The aggressiveness of the music and live show were extremely compelling. The possibility of touring and being a full time musician and performer just added to the excitement!
Planet Loud – Were you aware the vocalist position was vacant? Who approached who?
Marionette – Mikael [Medin, bass] and Aron [Parmerud, guitars/backing vocals] both gave me a call and told me their previous lead singer, Axel Widén, had split and they asked if i was interested in taking over and the music we produce speaks for itself. But before that call I was unaware they were looking for a new singer. After some practices with the guys everyone felt great and they formally invited me to join as a full time member.
Planet Loud – What was your situation prior to joining Marionette?
Marionette – I still sing/growl/scream in another band called Eldrimner myspace.com/eldrimnerswe), and i have continued to do that now and even after joining the guys in Marionette. Though it may be tough for your readers to understand the lyrics as they are all in Swedish [laughter]!
Planet Loud – Describe your vocal style – which vocalists inspire you?
Marionette – My normal pitch is higher then most, especially considering that I’ve joined a band that is widely considered a death metal band. But my deep, dark growls are just as prominent. I have done some clean vocals in the past as well. I love to experiment and learn more about the range and possibilities with my voice. I dont have specific vocalist that inspires me, i find inspiration in different styles of music and incorporate bits and pieces into what i do already on stage and in the studio. The next Marionette cd will definitely be a reflection of how I’ve grown as a vocalist since joining the band and I am eager to put my stamp on Marionette’s music.
Planet Loud – What are your top five albums of all time?
Marionette – obzen ( meshuggah ) reinkaos ( dissection ) veil of ignorance (raised fist) farsottider ( thyrfing )
Planet Loud – What inspires you when writing your lyrics?
Marionette – Everything and anything. From love to pure hate, the whole gambit!
Planet Loud – You’re about to head over to the UK on a tour with Marionette, what can fans expect?
Marionette – Expect the best Marionette live show on “The SlaughTour 2010″. From the stage set to the songs that we’re selecting to play, we’re putting a great deal of thought and effort into all aspects of the tour. We’ll have some new merch and a few really cool surprises. Fans should definitely expect to hear a mix of old songs and never-before-played new songs that will be on our next cd. Folks that meet us after the show can expect lots of partying!
Planet Loud – What are you expecting from the UK? Have you played here before?
Marionette – Believe it or not this will be my first time in the UK playing or even as a tourist! So apart from great shows and good times with the folks that come out I don’t know what to expect really!
Planet Loud – What are your plans for after the UK tour?
Marionette – After “The Slaughtour 2010″ we’ll be heading out with our friends and fellow Gothenburgers Dark Tranquillity and Avatar for the final Scandinavian dates of “Where Death Is Most Alive Part II” Tour. Those should be awesome, especially since the final show will be a homecoming show for every band on the billing. After that we’ll spend more time recording and completing our third album.
Planet Loud – What do you want to achieve with Marionette?
Marionette – I want to turn the metal world upside and destroy anything in our way and give our fans the best live shows and albums.
Planet Loud – Your first gig with the band saw you join up with departing vocalist Axel, how was that?
Marionette – It was all fun, that show in May was a great time and everyone who was there will certainly remember it! Axel is a cool dude and it was great to share the stage with him for that show as he’s a great vocalist and an all around great dude. He has inspired me and helped me learn the ropes when I first joined the band as well.
Planet Loud – Thanks for your time, any message for Planet Loud readers who may be attending “The Slaughtour 2010″?
Marionette – Come and have an awsome night with us in October we promise you a show with lots of energy, great tunes and plenty of partying!
Interview by Graham Finney
