MERCILESS (EXPOSITORY MAG #4, 1994)

Expository Mag was a Swedish fanzine between 1991-1994. Although written in Swedish, here’s an interview translated to English for you.

Ah, one of Sweden's best bands! This is one of the few bands that hasn't changed its style and that's damn good because MERCILESS already plays such excellent music so why complaining? The demo tape Realm of the Dark is in my opinion one of Sweden's best demos of all time, even their other material can't be trashed. It's beyond my understanding that this band isn't as well known as they perhaps should be. But now when they're releasing their third album, that should change. I should point out that it wasn't me who did this interview, but a certain Mike/Peerless mag so if you want to praise/threaten, write to him. Okay, as usual, it's a certain Fredrik Karlén who has answered this interview so many times before.

Can you tell me why Stipen isn't in MERCILESS anymore?

Karlén: Stipen quit because my yarn diapers had stopped spinning. No hell, he moved to Stockholm, he thought it was hard to commute, then he wanted to play a little different music to what we were playing. It's been a hell of a mess with our records too, it takes a lot of energy, have a drink Sivan? (Me? /ed)

Was it fun playing with ENTOMBED underground?

Karlén: Hell yeah, rock like hell! Perfect! The whole tour went damn well, what a fucking mess on the Finlandsbåten. Our new drummer Peter (vinalkis) drank five wines + elephant beer, party and whores.

How does it feel now that you can finally get your debut album back?

Karlén: It feels very very good, damn good, finally!

Favorite bands at the moment?

Karlén: Satanic penis hunter Sadus, Slayer, Dissection, Saxon, Mercyful fate, Accept, Autopsy, Bathory…!!

Do you like any HC/Crust bands?

Karlén: G.B.H., Dischange, Bad religion, Misfits.

What would you say if people started thinking you play black metal when they saw that your debut was released on DSP?

Karlén: We play Black metal, right? (I wonder /ed) I don't know what to call our music. (Speed ​​trash with influences of death maybe /ed) I don't care either. It's just fucking mangling & vomiting! Raj, raj!

Are you for or against MAYHEM's opinions? Are you still friends with them?

Karlén: Just me getting my food (1000 pizzas) + booze, then I don't give a damn what people do and don't do. Pure hate!

Tell me a little about the new album then?

Karlén: Yes, we're going to record it in September. We tried out the studio two weeks ago and it turned out great, mangel!!! The album will be out in October-November on No fashion rec.

The front cover of the fanzine!

You know NFR Thomas pretty well, don't you?

Karlén: Well you could say that, we've probably shared a number of drunks with each other (approx. 1000000) Tomas is cool as hell.

Favorite demo/record/magazine/record store/pickle/chips?

Karlén: Mordid: December moon, Reign in blood, Slayer mag, Bajsbrännerit, plastic, all chips (I wonder, do you eat those damn vinegar chips? /ed)

Are we all drunks, okay?

Karlén: It hurts like hell haha. No, we're super at least 3-4 days a week. Soss hates us, hahaha. Pack a poo.

Say something tough to end then!

Karlén: Tough tough said the train that farts in the blue place, raj, raj. Watch out for our record, because it's flat & smells like booze. See you!

Thanks Karlén. The address for this guy is: Karlén, Elmavägen 31, 645 92 Strängnäs