Critical Mass was a Swedish fanzine in the mid 90’s. It was written in Swedish but here’s an article translated to English for you.
CROWN OF THORNS: FOREVER HEAVEN DIE!
I think CROWN OF THORNS from Trollhättan is one of the best new Swedish bands. Although they are not that new, they have been playing together since October ’91. In February ’93 they released their debut demo “Forever heaven gone”, which sold 600 copies worldwide. They played at the Hultsfredsfestivalen ’93 and, after changing guitarists, released their second demo, “Forget the light”, in November ’94. It gave CROWN OF THORNS a 2-year record deal with Black Sun. The debut album was recorded at Berno Studio in Malmö, and was named “The burning”. Here is an interview with guitarist Marko Tervonen.
In these days when everyone seems to be playing black metal, do you see any future for death metal?
- The best thing about playing DM in these BM days is that it is REAL death metal fans who buy records and not trend-setting faggots who think it is tough to have a MORBID ANGEL record. People who have gone from DM to 100% BM have never been into music. Now you know that people who have bought our album, for example, have bought it because the music is good and not for other reasons. I don't mean that black metal sucks, but that I hate people who are not serious/honest when it comes to music.
Your demo material has been compared to DEICIDE several times. Which bands have influenced you, really?
- I don't really know... you are influenced by all kinds of music. It's not something you decide, it kind of creeps up on you.
All of today's brutal bands seem to use Dan Swanö, but you turned to Berno Studio in Malmö. Why Berno? Are you happy with the result?
- We are happy with the results. There are a few things we would like to change, but the "mistakes" were simply because of us. Berno is an incredible producer and can fix any damn sound and the problem was that we didn't really know 100% what we were looking for. It's not enough to say: "I want such and such a sound", it's important that both of you understand what you're after and that it works. But as I said, we're more than satisfied. Unisound was never actually discussed. We were given free rein by Black Sun and we chose Berno Studios. What we also liked about Berno was that there had only been three death bands recording, so there was no "Bernosound", etc.
"The Burning" has been out for a while now, how has it been received?
- It's gotten really great reviews both in underground magazines and in major magazines. Too bad we haven't gotten a booking company so we can gig and really promote the album. But we have recorded a video ("Of Good and Evil", I think. ed.). Beware!
 |
| The front cover of Critical Mass #1, 1996 |
How are the gigs going? Tour plans?
- As I said, we don't have a booking company at the moment, but we'll fix that as soon as possible. Then you'll be hooked!!
How is the collaboration with Black Sun?
- So far it's been painless. No problems yet. They seem to work like idiots. We're the only band there (so far) so that's good for us.
As far as I know, there are at least 2 bands, besides you, that carry the name CROWN OF THORNS. Has this caused any problems for you? Are you going to do something about it?
- There's an AOR band and an HC band, but they spell Thorns with a z at the end, so that's no problem. The American CoT's record company called Black Sun and said "change name or else..." . But we don't give a damn. We've been registered with NCB (Nordic Copyright Bureau) since '92 anyway, so THEY can change their name if they have a problem. Since our music styles are so different, I don't think it will clash in the market. What I mean is: WHO THE FUCK LIKES ADULT ORIENTED ROCK?
Do you have any favorites among all the new bands that have appeared recently?
- Personally, I want to hear CARDINAL SIN's album when it comes out. I've heard a little bit and it sounds really good. Then I heard a demo tape with FATAL EMBRACE. It was absolutely fucking OK!
Where do you stand on the religious issue?
- Janne and I are atheists anyway. I don't really know about the other three. But in the Christian sense, they are not fanboys.
Who, in your opinion, deserves to die the most of all in the whole world?
- Far too many...
Concluding words?
- Check out our album and LET THE METAL FLOW. I also have to thank you Daniel for the interview and good luck with the magazine (what a standard phrase!).
That's all from CROWN OF THORNS for this time. If you want to contact Marko and the boys, the address is: CROWN OF THORNS, c/o Marko Tervonen, Soldatgatan 17, 461 62 Trollhättan.