Victims are one of Sweden’s best punk bands, and that says a lot. In continuing our summer fest spotlight, ZT spoke to drummer Andy about their eagerly anticipated performance at Hellfest 2012. Brace yourself for the D-takt attack…
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ZT: For those unaware, why should people catch your set at Hellfest? What can we expect from your performance?
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A: We are first and foremost a live act and you will get a lot of power, energy, D-beat and, if you’re lucky, one of Jon’s famous/infamous stage moves… We play at the “Warzone” stage at 15:00 on Friday.
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ZT: Is this your first time playing the festival?
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A: Yes. They actually asked us years ago when it still was called Fury Fest but we could not at that time.
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ZT: What are your expectations for playing Hellfest, are you looking forward to it?
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A: It’s a big fucking festival so I expect a lot of people. Most of them have probably never heard about us so it’s a good way to get new listeners, or not… Of course we are looking forward to it! Both playing and watching a bunch of rad bands and meeting and hanging out with old friends.
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ZT: How do you feel playing a festival of this size and significance?
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A: A bit nervous and honoured.
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ZT: What bands are you looking forward to seeing?
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A: I will only be there on Friday when we play so I’m looking forward to seeing King Diamond, The Bronx, Benediction, Obituary, Brujeria, Vomitory, Nasum, Tragedy, From Ashes Rise, Integrity, Discharge, Vitamin X, GBH, E.O.M, Doomrders, Thou….
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ZT: How’s your tour with Black Breath and Tormented been going?
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A: The tour was just great. Amazing people to be on tour with and great shows. Probably one of the funniest and best tours we have ever done to be honest.
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ZT: With the Stockholm dödsmetall sound of ‘A Dissident’ are you looking forward to seeing fellow countrymen Entombed play?
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A: Hahaha… I have not seem them in a long time now, but I know that they are always great live. Will not see them on Hellfest this year since I will not be there the day they play but for those who will be they will not be disappointed.
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ZT: What do you think about Nasum’s reunion, given your history and association with Mieszko and the band?
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A: I personally have mixed feelings about the re-union but I understand why they are doing it and respect that. Jon, one of our guitar players was in Nasum and still is so our connection with Nasum has always been very strong. Keijo who will do the vocals is a great guy and I know he will do a great job behind the microphone so of course I am looking forward to seeing them, even if it’s going to feel weird and strange without Mieszko.
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ZT: How do you think Hellfest will differ from other festivals?
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A: I have not been there before soo it’s hard to say, but just looking what bands they´re having comparing to other big festivals I think it looks like that they are dedicated music lovers and just not booking whats new and trendy in the music world right now.
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ZT: Do you have any favourite things about France or French culture?
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A: I have honestly no idea, have been to France way too little. The cheese? After playing Hellfest I guess and hope that will be my favorite thing about France.
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ZT: Care to share your best/worst festival experiences?
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A: No specific worst memory, but waking up very hungover in a wet tent that you don’t know who it belongs to is not that funny. Rain and festivals is not a good combination. History kind of repeats itself on festivals. You plan to see all this great bands, but you end up just partying way too hard. One of the coolest/weirdest/best festivals I’ve been to is Best Friends Day in Richmond, VA, USA. Hundreds and hundreds of drunk punks, metal heads, hipsters at a water park with a stage. People stagediving and moshing in beachwear. Just amazing.
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ZT: What’s next for Victims, following Hellfest?
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A: Not so much since Jon will be quite busy with Nasum this summer and me and my girlfriend will have another kid. We will play a show here in Stockholm with Poison Idea and Bombus and then we will play the Tuska Festival in Helsingfors/Finland. After that I guess we will start working on new material for album #6.
