Witchcraft Interview: "There will always be some people that think that they know better than us what we should do and sound like"

They say that sometimes it is better to chew than talk, but in this case, Ola Henriksson, even though he was more terse than hoped, he spoke the truth and nothing but the truth considering Witchcraft’s come back. Their new album, "Legend", took lots of their fans by surprise but in the end, the only thing that really matters is music. It’s your turn sir...

It’s nice hearing your music again Ola. You must be very anxious for the "Legend" to hit the stores, right?
Thanks! I am really looking forward to this!

New record label, new producer, new members and a new –different- record. Too much for you to handle or everything went well?
It went just fine! It's been a real injection for us with all the new inputs and energy. Change for the better is always good!

You and Magnus are the only original members of the band. More responsibilities for you ‘cause many things have changed since 2007?
Well, the roles in the band are settling and I feel comfortable. This time around I do a lot more interviews so there is a new 'responsibility' for me anyway. I use my abilities in the best way I can as I have always done.

Was there any period during the past years that you doubted about Witchcraft’s future?
Not as I can remember but I could never foresee this happening, with new musicians and a major label behind us.

You made a breakthrough to the doom rock scene and many new bands embraced your sound. How was it like knowing they were releasing records -good ones might I add- and you were absent from all this?
I have never really cared about what happens with other bands and what is going on in the “scene”. I play music and try to do it as good as possible and when people appreciate it, it's a big plus!  

"Legend" sounds totally polished in comparison to your first album and more heavy in general and yet it delivers. You think that good music and the tunes are above 'em all?
Good music is always good no matter what it sounds like. We wanted this album to sound more heavy, that was our main intention. I think we succeeded with our task and I'm really pleased.

I have read many comments since "It's All Because Of You" was released and there’s a part of your fans which does not like your new sound. Did you expect something like that to happen?
There will always be some people that think that they know better than us what we should do and sound like. If they can't appreciate good songs because of the sound they're not worthy of our attention.

There are plenty of reasons to focus on details considering your new album, but I will mention only a couple of them. On "Flag Of Fate"'s intro there is a Kyuss vibe and you, right on the spot of it. Feels like you really missed playing some music, ha?
Yup, I've missed playing rock and that song is really fun to play. It's a nice groove in that one! I like that it starts out quite laid back and ends with heavy riffing.

Three new members and yet you sound like you have been playing together forever. It’s not only that these guys are really great musicians, so what else is the cause of it?
We rehearsed for about a year before the recording and they are great musicians. On the first gig we did I felt like we had played together for years!

Magnus sounds really pissed while singing "Democracy". Can we say that the political/economical crisis has affected you as well?
Not by far as it has hit Greece but of course the situation in the world goes from shit to worse every day it feels like. I'm not sure if that is what the song is about though.

Norrsken, Witchcraft, Dead Man, Graveyard, Troubled Horse, Spiders, Abramis Brama. A big Swedish family who loves its children equally?
I know them all and 6 of the 7 bands have members from my hometown Örebro so we are all good friends and try to help each other when we can.

Have you ever thought of a gig in which all these bands could play? It sounds really interesting to me.
In theory it could be possible so I guess you'll have to set it up!

The last time I saw you on stage was by accident, two years ago when you played in Roadburn Festival after some cancelations because of the volcano eruption. Did you perform any other shows after that?
That was a one off show with my brother on drums and we only rehearsed 2 hours before going on stage. Since then we've done 6 gigs this summer.

Many people believe that five years were too many without your music, but for me seven years are far too much without visiting Greece. Do you believe it’s the right time to come here once more?
Of course! We will come and play for you guys as soon as possible. Don't worry, it will happen!

Thanks a lot Ola and I hope all the best for you and the guys.
Thank you!