Pressure goes into “The way of the shadow”
United with the idea of making their own music after having experimented in cover bands for almost 10 years, in 2018 these friends join forces and Pressure is born, straight from Sweden. This is how some time later “The Path of Shadow”, the band’s debut album, was born. But let’s let Simon Forsell tell us more about Pressure.
Hello Pressure, how are you? It’s a pleasure to interview you.
Hey, it’s a pleasure being your Pressure.
How has the pandemic been going for you?
The pandemic has been tough on us as all other musicians around. But we have tried our best to make it through and use the time when we have not been able to do shows and stuff like that. We have been working on new material, rehearsing and working on our shows and also trying to network and connect with others during this hard time.
I understand that the band emerges in 2018, so you have been around for a short time yet. How did the idea of creating the band come about?
The idea formed as some of us had been playing in the same cover/party bands since 2008. But as we wanted to do more original songs and wanted to explore our own music we decided to go all in on our own music.
Who are its current members?
Current members are
Simon Forsell -Guitars, backing vocals, drums
Olof Jönsson -Lead vocals
Olli Violet-Vocals
Patrik Buhr -Guitars
Ignacio Arrua -Bass guitar
Could you tell us about your main influences?
Pressure are playing what we call Story Metal. When we write a song we always start with the lyrics. Then we decide what kind of music would best fit the story that needs to be told. So each song has different kind of influences. Our songs are connected through their stories and not through a unified influence or sound.
How would you define your musical style?
Story metal are as I said based true stories which we have experienced and seen through life. To be able to write real Story metal you cannot be afraid of life and what it has to offer. How can you write about life if you don’t dare to live it? The music is influenced by different hard rock/metal genres who is carefully selected for each song to set the right mood of the song. You never know what to expect when you find yourself listening to a new Story Metal song. Story Metal always combines the art of storytelling with the raw power of hard rock/metal to give the listener a full blown experience of being a part of a story.
Let’s talk about “The Path of Shadow”; the band’s debut album which was released last May. How was the editing and recording process?
We did all the recording in our own studio “Pressure Dome” and were guided by our producer Izzy Ander to help us with the different tracks. When we were satisfied with the recordings, we sent the tracks to our producer who either accepted them or sent them back for redoes with notes! It took a long time because we are all very picky about the sound and performances but we are very happy with the result and that we let the album take so long time to produce as it did!
How many songs are included and what are the songs about?
The album includes 14 songs. And it’s a concept album. As the title describes it’s a story about your own life but told from your Shadows perspective. Your shadow has been with you through your whole life, always having your back, never condescending, never judging, just being there as your support through life. You cannot hide from your shadow as it has seen it all. Imagine one day as your shadow come to life and sits you down and tells you the story about your own life but from his perspective. There will be truths — both the ones you already knew but didn’t want anyone to find out and truths that you didn’t know about yourself. The shadow tells it all as he has always been and always will be around.
You can read the story here: http://poas.pressure.band
How did you do to publicize and promote it?
It was released worldwide on all digital platforms and we had great help with the promotion part from SamBone Promos!
How was it received in general, both by the public and by the specialized press?
We think that we got a good response. Some had some opinion about our story track where our lead singer is narrating the story of the Shadow — but we really think that it was good people reacted. We are not your ordinary metal or hard rock band! We have got good reviews and a lot of people talking about it and streaming the album.
Where is it available?
You can find the album on any streaming platform of your own choice.
You recently released the music video for the song “Untouchable” and let me tell you that I really enjoyed it and it has a great message. Can you give us details of the video?
Untouchable is a song who wants to send the message of strength and self-empowerment. You can get help in your life from all around you, friends, work, society etc. But in the end if you want to achieve or succeed in something — the final step or choice is up to you to make. You can get help up to the final step but you have to make the last one yourself. To be strong on your own in that moment. To be able to fight of your demons for the last time and to get to be on top. That is the meaning of the song untouchable. We tried to show this with strong clips of achievements in the music video.
Where was it filmed?
The video was filmed in a live set in a very cool set which is actually located in a parking garage in Kista/Stockholm. You would imagine that the sound would be horrible but it’s really good!
How did you feel once you saw the finished video?
We were really happy with the result. And felt that it really captured the meaning behind the song. As a Story metal band this is so important for us to be able to show the meaning behind the song and the story within the video.
I called my attention that you are from Sweden. Could you tell us a little bit about the rock scene there?
Sweden normally has a good rock scene but all venues/clubs and shows was cancelled so we don’t really know who everything will be now after the pandemic but hopefully is soon back to full strength. People in Sweden love their rock music.
Is there a diversity of musical styles?
Yeah, Sweden has a lot of styles and music genres. There is different groups listening to different genres. I would say that there is a vast diversity of styles in Sweden but a good rock scene!
Has it been difficult for you to make your way competing with so many bands?
We don’t see it as a competition, as a musician we all know that there is a lot of struggling. Don’t compete, support. We support local bands as we do national and international bands. We think the way to success it to help each other out. With so much music being released all the time it’s important to keep your friends close and to expand the circle all the time.
Back to the band. What are your plans for the next months? (pandemic permitting)
To start doing shows again and keep writing. We are working on a lot of new things. We also have plans for a new album coming on late spring 2022. You can expect both new singles, shows, videos and much more coming in the near future!
Can we expect any video soon?
Yes. In September we will release a very powerful video for our song “Where are you now”. It’s one of our best yet. Really powerful stuff! Cannot wait for you guys to see it!
Do you already have any gigs planned?
We have a couple of live streams planned but no, not a “real” show as the restrictions in Sweden are still in place as of right now!
Well Pressure, that’s all. Thank you for your time and wish you the best of luck in your career. Before we finish, something you would like to say.
Thank you so much for having us. If you would like to follow us and listen to us here are some links for you to be able to do so!
Cover and tracklist of “Path of a Shadow”
- Vad du ser
- Ingen som hör dig
- Osårbar
- Nere men inte död
- Ännu Mer
- Skuggan
- Komm her
- Var är du nu
- What you see
- No one can hear you
- Untouchable
- Beaten But Not Dead
- Shadow
- Where are you now
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/pressuresweden
