With the first weekend of August already a week behind us, the Festival Season would have peaked by now at the annual Wacken Open Air, marking not only the biggest international Metalfestival but for many the go-to-destination for their private vacation. And even those who don’t enjoy the mass pilgramage way up north in Germany, we would have seen so many open air events by now that staying home is just not an option. All of this in 2020 is only a mere memory or wishful thinking at best due to the pandemic situation that struck pretty much all of our lovely planet a few months back. Life as we knew it has become so different that hardly anyone was prepared and I found myelf scared and shatterd facing empty shelfes at the groceries and shops shut down until further notice as the lockdown was decided by the German Government.
My plans for the past few and upcoming months have been laid to rest and I feel like excisting in a standby-mode, ready to get out and finally enjoy being part of a huge crowed and watch some of my favourite bands with friends. Who knows if this will ever be possible again the way it was before Corona…that said, I didn’t even expect to be shattered about not going Rock Hard Festival for the first time in ages – visiting the local event every year since 2009 and for a total of 13 time so far. Now all that’s left to do is look back at all the fun we had in the past and hope for better days to come. Also I’m hoping for more female musicians to enter the stages at Gelsenkirchen amphitheater – the trailer for the cancelled edition might be a hint for more female empowerment, as it shows Rock Hard editorial assistent Mandy Malon in her natural metal infused habitat, inviting us to the whitsun festivities. Apart from that, only Coralie Baier of Bavarian Epic Metal band Atlantean Kodex would have been around.
Those who are frequent followers of my facebook page or know me in person, will also be aware of the fact that I do enjoy the occational Nineties Nostalgia. Well, that of course is a complete understatement or let me put it this way: In my mind there is a neverending party with all the Eurodance, Boygroups, Girl Power, Techno, R’n’B, Hip Hop, Grunge, Punk, Alternative and what not going on. Strangely enough though, many acts of this decade I only grew fond of rather recently, many of which I saw live last summer at “Die 90er live in Bonn“. Today should have been the day for me to return to the former state capital, but with Germany facing a servere heat wave and my part of the country will reach some sweaty highs at almost 40°C (that is 104°F for all my readers from the US), I am a little less sad that it’s been postponed. Guess all that’s left to do for the time being, is enjoy some old and brand new music. And luckily both Blues Pills and Lucifer got some fresh tracks in 2020. While “Lucifer III” came out on March 20th, the new Blues Pills album “Holy Moly!” will be released on August 21st. So, feast your ears, stay strong & healthy, don’t be a maskhole, keep your distance, thanks for your service, enjoy the summer and be a proud woman, man or anyone you want to be! And of course, see you somewhere sometime in 2021.
With the current year coming close to its end and most bands wrapping up their onstage activities, it’s time to take a look into the future and things to come in 2020. With only one concert I’ve missed out in 2019 due to some health issues and an emotional crisis, I could’t be more excited to get out a litte more again. And as much as I’m still bummed for not being able to actually see Cher live in Cologne, I got some more arena shows to enjoy in December and yes, I AM talking about finally catching up with the Kelly Family. And once again I will try and see Lucifer as well, as they will hit the road The Third Commantment tour throughout the month of may.
Another Swedish band about to get back out in the open is Blues Pills who are working on a new album right now. Be sure to check them out at a festival near you like Tons Of Rock alongside Deep Purple or the German double trouble that is Hurricane Festival and Southside Festival. Guess there will be more dates announced sometime soon. As for festivals, next year will be seeing some of the biggest names from the nineties, like The Offspring and oh yeah, Faith No More. Not to mention the most amazing package of Green Day and Weezer, who sold out way to fast for me. And then there is the reunion of Rage Against The Machine that really needs a decent run of European dates, Let’s see if that will happen. Also US punk legends Bad Religion will celebrate 40 years of raising their voices on the road in Spain and Portugal. And last but certainly not least, the Prince Of Fuckin’ Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne will be joined by special guests Judas Priest for the second part of his rescheduled No More Tours tour. Check out all German and Austrian dates below.
11.11.20 Dortmund – Westfalenhalle
16.11.20 AT-Wien – Stadthalle
24.11.20 CH-Zürich – Hallenstadion
26.11.20 München – Olympiahalle
28.11.20 Mannheim – SAP Arena
30.11.20 Berlin – Mercedes-Benz-Arena
03.12.20 Hamburg – Barclaycard Arena
When a certain female-only duo stepped onto the rock-infused limelight, I was very unimpressed. Specially with the vocals of one Johanna Sadonis. Not even their stage attire in all its resemlence to The Runaways caught my attention in a good way. Fast forward to the present and the new incarnation of Lucifer, I am proud to call myself a fan of this female musician, who clearly is so much more than “just a singer”. Still patiently waiting for a full-length European headline tour and my chance to finally see her live on stage, this has been a most pleasuerable interview in the making. Enjoy – I do!
How and when have you been first introduced into the world of Rockmusic? (I know you gave a very nice insight in a previous interview with Rock Hard, but since that one is currently unavailable, I’d be happy to learn about this as well)
Music has always been around me when I was a child. My mother was a classical trained piano player and listened a lot to classical music and rock. I was raised on the Stones. My parents also loved bands like Deep Purple, ZZ Top, AC DC, Roxy Music, The Velvet Underground and a lot of 50s rock and roll like Chuck Berry, Screamin J Hawkins, Little Richard etc. My older brother, who I am very close with, was a punk. It was the 80s. He made me mixtapes with all kinds of stuff spanning from Ramones to Run DMC. When I was coming of age my natural rebellion was lying in Heavy Metal which soon turned towards extreme metal.
Speaking of which: Who inspired you the most to start making music yourself??
Hard to say. In elementery school I started in to sing along to everything and was in my first band at the age of 13. First guitar, then vocals, which I stuck to. Around that time Danzig had a huge influence on me. The first three albums. But also early Metallica and Guns N Roses.
Most people know you from your former band The Oath, but you have quite the history of work to your name – is there any band/collaboration or project that you regret or might even be ashamed of?
No, everything lead up to who I am today.
dances with the devil
Have you ever felt less of a musician, being „just“ a singer on stage?
I am a singer but also a songwriter and write 50% of the songs and all lyrics in Lucifer, not even mentioning all other creative and managing processes concerning Lucifer that spring from my head. Lucifer is my creation, vision and concept. However, there are many “just” singers, as you put it, out there that get a complete song with lyrics thrown at them and I don’t think there is any shame in that either. One wouldn’t ask a guitarist how it feels to be “just” a guitar player.
Being in a band is much like a relationship and in fact your husband is also part of the second coming of Lucifer – what are the advantages and disadvantages of making music with someone your that close to?
I feel extremely lucky. To love each other, be best friends and play music together is the ultimate goal for us. We are both sort of introverts and have a very special and sacred relationship, nothing I have ever experienced before. We do everything together, so it’s a blessing for us that we get to go on the road together too and share this journey as well. Living out in the Swedish countryside away from people with our own studio, we get to completely immerse ourselves into what we love doing the most – music. Discussing ideas and music is never ego driven for us, it’s rather an excitement towards the greater good – to make the best song possible. That is our goal and ideology. We have a lot of fun with it all because this is what we both want out of life. It’s a satisfying thing!
On that note „Lucifer II“ sees a whole new lineup, apart from yourself of course – if you (would ever) compare it with the debut, how do you feel about the development, of you as a musician, the band and the music itself?
With every album there is a growth as a musician and human being. I am very proud of “Lucifer I” but “Lucifer II” is certainly a notch up. The sound is more organic and diverse with catchier crafted songs. I feel I have grown quite a bit as a musician but also us, as a band, especially live. Lucifer is a very energetic live band now, which has a lot to do with the great chemistry within the band. We are a very passionate group of friends, minus the toxic ego bullshit that can haunt a band. We all just wanna play and enjoy the ride. Being in the middle of the writing and recording process of “Lucifer III” and can already say, that we will continue the spirit of “Lucifer II”, possibly a notch up once again. Watch out!
top notch on stage and off
Do you think that your moving to Sweden will have an influence on the future sound of Lucifer?
Music springs from within one but yes, it’s a blessing to have left city life behind. I lived in huge cities most of my life. Berlin, LA, London. I can tell you that I am relieved to be away from crowded places. Now I have the luxuary of not working a regular job and being able to focus solely on being creative and letting my mind roam free as an artist. And to write for Lucifer together with Nicke, who absolutely shares my musical vision, has already had a big influence on Lucifer’s sound with the second album.
How much of your actual persona can we find in your music? – or to put is this way: are Lucifer & Johanna the same person?
Yes, Lucifer is one very big part of me. Of course there is a whole personal universe outside of the band but I pour my very heart into Lucifer. The lyrics are all very personal, even if metaphoric at times.
Have you ever felt or might even been told that there are certain things you couldn’t (or shouldn’t) do because you are a woman?
Never felt but have been told many times. Of course, I never listened!
What are your thoughts on feminism and do you consider yourself a feminist?
It’s a sad thing this even needs to be talked about but it is very important. I am certainly with feminism. I am woman and have faced sexism in various forms since I walk the earth, like all of us. I take every opportunity to speak up, when I detect the slightest form of patriarchry. May it be just underlying, hidden or being even catered to by other women. It is a very frustrating and unfair thing, so deeply rooted in our society and it is very important to sharpen one’s sensibilty and raise awareness. Take no shit, girls! I am allergic however to the misuse of this whole debacle towards men and to preachery. Speak when it’s necessary!
Aside from sharing the magic on stage, you are also a fan and a Djane – what do you enjoy the most when it comes to music worship?
Oh yes, I am a huge music fan, DJ, record collector and supporter. I love going to shows. I used to put on shows myself, run my own metal club night for nine years. and worked a variety of jobs in the music industry myself. Almost all my friends play music. Music is all I want to be surrounded by ever since. The best is when you put on a record and hear a song that touches you so profoundly or pierces your heart in a way you have to listen to it over again. Or being at a show and it get’s to you so hard, you can’t help but actually shed some tears, yes!
music worship pro level
So much about Lucifer has a great vintage vibe, but your also very active on facebook, instagram etc. what is your personal take on social media?
Actually I recently deactivated my Facebook because it just became too much. I do see social media as a practical tool to get the word out, get to know what’s fresh but mostly to stay in touch with my friends, family and peers all over the world. The down side is being so approachable. I just don’t have time for it, so Facebook had to go!
And finally: Is there anything you’d like to tell the world, specially all the girls out there who are into the dark side of music, like an advice or maybe even „warning“ before they start dancing with the devil?
I encourage you to dance with the devil! It’s been the dance of my life!
Three months and three days into 2019 and so far there’s not too much on my schedule. But with spring ahead, some really decent tours are on the horizon and some will even head my way. While US-audiences always seem to get a much bigger piece of the cake, there’s no reason to complain on my end.
Kicking off 13 days from today, Sweden’s Lucifer will cross the big pond for an extended North-American tour with very special guests Spell. Furthermore the band will join forces with The Hellacopters to glance Europe with their collective Rock’n’Roll shenanigans.
Lucifer & The Hellacopters
13.05. Cologne, Germany, E – Werk
14.05. Hamburg, Germany, Markthalle
15.05. Berlin, Germany, Astra
16.05. Copenhagen, Denmark, Vega
And as the US will be welcoming yet another amazing tour package featuring King Dude and Maggot Heart, traveling the opposite direction, will be none other than Coven. After I missed out on their headlining appearance at Roadburn 2017 as well as the entire tour last year, I hope to finally catch of with Jinx Dawson and her fellow musicians as they return to European soil this summer.
Teaming up again this year will be Iceland’s finest The Vintage Caravan and Belgium’s very own Black Mirrors. After the first part of The Gateways tour last year, the two bands will hit the road once more throughout April and early May. Two years ago on this day, Black Mirrors released their eponymous debut EP. Their full-length followup “Look Into The Black Mirror” came out on August 30th, 2018. With their third album at hand, The Vintage Caravan will also be supporting Swedish Heavy Metal outlaws Bullet for a few selected dates.
Kicking off a month from today, magically infused Rock revelation Lucifer will cast a Spell on Europe this fall. Lucifer is a multinational Heavy Rock band from Stockholm. Founded in 2014 in Berlin by The Oath front woman Johanna Sadonis who had then parted ways with former band mate Linnéa Olsson (Maggot Heart) just as their praiseworthy debut saw the light of day. Lucifer is defined by their very heavy 1970s Hard Rock sound, spiced with a good dose of Proto Heavy Metal and Doom Rock. Main influences are groups such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Blue Öyster Cult, Lucifer’s Friend, Steppenwolf, 70’s Heart and Fleetwood Mac. With a shift of constellation within the band in 2016 and Johanna Sadonis’ move from Berlin to Stockholm, Lucifer were ready for chapter two. With the critically acclaimed release of their long-awaited second album ‘Lucifer II’ via Century Media on July 6th 2018 and the videos for their new singles ‘California Son’ and ‘Dreamer’, Lucifer is facing a new grand chapter.
Lucifer corrupted the souls of many and achieved international recognition on their past tours. Starting this years live ritual on October 7th, the band will be homebound, playing the first show in the fair city of Stockholm. A most logical step as both sticksman Nicke Andersson (Entombed, The Hellacopters) and his now wife singer Johanna Sadonis call the Swedish capital their home. The newly weds tied the knot on Friday, July 13th 2018 – congrats to the happy couple!
Make sure to catch their magic and love live on stage at any of the upcoming dates in October – check flyer below.
Hailing from the coastal Southwest of the United Kingdom, Electric Wizard have consistently redefined the preconceived thresholds of a detuned guitar chord with their peerless doom metal achievements. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Justin Oborn (previously with Lords of Putrefaction), bassist Tim Bagshaw, and drummer Mark Greening, and initially known as Thy Grief Eternal (briefer still, simply Eternal), the band made their debut with 1993’s; “Demon Lung” single – a split release with Our Haunted Kingdom (who later evolved into Orange Goblin). Released by Lee Dorrian’s very own Rise Above Records, the single paved the way for Electric Wizard’s eponymous first full-length a year later. Almost a quarter of a century later, Electric Wizard has seen numerous lineup changes and released seven more studio albums, the most recent, “Time To Die”, in September of 2014.
Please insert name of band, album & song here!
Kicking off today, Electric Wizard will return to European soil and “there is a constant Electric Wizard line-up. Me and Liz, ” to quote the master himself and just to clarify this upfront. Joining in the Dorset Doomsters for all dates except for the Stockholm show tonight, will be fellow legends Angel Witch. Formed, originally under the name of Lucifer, and was initially composed of guitarist and vocalist Kevin Heybourne, guitarist Rob Downing, drummer Steve Jones, and bassist Barry Clements. The band has regrouped and split up several times and has been going strong ever since getting back together at the dawn of the 2000s. Besides fronter Heybourne, the current incarnation features sticksman Andrew Prestidge and lowrider Will Palmer. With their self-titled debut, Angel Witch is considered as one of the most important bands from the NWOBHM-era. After missing their performance at the “Hunting Across Europe” tour in 2013, I will finally be catching up with them twice this month!
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Psychorizon 
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