"We have no plans for anything, we simply try to better ourselves and make the best possible music."

Dark Tranquillity's original bass player and current guitarist Martin Henriksson present the Gothenburg sextet's brand-new album, "Fiction", and reveals some quite peculiar stories...

Vassil Varbanov: Hey, Martin, how are you?

Martin Henriksson: I'm very good, how about you?

V. V.: We're quite happy to have you live with us! When "Fiction" is going to be all around the world, the first question people will ask themselves is to what point is your new album a step forward or backward compared to your previous release, "Character" (2005)?

M. H.: I would love to say it's a step forward - at least that's what I think, and I hope most people will think so, too - partly because of the songwriting, because we really tried hard to make each song stand out for itself, which wasn't the case on "Character". We also have another huge improvement regarding the sound. This time we worked with Tue Madsen from Antfarm Studio, and I think we managed to create quite a new sound - very modern and a lot more professional than we used to have.

V. V.: One of the very particular things for Dark Tranquillity is that you guys come from Sweden, which is a scene with lots of bands. It almost seems that you all know each other...

M. H.: Well, I wouldn't say exactly so, but it's really a small country and many of the bands know each other... Especially in the the town we're from, Gothenburg - we know most of the bands coming from here. I really don't know why there are so many bands in Sweden... Maybe it's not that so many bands are coming out, but the ones that actually are - all for some reason like good quality or something. We have bands and most of them are good - that's what makes them so popular around the globe.

V. V.: Is there a kind of an unhealthy competition between the bands up there?

M. H.: No. If there is any competition at all, it's just for the better. Everyone just wants to write as good music as possible, and if that's the driving force - that's ok.

V. V.: Back in the days when you were starting the band we couldn't say that you and In Flames were that well-known, which is not the case today. Nowadays In Flames is one of the strongest metal bands in the world, so what are the plans for Dark Tranquillity?

M. H.: To get even bigger! Ha-ha, seriosly, it's not our plan at all. We make music for ourselves, because we like it, and as long as we're able to release albums and people buy them, we'll be just as happy as we are now. We have no plans for anything, we simply always try to better ourselves and make the best possible music.

V. V.: It's funny that recently more and more Swedish bands are mixing with the American scene - guys from Soilwork playing with Chimaira and Killswitch Engage, In Flames touring mainly with US bands, etc. Do you guys have good success in the States?

M. H.: I think for the level where we're at right now, we're doing quite good. However, as you might know, a tour is the best way to get attention in the USA, so that's what we're trying to do now. We're not big, but we're not the smallest band neither. We just have to work hard at it.

V. V.: Which of the five other guys in Dark Tranquillity is your best friend?

M. H.: Everybody. If I have to point somebody out, I'd say Niklas (Sundin - guitar). We grew up and went to kindergarten together... I've known him for 25 years.

V. V.: You know, in psychology they say that whatever you do, there should be something in your childhood... Is there any particular trace where we can find your metal roots in?

M. H.: Oh, I don't know. It could have been that kindergarten time - Niklas could read before we went to school, and he sat down and read books about dinosaurs. I think that was this special metal moment, ha-ha!

V. V.: Another psychological question: Are you a pessimist or an optimist?

M. H.: It depends on my mood. If I feel good - I'm very optimistic, but if I feel bad...

V. V.: How about now?

M. H.: I had a few beers, so I'm happy.

V. V.: What's your favourite drink?

M. H.: Beer!

V. V.: Do you take drugs?

M. H.: No. I've tried pot a few times, but not anymore.

Copyright: Tangra Mega Rock