HYPOCRISY's TÄGTGREN Talks About New CD, Drummer

HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren recently spoke to Denmark's Metal Reference about the band's new CD, "The Arrival", and the addition of drummer Horgh (ex-IMMORTAL) to the group's ranks. The following are some of the highlights of the interview:

Metal Reference: [I understand that] "The Arrival" was remastered and remixed because you were unsatisfied with the first result. True?

Peter Tägtgren: "Yes. It was because of my busy tour schedule with DIMMU BORGIR. I had to hurry with the album, and though I did some of the mixing, I had to go back on tour. When I got back and heard the final result, it sucked. So I remixed and remastered it myself. The sound was really lousy and too low on the first [version], but now it's good".

Metal Reference: HYPOCRISY are ready to embark on a tour in South America, and I obviously have to ask you about the change in drummer. Lars Szöke, who's been in HYPOCRISY since the early days has been replaced by Horgh, who's formerly with IMMORTAL. I suppose that you picked him because he's also the drummer in PAIN, your other act?

Peter Tägtgren: "It just got too silly. Lars hasn't owned a drum set for 10 years now, and that's an example of how dedicated a drummer he is... It just got so fucked up... we couldn't develop, 'cause he's not developing. So we employed Horgh. He's a talented drummer and has a strong personality. And he's dedicated to the music".

Metal Reference: Anyway... only few other bands manage to keep the same line-up for 10 years as you've done...

Peter Tägtgren: "Yes, I know. That's kind of weird... and sad, 'cause we were family. I still try to get some sense into this thing, but I can't".

Metal Reference: What will happen to HYPOCRISY in the future... the musical development? Will you record with a string orchestra?

Peter Tägtgren: "We might record with a real choir, and maybe some orchestral samples, but not an entire orchestra. Who knows?"

Metal Reference: HYPOCRISY has been Nuclear Blast Records for more than 10 years. Will you stay with that label?

Peter Tägtgren: "Absolutely. They're my friends, and we're a huge priority, so that's fine".

Metal Reference: For years, HYPOCRISY has been three-piece with you as the only guitarist, and in live situations you've used Matthias Kamijo [another PAIN associate]. Have you ever thought about employing a proper fourth member?

Peter Tägtgren: "We just did, but it's not Matthias. His name is Andreas, and he was also the live guitarist on the 'Catch 22' tour. He's our new member".

Read the entire interview here.