Thanks a lot for the opportunity to ask some questions about ASTRAL DOORS and the new record “Requiem of Time”. I’ am not only a journalist for an online magazine, I’ am a fan since your first record. And for me it is a pleasure to make this interview with you.
So let’s start with the Questions.

J.P.: Nils Patrik where are you just in the moment? What did the whole band do, just after the recordings for the new album are over? Did you plan a tour or something?

Nils Patrik: Well, we have just started rehearsing for upcoming shows. We have a great rehearsal place here in our hometown, so that's cool. After the recordings we started planning for shows and perhaps a tour. We also have a new label and promotion company, so we spent some time learning to know them and making plans how Astral Doors finally will take over the world.

 J.P.: You have a new bass guitar player in the band. Can you tell us something about him, and how did he become part of ASTRAL DOORS?

Nils Patrik: Uffe has been a friend of us since forever, he he. Actually he was asked to join when we started the band, but he said no, because he wanted to focus on his local coverband. A decision he has regret ever since: we got to release records and play all around Europe and he was stuck with his coverband to play Bryan Adams songs on the local stages. So, when Mika left, we asked him if he wanted to join, and this time around it was no question about it. Uffe is happy:)

 J.P.: You have got a new label, can you tell us why and how you found the way to this really new label?

Nils Patrik: Our discoverer and friend Chris Boltendahl asked us to join him at his new label Metalville, and we said yes right away. It's better to be a big band on a small label than vice versa. We believe in Metalville.

 J.P.: For many magazines and in my opinion too, your new record is your best record that you ever made. What do you think? What is the difference for example to your last one “New Revelations”?

Nils Patrik: First of all the production of New Revelation is very polished: this new one is darker and more rock'n'roll. Second: The songs are catchier on this one, all songs have got like sing-a-long-choruses. "Requiem of Time" contains 14 god damn hit songs.

 J.P.: Nils Patrik your voice and your music style are often compared to Ronnie James Dio. Is this a problem for you and the band? Especially with the background that Ronnie is very sick at the moment?

Nils Patrik: Yes I'm often compared to Mr.Dio, and I have no problem with that; he's the greatest; The Muhammed Ali of hard rock and metal. We in Astral Doors hope he'll kill the dragon and that he comes back soon. We have the deepest of respect for Mr.Dio and his music and I know that many of his fans love Astral Doors.

 J.P.: In comparison to your last record you get back to the lyrics concerning about fantasy stuff. Was this a planned action? Or get the songs automatically this way within the writing process?

Nils Patrik: I don't really understand the question. We have never been a fantasy band. I write lyrics about anything that comes to my mind. They can be about historic things; a movie I have seen; real life stuff or perhaps about some cool book I have read. Anything! On "Requiem of Time" the lyrics are angrier and more rock'n'roll. Kick ass lyrics to kick ass music:)

 J.P.: You have only a myspace internet page, not an own homepage with more information about your band. Is a new homepage planed? Or do you think only a myspace page is the future for all bands?

Nils Patrik: We have a homepage: www.astraldoors.com where we have links to our label, booking info, links to our facebook and link to our myspace. Regular homepages feel a bit old school: myspace is great: everything on one page!!

 J.P.: What do you think about the future of the rock and metal music business? Still selling CDs and going on tour, or can there be a major change?

Nils Patrik: As long as the old generation is still around, I think cd's will be in the market and touring will be the same. I may be doing this for a couple of more years and I don't expect any big changes the next couple of years. If you look 10 years forward, not much will look like today. Changes must come. No one can stop the future!

 J.P.: Last Question: Patrick you are part of the band LIONS SHARE. Do you plan a new album with the band? How do these plans take influence at ASTRAL DOORS?

Nils Patrik: I live here and now, and now I'm focused on Astral Doors and to make this our biggest album success ever. Astral Doors is one of the best bands in the world and now we will work our asses off to make us one of the biggest as well!

J.P.: So Nils Patrik thanks for the time. I wish you and the whole band good luck in the future and I hope you make much more records and donate us more often with your great music!

Nils Patrik: Thanks man! Keep on rocking!

Julian