Rock Overdose recently interviewed HAMMERFALL bassist Fredrik Larsson about the band's forthcoming DVD/2-CD set, Gates Of Dalhalla, an excerpt follows:

Is it like an end of an era and the beginning of a new one?

"Yes, in a way we kind of sum it up for the first 15 years. We have been touring a lot without any real break for vacation for a long time and we all felt it was time for a break. This DVD is our way to thank all of our fans with something special. Not just a regular show with lots of pyros and stuff, this is really something special with a lot of guests on stage and an incredible surrounding that gives the show a perfect atmosphere. Everything captured by Patric Ullaeus who did a marvelous job, it looks fantastic! And since it was a long time, I think 8 years, since the previous live DVD a lot of things has happened to HammerFall. Both me and Pontus (Norgren, guitarist) joined the band and we have done 4 studio albums so we really have something for the fans who haven't seen us in a while. This break gives us a chance to recharge our batteries and come back hungry for another 15 years! At least that's what it feels like."

Among others, in the Gates Of Dalhalla DVD, we see two original Hammerfall members: Mikael Stanne, and the patriarch of Swedish metal - Jesper Stromblad (IN FLAMES). Would you like to say a few words about your thoughts for them?

"I remember back in '96 when I did my first live show with HammerFall, Mikael was the singer and Jesper was behind the drums. Soon after that we recorded our debut album and Joacim (Cans) took over the duties as our frontman. Mikael was good but he was way better with DARK TRANQUILLITY, one of my favorite bands at that time, so it was the best for all of us. Mikael is still a good friend and it was a joy to have him back on stage singing 'Steel Meets Steel', a killer version that really is something else than the original. Jesper played guitar on 'The Dragon Lies Bleeding', don't think he has practiced on the drums since '96. He has been involved a lot in HammerFall as a songwriter in the early days and he even co-wrote 'One Of A Kind' on the album No Sacrifice, No Victory. He really is something special when it comes to melodies and we all were very happy when he wanted to join us on stage for this. It felt so good to be back with these guys and I think it shows on the DVD that we had great fun!"

What do we have to expect from the band in the future?

"Well, I don't have a crystal ball but we will definitely be back in 2014 with a new album. It's a bit early to talk about since we all just looking forward to the release of the DVD and then the break. I still believe that we have a lot more to give so I hope HammerFall will be around for many years to come."

To read the interview in its entirety, click here.

Two trailers for Gates Of Dalhalla can be seen below:

The setlist of this very special show:

'Patient Zero'

'Heeding The Call'

'Any Means Necessary'

'B.Y.H.'

'Riders Of The Storm'

'Let's Get It On'

'Crimson Thunder'

'Renegade'

'Blood Bound' (Special Guest: Stefan Elmgren)

'Last Man Standing' (Special Guest: Stefan Elmgren)

'Fury Of The Wild' (Special Guest: Stefan Elmgren)

Drum solo: Anders Johansson

'Always Will Be'

'Dia De Los Muertos'

'Steel Meets Steel' (Special Guest: Mikael Stanne)

'Threshold'

'The Dragon Lies Bleeding' (Special Guest: Jesper Strömblad)

'Let The Hammer Fall'

'När Vindarna Viskar Mitt Namn' (Special Guest: Roger Pontare)

'Something For The Ages'

'The Templar Flame'

'Oh Fortuna' (Special Guest: Team Cans)

'Glory To The Brave' (Special Guest: Team Cans)

'One More Time' (Special Guest: Team Cans)

'HammerFall'

'Hearts On Fire' (featuring all Special Guests)