In a new interview with music writer Joel Gausten, Unleashed bassist/vocalist Johnny Hedlund discusses various topics including the band's new album The Hunt For White Christ and the band's ability to survive in the music industry for nearly 30 years. An excerpt from the chat appears below:

Joel: When comparing The Hunt For White Christ to your first album, Where No Life Dwells (1991), how would you say Unleashed has evolved over the years in terms of both your musical output and what you’re conveying in your lyrics?

Johnny: "First off, I’d say musically it is only fair to say we have developed quite a bit in almost 30 years now since the start. And who wouldn’t? It is a long time to keep to the roots yet try to develop things within your own style, so to speak. But I think we have done what we said we’d do way back then when we formed in 1989. The techniques and engineers have improved and so have we as musicians, of course. Just looking inside our studio today compared to the one we rented on the first three-song demo way back in 1990…Oh well, day and night, right? And hopefully, it is the same with our lyrics. I know my English has improved quite a bit, so I am naturally better at doing lyrics only considering the linguistic aspect of things. You might argue there is still work to be done there…true. I am a Swede, and I learn all the time. My native tongue is Swedish, so it is only natural. 

Anyhow, I think our content has improved as well since the first album. At least I’d like to think I have improved that, too, but that is for others to judge, of course. But I am well aware of the fact that the new storyline of Odalheim has drawn influence from past albums, but it is still not something I could have done back in, let’s say, 1993 or so."

Joel: Being a recording and touring act in 2018 is not an easy task, especially for a band that performs extreme music. How has your professional experience as a finance director helped Unleash move forward in a very difficult industry?

Johnny: "Well, I’d say we wouldn’t be doing this without it. I think the word I am looking for here is ‘bankruptcy’ or ‘financial exhaustion.’ That is what happens if you use private money for your business and never see any returns on your investment. We experienced this in 1997, as we went home after years of touring worn out – the gear was broken down, with no money at all due to a shitty record deal. So, we took some time off to educate ourselves in finance, took day time jobs to buy new gear and got together and created a plan on how to move on. Tactical and strategical plans that would make us last. And we follow them to this day."

Joel: Unleashed will reach its 30th anniversary next year. What has been the biggest key to the band’s ability to thrive for this long?

Johnny: "I will say there are many things that have to work over time, of course, but we always had a good, solid plan for how to do things. Well, perhaps not always, but we kept to the roots and kept developing. We also agreed on helping out within the band so that all members share responsibility for the band. And what is of course key is to be passionate about the music and lyrics and also the live show. Death metal is live music, and you need to really enjoy this or you should stay at home. Having a really good friendship among the band members is also really helpful, or it will become too much of a job. And in the music industry, you can’t really sit around and count your dollars all the time. It will kill you for sure."

Read the complete interview here.

Unleashed are streaming the new song "Stand Your Ground", featured on their new masterpiece, The Hunt For White Christ, out on October 26th via Napalm Records.

When it comes to Swedish death metal, the traditional Stockholm way and death metal per se, there is one band you have to mention: Unleashed. Formed in 1989 by vocalist/bass player Johnny Hedlund, Unleashed have been delivering supreme death metal from day one. Dealing with Viking traditions and values, and honing their craft, they have become extreme metal pioneers, musically and lyrically, inspiring legions of other bands with their sound.

The Hunt For White Christ is the fourth album in the continued story line of the World Of Odalheim and their Midgard warriors - a story authored by Johnny Hedlund himself, comprising of the past, present, and what Hedlund’s deems as the future of the Viking traditions and values. The album was recorded in the spring of 2018 at Chrome Studios, and does not simply mark the Swedes' 13th full-length album: it also solidifies the bands impact on history, paving the way to their 30th anniversary in 2019. Three decades of metal onslaught, and they have neither lost their bite, nor their love for pure death metal mayhem.

Johnny Hedlund about The Hunt For White Christ: "On our way towards the bands 30th anniversary in 2019, comes the release of our 13th full length album, The Hunt For White Christ. The band is very much looking forward to meeting our Warriors all over the World on tours and festivals to hear your comments on the new album. And make no mistake, Odalheim will be ours! Let the hunt begin. Hail Odin!"

Napalm Records states: "We are more than happy about the upcoming release of The Hunt For White Christ by the Swedish death metal institution Unleashed. Beeing in business almost three decades, they proofed their standing and excellence to fans all over the world. Brace yourself for this brutal monument by the swedish chief vikings!"

Formats:

- 4 Page Digipack
- 1 LP Gatefold Black
- Digital Album
- Deluxe Box: 4 Page Digipack, Thor Hammer Logo Pendant, Album Cover Flag & woven cut out Thorhammer/Logo arm patch & band photo card (500 copies)
- 1 LP Gatefold Gold (100 copies)
- 1 LP Gatefold Ice Blue (2000 copies)
- Digipack & Album cover shirt bundle (US Webstore Only)
- 1 LP Gatefold Black & cover shirt bundle (US & World Webstore)

Pre-order The Hunt For White Christ here.

Tracklist:

"Lead Us Into War"
"You Will Fall"
"Stand Your Ground"
"Gram"
"Terror Christ"
"They Rape The Land"
"The City Of Jorsala Shall Fall"
"The Hunt For White Christ"
"Vidaurgelmthul"
"By The Western Wall"
"Open To All The World"

"The Hunt For White Christ" lyric video:

"Lead Us Into War" lyric video:

Deluxe box unboxing:

Members:

Johnny Hedlund: Bass, Vocals
Tomas Måsgard: Guitar
Fredrik Folkare: Guitar
Anders Schultz: Drums

(Photo - Jens Rydén)