HENRIK FLYMAN,
EVIL MASQUERADE

Interview - August 2007,
Denmark - Russia

- Your next album... How the process is going? When do you plan to go to the studio?

It’s going really well. If I don’t completely change my mind about everything, we should be able to start the final recordings within some months from now. But I will hurry slowly to make absolute sure that this album is the killer release it deserves to be. It will be the darkest and heaviest version of “Evil Masquerade”, but of course with every melodic aspect of the band preserved. Some cool surprises as usual as well.

- I'm sure, you have got this question a million times... But what is it - the 'Evil Masquerade'? Hmmm, everybody could be call that... Is it alive?.. ;) Has he a real prototype maybe? ;))

The name ‘Evil Masquerade’ is open for interpretation. I have my personal idea, but feel free to be creative. Our music is about triggering the imagination - and hopefully it makes you drift away for a moment or two… head banging.

- Why do you write a theatrical acts? Who has inspired you?

I don’t know if I necessarily do. I basically write music that’s inspired by lots of other music in different genres, then dress it up in a metal costume and call it ‘Evil Masquerade’. Just like you, I’m inspired by what I’m exposed to in my life, dreams and fantasies. The music is just a reflection of that. I have no roll model or mentor if that is what you ask for. I like music with character and strong melodies. I’m more inspired by the song itself than the author - even though I respect the source of melody tremendously.

- Well, then I’ll ask you from other side… Is life a theatrical scene for your opinion? This performance… we’re playing a draft and can repeat it or not? Our roles… Are they prefatory before one more else, which will be played someday? And who is a stage director? Can we change him on other, or we are always only employed actors for this acting?

I partly agree with Shakespeare when he said: “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. I think of the world as a stage where anything can happen, but I also see us as the authors and not only players. I believe we have the power to write the play as it progresses - and that we should indeed do so. This play can never be repeated because the whole universe interacts and it would be impossible to make the exact scenario happen again. And even if it could be re-played, there is still a different history the second time around. The Fictional Theater is another story. Here it’s no problem with re-runs of past stories since the whole environment is fully controlled. I know some people think we are ‘employed actors’ in this world and that the outcome is already written. But that is only because they allow for it to happen. I refuse to be a passive marionette - and do what I can to add my version of the story. And by doing so, I can also see that it’s possible.

- Does it mean that you have an own screenplay for the Evil Masquerade? BTW, who are the actors of this acts? I think we know only some of them – Henrik, Apollo, Dennis and Thor. But many of actors keep in shadow, isn’t it?

I have my own screenplay for everything that has happened until today. I can also imagine large parts of the upcoming chapter, but those final words are written as time goes by. A more commonly used name for this screenplay would be ‘life’. The actors that bring “Evil Masquerade” to life are everyone that takes an interest in it. Obviously the band members play their parts - but so do the authors, technicians, art workers, paintress, management, record labels, promoters, distributors, media – and most important of all: the fans of the band. Without the fans there wouldn’t be need for anyone else. I do what I can to keep them away from the shadows, get them to know the band and each other. We all enjoy our happy growing evil family. New friends are always very welcome.

- Then tell me more about Band’s supporters… We can see so many ideas on your pages for fans. This looking as you are very careful to them. Your fans mean a lot for you, isn’t it?

Without our fans there is no reason at all making official albums. I would still be composing and recording songs even if no one was interested - but I would never bother with this sick thing called ‘music biz’. It would be much more comfortable just making my own CDs and keep them for myself. But now I’m very fortunate that others like the music as well and do what they can to help spreading the word. It’s really flattering that so many actually care about this band. Therefore I think it’s important to do what I can, within the range of my possibilities, to show them my appreciation and respect. I believe that shared happiness is a greater sum than the separate parts and that shared trouble reduces the pain. Our fans have proven this accurate.

- Do you like the band's development? What do you think about the current line of the Band?

I think the development is interesting. We have been able not to repeat ourselves - and still sound like “Evil Masquerade”. I like to be unpredictable and think we have been kind of successful with that. The fans we have picked up along the way seem to stick around and that’s a really good barometer. We also attract new supporters that seem very enthusiastic about what we do, so the future looks bright. The current lineup of the band is certainly a very strong one.

- Sounds great. :) We’re looking forward to your new album! And my last question - what do you want to wish to our readers?

I’d like to wish you long and happy lives. Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated. Also remember that vitamins can't replace a healthy diet and that ‘Evil Masquerade’ should be played often and loud. See you around.