Interviews: Methane

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal band, Methane from Sweden. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Methane is an explosive gas it seemed to fit our attitude, you know drink some beer, crank up the guitars and blow shit up. And.. no one was using the name.. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

What's in a genre? I mean it's all metal, right? But I guess if you must have classifications, we started playing groove metal with thrash influences mostly because Jimi and I were getting tired of playing death metal and wanted to get into something closer to our thrash roots. I have played DM forever in Revenant (NJ DM Nuclear Blast), HatePlow (w/ Rob from Cannibal Corpse) did some stuff with Volturyon (Brutal DM Sweden) we wanted to play something with more of a moshpit vibe. Now that's evolving to the heavier side with every new riff we write.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

The original line-up we all knew each other from before in different ways, I knew Jimi from the metal club I was booking gigs at. My little brother was also an og member. Jonathan is our 7th drummer, we have picked up guys along the way. He is probably the only guy that has played with us who we kind of "tried out" first. Markus filled in for us on guitar for a tour, we knew him on the local scene too, when Dylan was deported back to the U.S. he became permanent.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Picking a favorite is unfair and impossible. Jimi is big into AC/DC , the Ramones. Markus is big Metallica guy. Jonathan Slipknot , Motorhead and I love stuff like Overkill and Slayer. But mostly , its because of the musicianship in those bands, Angus Young , Joey Jordison etc. you know influential original legends. I am a big Lane Stayley and Chuck Billy fan as far as singers go. We all are deep into underground metal as well and our thrash playlists are deep.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I write mostly about real life, the scars I have collected, toils and tribulations I have survived. Also, with a lot of whats going on around us, I try to keep an ironic view of the world and the crazy shit that goes on.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was with Kryptos in Stockholm at one of the best underground metal clubs in Stockholm Sweden ( Klubb Fredagsmangel) it translates to Fridays Mangle . Before that, we played at the Sabaton Open Air festival, which was also a lot of fun. It's more of a power metal fest, we were one of the heaviest bands there for sure.

7. Where would you like to act?

We live to play live, have been through Europe a bunch, and even over to the U.S. twice. South America and Japan are on the top of the bucket list as well as more festivals.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Methane has been out with Nervosa, Warbringer, Whiplash, and gigged with The Haunted. We have some things comming this spring as well. But Slayer, the original Pantera line-up. Impossible things like that are worth dreaming about. There are so many great bands, we're ready for anything.

9. Whom not?

Justin Beeber or something like that you mean?

IDK, I have heard of some bands who can be real duschebags but I won't get into slagging people.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Sure, getting up in front of people and performing, you're pretty naked and vulnerable up there. In my first couple of gigs ever, I totally choked, it was horrible. Now I take all those anxious, nervous feelings and channel it into aggression. I have been playing live since the late 80's so I have gotten used to it as well. But that works for me.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

A lot of my inspiration comes from experience. Playing in Revenant was a huge part of my formation as a musician, touring, recording writing all of that. But music is more of an addiction or lifestyle than anything else. Once you taste it you don't want to eat anything else and if you are away from it your soul starts to die. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

We have had lots of weird shit happen. I don't know if anyone has asked for something strange. We had a girl in Denver break into a video interview we were doing and flash us. Another waiting outside a club in Norway jumped in the van drunk (around noon) when we arrived and wanted to take us out to lunch with a total stranger. Weird shit always happens when we're out traveling, I wouldn't have it any other way.

13. What do you think of your fans?

First, I think we have friends and supporters, fans sound like rockstars and we are not rockstars. We have a mental family and enjoy all of the friendships and appreciate every little bit of support someone is willing to show. It's incredible to think someone would take the time from their own lives to give Methane some attention, it's amazing really.

14. What do you think of our site?

You guys are doing a great job! I really appreciate the effort you put into describing the albums and the art and giving your readers a full picture. Keep supporting the scene, you rule!

15. Something to add? 

ust thank you! Thank you for giving us some space in your zine and thank you for support the metal scene.