Interviews: Manifest
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1. How did MANIFEST originally come together in 1999, and what inspired you to start the band?
Alessandro (drums) and I got to know each other in 1998 when we attended the same school program. We became good friends and started playing together during the school year. We decided to form a band in the fall of `99 when we both moved to the city of Trondheim. And Manifest came together from there, after trying out some different singers and bass players. I guess the inspiration to form the band just came from the joy of playing together and hanging out, sharing the same interest of music and the desire to live out the dream of playing in a metal band.
2. Where did the name MANIFEST come from, and what does it mean to the band?
It was suggested to me by someone I knew, who had seen it on the back of the Chaos A.D. album by Sepultura; there's a song there called Manifest. It doesn't mean anything specific, other than the meaning of the word itself and that our uncompromising style is undeniable.
3. The band first released music in 2005. Looking back over more than two decades, how do you feel MANIFEST has evolved?
The relationships within the band have evolved a lot. We really know how to read each other, both musically and personally. And of course we have developed a lot as musicians, after playing together for all these years. And on some levels we have not evolved at all, still getting drunk and fighting over the same stupid things haha!
4. What inspired the title Nothing Left To Kill?
We wanted a title that had a classic thrash metal vibe and was easy to remember. We had a lot of ideas floating around that were really bad, and then this one just popped up.
5. Is the album title connected to a specific theme or message running throughout the record?
Just that things seem to be going not so well around the world, with wars and hell all over the place. In the end, there will be nothing left to kill.
6. Was Nothing Left To Kill written as a complete album concept, or did its overall identity develop naturally during the songwriting process?
It's not a concept album. We wrote and recorded a lot of songs, and then we narrowed it down to the ones that ended up on the album. Our producer had a key role in this process.
7. How would you describe the biggest difference between this album and your previous releases?
One big difference was how we made the album. Our producer Rune took on a truly dedicated role as producer, putting his heart and soul into every detail. The band members took a step back and put full trust in Rune to call a lot of the shots. We also took our time with the process and let things unfold naturally, without setting so many deadlines.
8. MANIFEST have described this new era as a return to something more direct and uncompromising. What made you want to take the band back in that direction?
We wanted to make a real metal album again. After exploring more experimental territory with some of our previous material, we wanted to get back to our roots. In 2025, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our debut album and played a lot of the early material live. This also made us want to write heavier and more direct songs again.
9. Your music combines thrash metal, death metal, and hardcore aggression. How has that combination developed over the years?
It just developed naturally, from what we like to listen to and what we like to play, I guess.
10. What bands or records have had the biggest influence on MANIFEST's sound?
Slayer, Entombed, early Sepultura, and stuff like that. But we listen to everything from Frank Sinatra to Cannibal Corpse, and I would guess that everything you listen to has some sort of an impact.
11. The new single “World Is For Sale” is the second preview of the album. What inspired the song?
Just wanted to write a classic old-school thrash song with a focus on riffs and energy.
12. What does the title “World Is For Sale” mean to you, and what message are you trying to communicate through it?
The way I read the lyrics, they are about hyper-capitalism and corporate greed and pushing it over the breaking point. Then it comes around in a backlash from the exploited, and they show no mercy. That's my interpretation. Stian could answer better probably; he writes the lyrics, but he's not available now.
13. Why was “World Is For Sale” chosen as the second single?
Because I was certain it was going to top the charts and become a number one hit!
14. How does the song fit into the larger story or atmosphere of Nothing Left To Kill?
I think it fits in well with the rest of the songs. It's one of the shorter songs on the album, and brings variation to the length of the songs.
15. Which song on the album best represents the current identity of MANIFEST?
For my part, I would have to say Praying for Armageddon.
16. Was there a particular song that proved especially challenging to write or record?
We worked a lot with Praying for Armageddon. I know Stian really worked on those lyrics and getting the execution of the vocals right.
17. Is there a song on the album that carries a particularly personal meaning for the band?
Yes, The Swarm is about Johnny getting attacked by bees in the summertime, while he is trying to relax and drink beer.
18. How does the songwriting process work within MANIFEST? Do songs usually begin with riffs, rhythms, lyrics, or something else?
Usually we meet up at rehearsal, and the other guys will look at me and ask me about what new riffs I have. I play the riffs, and then we take it from there, throwing in ideas and trying out different arrangements and stuff. Other times I have some clean guitar parts worked out, and we can start with that. Or it can be a drum pattern that Alessandro comes up with.
19. How important is keeping the music aggressive and straightforward when you're writing new material?
Most important is that it brings high energy, I'd say, or at least the right kind of energy. And you can get the right energy in a lot of ways. Does not have to be aggressive or straightforward.
20. The new material has a very live-oriented feeling. Do you write songs with the stage in mind?
We always put the songs together in the rehearsal room, as a band, so that keeps the live feeling intact.
21. How did Rune Stavnesli approach the production, mixing, and mastering of the new material?
He approached it with being really dedicated throughout the whole process. Plus, he is a real pro and a true sweetheart!
22. What were you looking for from the production of Nothing Left To Kill?
Soundwise, we wanted a hard-hitting production that had the elements of classic thrash, and not sound digital or perfect. But at the same time we wanted it to match up with the punch and crushing sound of more modern productions.
23. Did you deliberately avoid over-polishing the record in order to preserve its raw character?
Definitely.
24. What can you tell us about the artwork for Nothing Left To Kill?
It was made by Travis Smith, and based loosely on an idea that was presented to him. We wanted something old school that reminded of classic metal artwork from the late 80`s early 90s.
25. Is there a particular concept or symbolism behind the artwork?
The globe in the form of an impaled skull surrounded by the fall of mankind pretty much speaks for itself, I would say. There is a lot of symbolism in it, of course, but I'd leave it up to the ones who see it to interpret it their way.
26. MANIFEST have shared stages with bands such as Entombed, Meshuggah, and Napalm Death. Which of those experiences stands out the most?
Touring with Entombed- those guys are our heroes from early on, so getting to hang out with them night after night was just an incredible experience.
27. What have you learned from playing alongside bands that have had such a major impact on extreme metal?
Stick to your guns, work hard, treat people with respect, and be friendly.
28. How has the Norwegian metal scene influenced MANIFEST over the years?
Not sure, but we have good friends in other metal bands from Norway. So It`s always cool to see bands keeping on year after year.
29. What do you think makes the Norwegian underground metal scene unique?
I don't know.
30. After more than 20 years as a band, what has been the biggest challenge in keeping MANIFEST moving forward?
Lack of money.
31. What has been the most rewarding moment in the band's history?
I would say the tour that we did with Entombed in 2006. And getting invited to tour with them again in 2011.
32. Has your perspective on making heavy music changed as you've gotten older?
Yes, I'm less focused on details and more focused on the big picture.
33. Do you think being an established band gives you more freedom when writing, or does it create additional expectations?
We feel free to write whatever music we want to write. We don't feel bound to any other expectations than what we set for ourselves.
34. What do you hope longtime MANIFEST fans hear in Nothing Left To Kill that reminds them of the band's roots?
The raw and unpolished energy that we first started out with.
35. At the same time, what do you hope newer listeners discover about MANIFEST through this album?
I hope they discover that we are a solid metal band.
36. Do you still see the full-length album as the ideal format for presenting a band's vision in an era dominated by singles and playlists?
Yes, I do.
37. What has the reaction been like to the first two singles so far?
It's been good so far, great online feedback from our fans, with some radio play and some nice press coverage.
38. What are you hoping Nothing Left To Kill accomplishes for MANIFEST?
Hopefully we can reach out to more fans with our music, do some cool tours and shows, and grow as a band.
39. Are there plans for extensive touring or live shows surrounding the album's release?
We are working on it. First up is a Norwegian tour in October/November. And hopefully we can do tours, shows, and festivals in other countries too.
40. Once Nothing Left To Kill is released, what's next for MANIFEST?
We have to do some rehearsals so we can get in shape to play live!
Bonus Questions
If Nothing Left To Kill were the soundtrack to a post-apocalyptic movie, what would the final scene look like?
Haha, I dont know; I'm a bad movie director.
And finally:
After more than two decades of MANIFEST, what is the one thing you still want to prove every time you step onstage?
That we are the King Kong of thrash metal!
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