Blistering.com: Let’s go back to Sworn to the Great Divide for a moment and off-hand, there’s a few really strong songs, but given the shape of the line-up, would you say that was a weird time for the band?
Strid: In a way, it was. It was very hard to see Peter leave. The band is pretty much our baby because we started it in ’96. So I couldn’t walk away, I thought I would turn this thing around and make it a challenge. When the songs were coming together, I felt very confident and thought we had a great album, but when we started touring, that’s when I started to feel that there’s something missing. I started to miss Peter a lot when we were touring and being onstage. It felt really good when he decided to come back and we could be onstage together again. Also, Sylvain added to the line-up, so it’s the best line-up we’ve ever had, as close to the original as well.
Blistering.com: You’ve been with Nuclear Blast since A Predator’s Portrait and even though they’re a big label, the band has always been a priority. What’s the relationship like nowadays?
Strid: I think we’ve built a pretty personal relationship with the people working there. We know the people very well and they’ve always had faith in the band. We’ve been taking a step-up for each record, so they continue to believe in the band. It’s a great cooperation and it’s a really good independent label to be on.
Blistering.com: Speaking of A Predator’s Portrait, that was the album when you introduced your clean vocals. Do you remember when you stumbled upon your ability to do these?
Strid: I think we tried it around Chainheart Machine with the bonus track for Japan and that track turned into “Shadowchild.” And I was like, “Wow, I kinda like this. It’s a pretty cool mix!” In fact, we were one of the originators to mix vocals like that in that sense. It inspired a lot of bands to do vocals like that and the metalcore scene, so it’s cool to be a part of that. It was a natural thing for me to develop as a vocalist. It was never because I wanted to go more commercial. I wanted to do more; I didn’t want any limits. I’m a guitar player from the beginning and I happen to become a singer by coincidence because Peter asked me if I wanted to sing in a band.
Blistering.com: We’ve done this with a few other bands, so let’s pick a few Soilwork songs that have gone unnoticed or have flown under the radar. Let’s start with “Razorlives” off Steelbath Suicide.
Strid: Oh…[laughs]. I can’t even remember what the lyrics are on the album [laughs]. That’s one of my favorites on the album and I remember when I heard the song the first time, it really got me going. I think we were like, “This is awesome!” Which is how reacted to everything back then. You tend to take a more…you’re more relaxed now. It’s been a while since we’ve played it live; maybe five years, but I wouldn’t mind playing it again.
Blistering.com: “Possessing the Angels” from Chainheart….
Strid: I wrote that song on the guitar, actually. And I remember because it was a time in the band when Peter wasn’t into the fast stuff and I was the thrasher in the band who liked Slayer, Kreator, and Sodom. I was like, “Please, can we have some thrash stuff!” I wrote that song and I was so nervous, but he loved it. I remember the kick I got out of it when I found out it was going on the album [laughs].
Blistering.com: That whole album is thrash, you know?
Strid: It is! In the beginning we had some thrash songs like “Sadistic Lullaby,” but that turned out to be a real thrashy album.
Blistering.com: “Grand Failure Anthem” off A Predator’s Portrait.
Strid: The impossible song to play live [laughs]. Peter was so scared when the fans got to vote on the set-list, going, “They better not pick that song. Please don’t!” It’s a really crazy song, fast, so many…crazy guitar parts.
Blistering.com: “Departure Plan” off Figure Number Five.
Strid: Great song, I really love that song. We’ve never tried to do it live, but everyone had the feeling we wouldn’t be able to capture that same vibe live. I don’t know…I think we should try, maybe it will end up on the set-list for some of these upcoming tours.
Blistering.com: Switching gears, you have a North American tour coming up this summer with Death Angel, so what’s the talk around the set-list like?
Strid: We’re deciding right now and it’s pretty hard. Eight albums. It’s going to be a massive show, one and-a-half hours. Pretty tough, but it will be a good mix throughout the whole tour. I’ve learned to breathe right and try not to drink too much whiskey [laughs]. I try to work out as well.
Blistering.com: Finally, what’s your general feeling toward the upcoming release of The Panic Broadcast?
Strid: I’ve never felt this way about an album before. I’m not too worried about [it]; it feels great.