Robex Lundgren virkblogg.

First of all for those that haven’t heard of Coldwar can you give us a brief history of the band, where you’re from, what you do, etc? Coldwar formed in Dublin Ireland as a three piece punk band and from there we evolved into a five piece band. We’ve gotten darker and heavier with every release. Musically we play a mix of Punk, Metal, Hardcore, we as a band all have a varied tastes in music so that reflects in our sound.

What were the ambitions of the band when you started? When we started out Coldwar we just wanted to play as many gigs as possible and to have a few releases under our belt. Now we are on our 5th release, which is called ‘Pantheist’ and was released via Candlelight Records. You’re a band that covers a lot of genres...

What genre do you feel you are? We are Coldwar are sound is Coldwar. We never wanted to sound like anyone. Thats the problem now a days label it and sell it.

How would you describe your sound in one sentence? Coldwar is dark and as heavy as you are going to get THIS IS COLWAR! Your new record ‘Pantheist’ is out.

How do you feel it’s been received? Reviewers have received ‘Pantheist’ very well; we are very proud of this record. I couldn’t have asked for more.

What were your sources of inspiration? Our inspiration comes from everywhere, from the news, a book, or a simple idea to make a song. It’s always best when you let it happen naturally and not try to force an idea.

Musically, is it easier to get your inspiration from older bands or from bands more modern? I listen to very little of the modern bands I’m more likely to listen to the older bands like Amebix, Neroious, Prong. old Slayer… The only modern band if you want to call it that I’ve been listening to for the last month or so is Tribulation who are an excellent band. Also Mastodon and High on Fire, etc, etc. One single note can inspire me and the sound of my amp blasting away.Let’s go backstage now.

Do you have any pre-show rituals? None really. I’d have a few beers and have a laugh. Try not to stress… Just go and do it!

What’s been the best gig you ever played? Been so many… But one would have to be a benefit show we did in London for our late bass player Skinny (RIP). What a mental show…

And worst? Driving for 6 hours and finding out the promoter didn’t promote and fuck us.

When you are on stage, what is the worst possible thing that could happen? String breaking, your amp head dying anything electrical because you have a certain time to play and trying to find an electrical problem on stage under pressure is not funny. Pretty much anything can fuck up a gig.

What music could we expect to hear on your tour bus? Everything. Poison Idea, High on Fire or just silence, which can be golden.

How do you feel about the downloading of music instead of buying albums? Illegal downloading, NO! But, if you download from a paying site then that’s your choice. I prefer to buy the physical CD; it’s a package not just songs on your player.

How do you feel the industry is reacting to this download culture?/Is it doing enough?/Is it as bad as we think? They haven't really reacted well and they are still finding their way. It’s the artist that gets the short end of the stick. We have been pretty much DIY till now so the industry hasn't effected us much.

With all that in mind, what drives a band that isn't all that famous and renowned to try to make a living on their music and to keep playing? We love what we do cause if you didn’t we would have given up a long time ago.

What are your dreams for the band? To be able to play as many gig as possible to promote ‘Pantheist’ and to play in as many countries as possible.

What are the biggest obstacles? Booking shows… we have had offers but the timing is bad for us which very frustrating.

Finally, what’s next for Coldwar?/And any final words? At the moment we have a few shows lined up two dates with Carcass in September then off to London to play the Candlefest in October, From November to Dismember in Romania in November with a tour to follow in December. We have a few songs demoed as we like to keep writing while were not gigging. This year is far from over and were looking into next year for shows.