Enforcer are a thrash band that play thrash metal the way it should be played with plenty of speed and aggression and songs that you won’t soon forget. Here is an interview with singer Olof Wikstrand.

How did the band come together and what is the line-up of the band these days? Did any of you come from other bands?
The idea of the band was founded in 2005 in Arvika as an anti-reaction stupid trends in the metal scene by that time. we wanted to take back what was real in metal create a band that once again was writing good songs, having a good sound and an image/attitude that was over the top in all aspects. After a few line-up changes, a move to Stockholm and four albums later the band consists of Olof -  vocals/guitar , Jonas - drums, Joseph - guitar and Tobias - bass.  

How long was the band together before you released “ Into The Night” back in 2008. Who released that and is it still available? What are your thoughts on this release these days?
We played together for about a year before we started to work on our first full-length record Into the Night. It was first released by Heavy Artillery records from NY that was bought by Earache Records a few years later. 

In 2009 you released your 2nd release called ‘Diamonds. Who ended up putting that release out and what are your thoughts on that release these days? Did you do anything differently with that release as opposed to your debut?
Diamonds was released in May 2010 by Earache Records. Most of the songs are just as present today as they were back then. The biggest difference on this record was that the entire band was working on the song writing together and we started to develop a more varied sound with different kind of songs compared to the debut.  

How did you come up with the name for the band and were any other names thrown around?
We wanted something that could represent the power and simplicity in the music. No other band names were at this point mentioned. The band name actually origins from the song title of the band Avenger, which inspired the band much in the beginning.

For someone who has never heard the band, what would you say the band sounds like?
Like a total outlet of energy. Aggression and speed.

When would you say you came up with the ‘Enforcer” sound so to speak and do you feel you’re an original band?
It was something that sort of grew on us more and more. I would say that in the beginning of our carrier we were searching for our own sound and we found it first with Death by Fire 2013. I really feel that we are an original band. just because we're not influenced by modern poser metal it surely doesn't mean that we are more unoriginal than anyone else. 

Now it took 4 years (2013) before you released your 3rd effort called “Death By Fire". Why was there a 4 year gap in between releases? How did you come up with the title to this release? Who release that release?
Less than 3 years actually. We had some problems with line-up and things within the band during this time. we toured a lot and it struck quite hard on the band. but we managed it well, got time to redefine ourselves and release a great album we can be proud over all our lives. 

Have the band got to play live a lot and have you managed to do any type of touring at all so far? What are some of the bands you have shared the stage with?
We have played around 500 shows in the past 7 years on 4 continents and over 40 countries. We have played almost all major festivals in Europe so we have managed to share stage with most of our childhood idols and influential bands. 

What country is the band based out of and is there a solid metal scene where the band is based out of?
We're based in Stockholm Sweden. Wouldn't say the scene here is specifically good. We have lots of bands around here but not much fans.

How does the writing of a song come together? How about lyrics, what are some of the topics the band likes to write about?
It's always different and it has been different on every album. Usually one or a couple of us develops a basic idea of a song and then we jam it together until we have all the input we can get into the song. For us it's important to have the lyrics in the same way as the music, delivering the same atmosphere as the music, so everything works in one direction to deliver maximum effect. Lyrical themes that we generally have touched is violence, death and destruction.

Now tell me about the recording went to your new excellent release ‘From Beyond”? Did you pretty much have all the songs ready before going into the studio?
We had all material deliberately written together in the rehearsal place before we entered the studio. We self-produced the entire album to have 100% control of every aspect of the sound and recordings

Do you have any type of touring plans for this release and would you like to try and come to come to the US for some shows at some point?
We will tour as much we can with this release and we have some plans of returning to north american shores in January-February 2016. Stay tuned.

Do you plan on doing any type of promoting yourselves to help promote the release? Do you feel there is too many bands in the scene nowadays?
There are many bands, but there can never be too many good bands. unfortunately that's not the case. Can only think of a handful to be honest.

What are your thoughts on downloading and file sharing?
People can listen to music in whatever way they want. I prefer physical records.

I think your new release is absolutely fantastic and it totally blew me away. What has been the feedback so far from people who have heard the album?
Thanks a lot! The feedback has been really mind blowing so far.

If you had to do a cover song, what song would it be and why?
We have done loads of cover songs through our carrier.
Savage, Overkill (GER), Judas Priest, Nagazaki, Exciter, Venom, Motörhead, The Misfits to mention a few.

In any given week how much time is spent doing band related stuff and what goals does the band have if you guys do have any goals?
It depends. Let's say all my life circles around the band. The goal has always been total world domination.

Who came up with the cover art for your new release?
Concept comes from the band, illustrated by Squid Hrüschka and framed by Obsessed by Cruelty.

Is there any material that you have not released that might see the light of day one day?
Not at the moment, no.

Please plug any websites you have.
google it..

Any last words and good luck with the band.
Thanks a lot for supporting ENFORCER. See you in USA in 2016!!!

Interview by Chris Forbes
Answers by Olof Wikstrand (guitar/vocals)

March 2015