INTERVIEW: SHATTERHEART

 

Genre: Symphonic Metal

Country: Sweden

Questions by: Nick Parastatidis

Answers by: Johan Bergman (Guitars) & Alicke 

Kostopoulou (Vocals)

Site: Facebook

1. Shatterheart officially solidified its lineup in Fall 2024. Can you tell us more about how the five of you came together to form the band, especially given Johan and Alicke's initial collaboration?

 

At first I started the band as a side project. Though my intention was always to start a new band, I didn't know just how serious it would be at first. The first member I recruited was Olle, since we had talked about starting something up from time to time. Mostly over a couple of beers. As I wrote more songs and recruited some members it all became more serious. Still we didn't "exist as a band" though we had already taken the name Shatterheart. It wasn't until I asked Alicke that things were ready to start moving forward for real. Funny thing is that I had her in mind very early on, but didn't ask because I didn't think she was interested. I'm glad I asked, better late than never. Now we were able to recruite the last two members which we found during fall of 2024.

 

2. Being based in Gothenburg, a city with such a rich metal history, how do you feel the local scene has influenced Shatterheart's sound and identity, if at all?

 

Well, not at all actually. With Shatterheart I wanted to create something new so I got inspired by the classic Symphonic Metal bands, which you don't find many of in Gothenburg. Not that I know of anyway.

 

3. Your sound is described as Symphonic/Power Metal. What elements from each subgenre do you feel are most prominent in your music, and what makes Shatterheart's take on this style unique?

 

In my opinion we're a Symphonic Metal band, but Power Metal is closely related. I try to work with the symphonic elements, but since we all love fast and aggressive music it's only natural that the music will be close to Power Metal too.

 

4. Will the songs from the 'Ground Turns To Dust' EP also be featured on your upcoming 10-track debut album? If so, will they be the exact same versions, or have they been re-recorded, remixed, or re-mastered in any way for the full-length release?

 

Yes, they will be, more or less, the same. Some minor changes may occur.

 

5. You've described your sound as Symphonic/Power Metal. While the EP gives a strong indication of your style, will the overall sound and stylistic approach of the full-length album be consistent with what we've heard on 'Ground Turns To Dust', or can fans expect to hear new dimensions or variations in your sound on the album?

 

We're really excited to share the whole experience with the world. There is more of both symphonic and power, but also other elements.

 

6. Johan, as the mastermind behind the musical compositions, can you walk us through your songwriting process? How do you bring your initial ideas to the band, and how do Alicke and the rest of the members contribute to shaping the final arrangements?

 

Maybe the process will change a bit in the future but till now I wrote all the music by myself. Overall I write a riff or a melody on the guitar, then I transform it to the synthesizer. When all the elements are there I record it and let Alicke take care of the vocal part more or less (vocal melodies / lyrics).

 

7. Your debut album features 10 songs and was mixed and mastered by Studio Fredman. What was it like working with such a legendary studio, and how do you feel their expertise shaped the final sound of the album?

 

Overall we did everything on our own. All the symphonic elements, guitars, drums and vocals. It wasn't until the mixing process we worked with Studio Fredman. But I must say I got a little starstrucked. I grew up with his work so it was really cool to work with him! He's such a funny guy and I learned a lot from him.

 

8. Alicke, beyond Shatterheart, you are also involved with the band Scarblade. Is Scarblade currently active, and do you have plans to release another album with them in the near future?

 

Hello from me and thank you for the following questions! Yes, Scarblade is an active band. We have focused a lot on songwriting and also shows in Europe. A new album is almost fully recorded and will soon be mixed and mastered. So, you can expect both an album with Shatterheart and Scarblade soon!

 

9. Alicke, having the experience of being a vocalist in both Scarblade and now Shatterheart, could you compare and contrast your creative and performance experiences with each band? How do the dynamics, songwriting processes, or overall musical approaches differ between the two, from your perspective?

 

Both are metal bands but the vocal approach is different sometimes. In Scarblade, the main element in my sound is distortion/growl and also a heavier ''chesty'' sound with some high-pitched melodies here and there, while in Shatterheart my heavier sound is mostly used as an effect rather than the main sound. It's mostly a high-pitched and melodic, rather softer sound in general. The songwriting can sometimes be a teamwork or some of us can compose complete songs, while the rest of the band can come up with complementary ideas at the end.

 

10. With the album waiting to be released, what are your immediate plans for getting your music out to a wider audience? Are there any album release shows or tours in the pipeline?

 

Our immediate plan is to promote the album of course as well as perform live. We have started planning shows for this and next year, so stay tuned! Also, a new music video is coming soon!

 

11. Looking further ahead, what are Shatterheart's long-term aspirations? Are there specific venues, festivals, or collaborations you dream of achieving?

 

We will of course continue growing as a band and our fan base and we also want to perform as much as possible. I would personally love to play in Greece since there is a long time ago since I performed there. But of course the biggest festivals and venues are a dream/goal. We could name a lot of artists we would love to co-operate with. The list would be endless! But we can reveal that there is a surprise for all of you when the album is released.. an amazing collaboration with a fantastic singer!

 

12. Thank you for your time answering my questions. Please put your epilogue to this interview…

 

Thank you a lot for this interview and the opportunity to talk about Shatterheart and even Scarblade. We are really excited for what's to come so stay tuned! Until then, follow us on social media, listen to our EP and support us that way! It helps us a lot!

You can find our links here:

⦁ EP “GROUND TURNS TO DUST” (2025):

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4eAHV2zPkzGJw2YGIoHryn?si=517QROzUQM2yocGYzBJEDw

⦁ VIDEO:

⦁ Shatterheart - A Shattered Heart

⦁ https://youtu.be/Ew1BcPrbcq8?si=_DJyknd12gAy_LWv

⦁ SOCIAL MEDIA:

⦁https://www.instagram.com/shatterheartofficial?igsh=MThxNDQ3ZngzdGto

⦁ https://www.facebook.com/shatterheartband