Swedish melodic & technical death metal titans Hypocrisy are back and more lethal than ever. Their latest album Virus is a powerful platter of sonic mayhem, bristling with savage instrumental intensity and instantly memorable songs. New drummer Horgh joined the band back in 2004, and his presence and talents have made an instant impact on the bands sound. On the eve of their US tour with Nile, Sea of Tranquility Publisher Pete Pardo caught up with Horgh to talk about the new album Virus as well as the upcoming tour.

Read on for the full interview!

SoT: Welcome to the band Horgh! Can you talk a little bit about the final months in Immortal and how you came in contact with and joined Hypocrisy?

Horgh: It was a stressful period and we just weren't inspired to go on the way it was back then. We knew the end was near so we just finished the festivals we were committed to do, and then we called it a day.

I joined Hypocrisy in January 2004. I was in my rehearsal room playing drums when the phone was ringing and it was Peter Tagtgren. He asked me if I wanted to join Hypocrisy on a permanent basis and I said yes there and then. It must have been such a great day for them… ha ha !

SoT: I'm sure! How did it feel to be in the recording studio with one of the icons of metal, Peter Tagtgren?

Horgh: Peter is a friend of mine and I have recorded five albums in The Abyss studio, so I know what to expect. Virus is the first album Peter and I have recorded as members in the same band, and that's the only differences from the earlier recordings I've done there. He is a talented and professional producer so there were no bigger problems during the recording of Virus.

SoT: Did you participate in any of the writing for Virus?

Horgh: Yes, I contributed in the writing of "Craving For Another Killing", "Blooddrenched", "Compulsive Psychosis" and "Incised Before I've Ceased"

The new album...Virus

Horgh: I have been influenced by bands like Judas Priest, Motörhead, Kiss, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, Slayer, and Metallica - among others. They have all inspired me to play drums and metal music.

SoT: What equipment are you using these days?

Horgh: Premier drums, Paiste cymbals, Acheron sticks and Axis pedals.

SoT: How has early reaction been to Virus so far?

Horgh: It's been very good. It seems like people are enjoying the album!

SoT: What are some of your favorite songs on Virus?

Horgh: "Craving For Another Killing", "Bloodrenched" and "Warpath". I like listening to all the songs actually.

SoT: Are you looking forward to the tour opening up for Nile later this year/early 2006?

Horgh: Yes I am. It's going to be one hell of a tour. With a line up as extreme and diverse as this one, no one will be disappointed. I'm looking forward to visit the U.S. and to play for our fans and friends again. I hope we will see you all there.

SoT: I'll be at the New York City show for sure! In fact, I was at the last NYC show that Hypocrisy played. Were you in the band for the recent tour of the US with Soilwork, Dark Tranquility, and Mnemic, and if so how was it touring with some of your Swedish counterparts?

Horgh: Yes, I was there and it was a good tour for all the bands. I've toured with the guys from Soilwork once before and it was cool to tour with them again. We shared a tour bus with DT and it was cool to get to know them and the guys from Mnemic.

SoT: What older Hypocrisy songs do you like playing live?

Horgh: "Final Chapter", "Inferior Devoties", "Necronomicon", and "Pleasure Of Molestation", among others.

SoT: Was there ever any talk of Hypocrisy playing any of the US metal festivals like Ozzfest, Gigantour, Sounds of the Underground, Prog Power, or New England Metal Fest? Would the band like to get involved with any of these in the future?

Horgh: We did a show at the BW&BK Six Pack Weekend in May this year and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't involve us with these festivals in the future.

SoT: Sounds good Horgh! See you in a few months in New York!

http://www.hypocrisy.tv/

Pete Pardo