Q&A with Tomas Olsson on Bloodbound’s two-decade history and latest release ‘Field of Swords’
Bloodbound, a renowned Swedish power metal band, has entered its 20th year in the music industry with the release of their eleventh album, “Field Of Swords.” This album, launched via Napalm Records on November 21st, marks a new chapter for the band. In a recent interview with Metal Insider, guitarist Tomas Olsson shed light on the band’s newest project, reflecting on their journey, and how the genre of power metal has evolved over the years.
Olsson explained that “Field of Swords” serves as a continuation of their previous album, “Tales From the North,” which focused on the Scandinavian Viking era. The new album delves into European history during the First Crusade, starting around 1096. Olsson was inspired by the rise of the Crusader era and the emergence of knights following the Viking era. He emphasized the significance of this time period, highlighting its well-documented nature, citing books and movies that influenced his understanding.
The guitarist shared his passion for history, outlining his research process for the album. Olsson drew from various sources, including books and movies, to create a fictionalized but historically accurate depiction of the Crusader era. “Field of Swords” aims to capture the essence of nine Crusades that occurred between 1096 and 1291, exploring themes of holy warfare and reclaiming Jerusalem through storytelling and reflections.
One of the standout tracks from the album, “The Nine Crusades,” features a collaboration with Brittney Slayes of Unleash The Archers. Olsson explained that the decision to work with Slayes stemmed from a mutual admiration for her work and a desire to incorporate a duet into the song. The collaboration added depth and storytelling elements to the track, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Discussing the band’s new partnership with Napalm Records, Olsson expressed enthusiasm for the label’s support and energy. Bloodbound’s upcoming tour, scheduled for March, will showcase songs from “Field Of Swords” across Europe, including Germany and neighboring countries. Olsson hinted at the excitement of performing live and the anticipation of sharing new material with fans.
When asked about personal goals for the band in the upcoming year, Olsson mentioned the desire to play at major festivals and explore new opportunities for exposure. With a renewed sense of energy and creativity, Bloodbound is poised to continue their musical journey and captivate audiences with their distinctive brand of power metal.