Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
On Swedish Melodic Force and Genuine Band Chemistry:
During their “Anthems of Steel” co-headlining tour with Induction, we caught up with Tungsten bassist and creative mastermind Karl Johansson. We had an extensive conversation about their fantastic new album, “Ashes,” which was released on October 9th.
Karl provided some profound and fascinating insights into the creation of the songs.
It was one of my strange ideas. The cuckoo made that sound in that special tempo and I was like “What if we make it a Rammstein-Riff?”
“Ashes” is already the fifth studio album from the Swedish group, showcasing the full, experimental range of the band, which was formed in 2016 by former HammerFall drummer Anders Johansson, his two sons (Nick and Karl Johansson), and vocalist Mike Andersson.
Today there is like one billion bands so you have to think outside the box to do something special but not so much to become a joke.
On October 11, 2026, Swedish metal force Tungsten rolled into the heart of Karlsruhe, Germany, as part of their current tour. The intimate setting of the Stadtmitte venue provided the ideal, electric backdrop for an evening packed with soaring melodies, heavy riffs, and raw stage energy.
Just hours before taking the stage to deliver a blistering performance to the waiting crowd, we caught up with Karl backstage for an open, relaxed, and insightful conversation. Despite the relentless pace of life on the road and the usual pre-show bustle, Tungsten proved to be incredibly grounded, welcoming, and sharp.
I have a coffee machine at home that cleanses itself when you start it and it makes this very special sound. I think about sampling that sound and make a riff out of it.
In our interview, we dove deep into life on tour, the ongoing evolution of their signature sound, that distinct blend of traditional Swedish folk hooks, modern heaviness, and anthemic choruses. And the unique family dynamic that keeps their engine running smoothly.
We toured with Sonata Arctica in 2024 and we said we should do something together because Mikes an Tonys voices are very unique.
Grab a drink, sit back, and jump into our in-depth interview with Tungsten right before they lit up the stage at Stadtmitte in Karlsruhe!
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