Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Swedish hard rock veterans Mustasch are currently deep in creative overdrive. Front man Ralf Gyllenhammar is living inside what he calls a studio bubble: sleepless nights, songs coming together at a rapid pace, and brand-new material planned for the band’s upcoming Finnish shows in March.
We reached Gyllenhammar by phone to talk about the upcoming album, a heavier direction, perfectionism, and why he has stayed away from alcohol for weeks.
Hello Ralf. How are you doing this February 2026?
Ralf Gyllenhammar: I’m exhausted. I’ve been awake all night making music.
Your manager said you’re in some kind of “caveman mode.” Is that true?
Ralf: Yeah. I’m definitely in caveman mode. I need that state to be creative and write songs.
Tell us about your new track “I’m A Soldier.” Where did that idea come from?
Ralf: My manager said that when I’m working, I’m like a soldier — I never give up and I never stop. I thought that would be a perfect song title. It’s 160 BPM, really fast. There’s a bit of The Rolling Stones, a bit of Judas Priest, and of course Mustasch.
How are things with the band right now overall?
Ralf: Good. Lots of shows coming up in Poland and Finland — our favorite country. I’ve honestly even thought about moving to Finland sometimes.
You’re coming to Finland in March with the new album and several shows. Where are you at with the recording process?
Ralf: We’re recording in a hurry. We have eight songs, but not all of them are finished. I’m a perfectionist. The others say a song is done, but I always want to improve it just a little bit more. That’s why it’s taking time.
How do you know when you just have to let a song go?
Ralf: I never want to let go. But deadlines force you to.
How many tracks will be on the album?
Ralf: Eight right now. Five finished, three still in progress. The goal is to release it in March.
What kind of mood can we expect from the record?
Ralf: No sadness. Just energy. No ballads. I want it to be uplifting, aggressive, and full of positive power — something that pushes forward all the time.
You’ve talked about going back to your roots. What pushed you in that direction?
Ralf: We have three new members. They’re really talented and maybe lean toward a more polished, slick sound. That’s great, but it still has to sound like Mustasch. I need to be more involved to keep it true to who we are.
Does this feel like a fresh start for the band?
Ralf: Yeah. These days many bands just release singles, but we want to make a proper full album with this lineup.
Do you feel like you have something to prove with this record?
Ralf: Definitely. At first I thought the others would write more, but in the end I found myself writing a lot again at the last minute. It’s stressful, but I work best under pressure.
What does the future look like after the Finnish tour?
Ralf: More shows in Poland and France at least. I’m so focused on music that I almost forgot my daughter’s birthday. That says a lot about how deep I am in this project.
Will we hear a new single before the tour?
Ralf: Yes. We’re sending one to be mixed right now. The plan is to release it as soon as possible.
Will you play new songs live too?
Ralf: A few. But people want the classics. If you go to a Motörhead show, you want the old hits. Same with us.
You mentioned you’ve stopped drinking alcohol. Why?
Ralf: I promised myself I wouldn’t drink until the album is finished. I’ve been sober for six weeks and already lost a couple of kilos. So I guess we’d better finish the record fast. (laughs)
Anything you’d like to say to your Finnish fans?
Ralf: Don’t do anything stupid. That’s my job.
MUSTASCH – Album Tour 2026
16.3.2026 – Helsinki, Tavastia-klubi
17.3.2026 – Tampere, Tavara-asema
18.3.2026 – Turku, Teatro Logomo
19.3.2026 – Kuopio, Circus Live
20.3.2026 – Vaasa, Olvi Pub
21.3.2026 – Kokkola, Hotel Seurahuone Kokkola (Sold out)
Tickets available now.
