The Haunted’s Marco Aro: “It feels like we’re really back again”

Swedish thrash metal band The Haunted is making a comeback after an eight-year recording hiatus. The band’s tenth studio album, “Songs Of Last Resort,” will be released on May 30 via Century Media Records. The band will be performing at Kaaos Festival in Vaasa, Finland, at the former Wasalandia activity park area on Friday, July 25. We chatted with vocalist Marco Aro about the new album, the long break, and upcoming shows. You can read the entire interview below:

Hi Marco! How’s your spring 2025 going?

Marco Aro: Pretty good, nothing special. I’ve already done three interviews today.

So it’s still quite relaxed then?

Marco Aro: Yes, it’s still pretty easy-going.

Has there been a lot of interest?

Marco Aro: Yes, there has. It feels like we’re really back again.

That’s great! It’s been a full eight years since your last release.

Marco Aro: Indeed. A big reason for the break was that myself and Ola live in the same city, but Jonas, Adrian, and others live in different places. The only time we’d meet was at shows. Every time we talked about making an album, but it never materialized. Our Dropbox filled with song ideas, but nothing was completed. When we met at Sweden Rock, we finally decided to actually make an album. In three months, it was written.

And you didn’t use any of the old ideas?

Marco Aro: Completely new. We didn’t touch any of the old ideas.

Wow!

Marco Aro: Jensen wrote “Warhead,” and that really kicked the whole project into gear. It also defined the aggressive and mean direction of the album. We recorded 16-17 songs and selected the best ones for the album.

And the rest were saved for things like Japanese bonus versions?

Marco Aro: Exactly. The Japanese market always needs extras because albums cost more there. But honestly, even I haven’t found all our Japanese bonus tracks online.

Often those extra tracks are quite good?

Marco Aro: They are! For example, the “Strength in Numbers” Japanese bonuses were my favorites, but others didn’t think they fit the album.

After such a break, was it difficult to get back to singing in the studio?

Marco Aro: Not really. We’ve always had that style where we don’t keep much contact between tours — and we’ve never had any arguments. Now we’re going after quality, not quantity: we do shows when we feel like it.

And now you’re doing shows around Kaaos Festival and others?

Marco Aro: Yes, Kaaos Festival might have been the first offer we got. We missed most of the festival season since the album is coming out late, but next year there will certainly be more. Now we have about 20 shows planned for autumn and winter.

That’s a good amount considering you all have day jobs and families.

Marco Aro: It is. You need to find balance between touring and family life.

About the recording and lyrics

You recorded vocals with Björn from Soilwork. How was that experience?

Marco Aro: It was a really good experience. My regular guy had moved to Northern Sweden, a 13-hour drive away, so we needed a new solution. I called Björn and asked if he’d like to record and coach — and he agreed. Björn doesn’t let you off easy, even when you think you’ve done enough. He demands more, and that helps you develop. We spent 10 days together in Sweden, recording at the rehearsal space.

When it came to writing lyrics for the album, was it easy to find topics?

Marco Aro: There was no shortage of topics with the world being what it is. We didn’t agree on themes beforehand, but we noticed we’d all written about similar things. It’s hard to avoid in these times.

Is it easier for you to write in darker moods?

Marco Aro: Yes. I also have impostor syndrome — I always feel like others’ words are better than mine. It’s difficult at first, but once I get a couple of songs done, it starts rolling more quickly.

Do you have a specific way of collecting ideas?

Marco Aro: I do. I write ideas down immediately in my phone’s Notes app. I don’t want to stare at a blank page, so I collect a small foundation to build from. I learned that from a David Bowie interview — you need to have something to start with.

Upcoming shows and setlists

What happens after the album comes out?

Marco Aro: Right now we mainly have club shows and festivals lined up. Next year certainly more as we get to tour properly.

You’re also coming to Kaaos Festival in Vaasa in July. Have you been to Vaasa before?

Marco Aro: I have. I was in the army in Tammisaari, and I had friends in Vaasa. I visited there during my leaves.

What kind of setlist are you planning?

Marco Aro: We haven’t decided exactly yet, but I’d like to include at least three or four new songs. It’s difficult to select a 75-minute set from a catalog of ten albums. Everyone has their favorites, and of course you’d like to play the new material too.

It’s always challenging to make those compromises.

Marco Aro: It is, and there might be someone in the audience waiting for that one specific song. But we’ll see what we can put together.

In closing

Thank you so much for the interview, Marco! Would you like to say something to your Finnish fans?

Marco Aro: Come to the show in Vaasa in July! It’s going to be one hell of a night.

See you at the show!

Marco Aro: See you in the pit!