Michael Hakansson (Evergrey) Interview

I don't know if I would agree with any of those categories or genres. I would say that we're progressive if you use that word in its true meaning. We always strive to progress our sound on every album, but today I think the word progressive is used much too often. If a band is technical or uses a lot of different drumbeats, they are instantly categorized as progressive. I would like to say that we're a melodic metal band.

How has the band evolved since you've been a member?

Unfortunately, we've had a lot of lineup changes and that is due to the fact that we really want to do this. It takes quite a lot from a person, so much time for what we want to do. Now it really feels like we have a unit that is strong together, working toward the same goals.

Musically it's just a natural development that's been progressing over the years. Since we have new members coming in, they bring in new influences and new elements to music. It's a natural evolution.

How did you get started in music, and how did you become a member of Evergrey?

Here in Sweden we're really encouraged to start playing an instrument at a really early age in school. That's basically what I did. The first year we all play a certain kind of flute, then we can choose what instrument we want to continue with. I continued to play bass after that. I did that for a couple years, then I found hockey to be more fun, but after a couple years I realized the bass was better after all and started playing again. I started bands with friends and released a couple of records with different bands.

It was a coincidence that I ended up in Evergrey. I was out touring with my old band and I had done a recording in Los Angeles with Andy LaRocque as a session bass player. I called him up and told him I was in town doing a gig with my band. He came and he brought Tom (Englund, Evergrey's lead singer). I guess Tom liked what he saw, and when they needed a bass player Tom called me up.

Are you still working with The Forsaken?

No. I did the first album and wrote quite a lot of the material for the second one. I was supposed to record the second one, but right before

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