Interview: Fredrik Larsson of Hammerfall Talks Australian Tour – Spotlight Report

Swedish heavy metal legends Hammerfall are gearing up for their first-ever Australian headline tour, kicking off on January 14, 2025. Ahead of their visit, we had the chance to catch up with bassist Fredrik Larsson for a chat.

Larsson spoke about the band’s latest album, Avenge the Fallen, and the incredible reception it has received from fans. He also shared his thoughts on performing the new material live, and offered invaluable advice to young, aspiring bass players.

SR: 2024 was the year Hammerfall—you guys were touring in support of the latest release, Avenge the Fallen. How do you feel the reception from fans worldwide has been so far?

FL: It feels like the new songs are really well received by the fans when we play them live. It’s a real joy to see the reactions for the first time when you play a new song. Overall, I would say that I haven’t read that many reviews, but it seems like people think it’s good.

I think the latest record we’ve done is a really good one. There’s lots of diversity between the songs, with good pacing, strong choruses, and an overall solid vibe. It’s just a really good record.

SR: I think the title song, Avenge the Fallen, and the clip that you guys have for this song represent exactly how the Australian tour will be. The clip is set in a small live venue with you guys close to the crowd, which is similar to many of the venues here in Australia. Are you aware of the venues you’ll be playing here Down Under?

FL: Oh no, I had no idea. I mean, we last played in Australia in 2014, I think. So, it’s been a really long time. I don’t know if we’ll be playing any of the same venues or if they’re new ones. I have no idea, but it will be really interesting to see the Australian fans, especially in such small clubs, and really get to meet them.

SR: There have been over 30 years of Hammerfall hits, and the music keeps coming, getting better and better. What would you say is the key to success for the band? How do you keep the songs fresh?

FL: It’s kind of hard to reinvent new concepts for each record. But I guess Oscar [Dronjak] and Joacim [Cans], they’re the ones who write the most—almost everything.

Oscar has found a way to capture the spirit. For example, after we get off stage, he still has so much energy. So, he often sits down, either on the tour bus or at a hotel, and picks up his guitar to start writing songs because that’s when he’s the most inspired.

I think that’s one of the keys—to get good riffs, at least for Oscar. Then we all bring our ideas to the table and try to make it happen and capture that energy. When we record, I think David [Wallin] did a brilliant job with the drums this time. He’s always a solid drummer, but he really outdid himself, capturing all the small fills and keeping the energy going.

I can tell, since drums are the first thing we record, the whole process gets so much easier when you have that kind of energy. It really sets the tone, especially when you watch the music video for Hail to the King and see those soldiers marching—that kind of energy shines through.

SR: You were last here in 2014. Over 10 years later, you’re finally coming back for your first headline tour Down Under. Other than COVID, what other factors delayed your return to Australia for so long?

FL: I have no idea! Yeah, COVID definitely played a part, but it’s always hard to conquer new territories all the time. Our biggest fanbase is in Europe—Germany, especially—and then we also do a lot of U.S. tours and South America. So, we don’t always have time to be everywhere. But it feels like now is the right time to try to reach out to Australia again. Hopefully, we’ll get the chance to come back later and play some festivals to see how it goes.

SR: What can Hammerfall fans expect from your Australian tour?

FL: We’ll be playing a couple of new songs, of course. Unfortunately, we won’t be bringing pyrotechnics or anything like that—it’s too expensive to bring over from Europe. But it’s going to be small, intimate, and full of energy.

That’s something we always strive for: to give the crowd everything we’ve got. So, lots of energy—that’s what we can promise, alongside the new songs you mentioned.

SR: What songs would you say are the must-plays for Australian fans?

FL: Of course, it’s going to be Hearts on Fire. That’s our biggest hit so far, so it’s a song the fans demand to hear.

For me, it’s both a joy and a curse (laughs) to play that song every night. I love it, but I’ve played it so much that it’s not as fun anymore. But seeing the fans’ reaction makes it worth playing over and over again (laughs).

SR: As a bass player, what advice would you give to young musicians who want to start playing bass?

FL: Do your job in rehearsal to lock in with the drummer and try to be a unit together!

You can be really good on your own, but you have to play with others to build that connection. That’s something you can’t learn from the beginning—it takes time.

Really focus on locking in and playing every note as passionately as you can. Every note counts. Just be passionate and enjoy yourself.

“Do your job in rehearsal to lock in with the drummer and try to be a unit together”

SR: What’s the weirdest item you’ve ever signed for a fan?

FL: Oh, yeah, of course, we’ve signed a lot of hammers (laughs).

Also, wallets, arms, hats, caps—you name it. Even breasts! But nothing super spectacular comes to mind.

SR: Can you share a funny tour story?

FL: Oh, there are so many! You know, when you’re on tour, you eat a lot of different local foods. Sometimes, it doesn’t sit well (laughs).

One time, I actually had to run off stage to use the bathroom (laughs). It was during a break, but I heard the next song starting, and I couldn’t make it back in time. My bass tech was trying to figure out the notes while I rushed back on stage. Well, let’s just say…shit happens (laughs). Literally!

SR: Lastly, do you have any message for your Australian fans ahead of the tour?

FL: It’ll be a great joy to see you there. I hope to see as many of you as possible. And I hope it won’t take another 10 or 15 years to return!

Let’s make this one a great tour first, and I hope we’ll be back sooner next time!