There was lots of excitement and anticipation when DYNAZTY were announced as one of the headliners for Power Metal Quest Fest 2023. Before they took to the stage, Rock Out Stand Out’s Lotty Whittingham grabbed a chat with lead vocalist Nils Molin and bassist/backing vocalist Jonathan Olsson; they spoke about the reception of new songs in a live setting, mental health and who would play their dream festival.
This is your first time in the UK for about five years.
Jonathan: Actually 7 years. It was 2016 when we were here last, we were supporting Pain on that tour.
Is this your first time in Birmingham?
Jonathan: No, I think I was in Birmingham in 2012 with Pain.
Nils: I can’t seem to recall anytime in Birmingham so it’s probably my first time here.
You’ve performed a few summer festivals, what songs have you found gone down best with the crowds?
Nils: We played at least half of Final Advent live. In a festival setting, the set time tends to be shorter than a headlining tour. We play about four songs from Final Advent and those all went fantastically well live so those will be on the setlist for a long time.
What are those songs?
Nils: Power Of Will, Natural Born Killer, Yours and Advent is going to be played tonight. It’s a very interesting version of Advent by the way, it’s twice as long and it contains lots of surprises.
I won’t ask any more as I haven’t seen you live yet.
Nils: Oh I see, I’m spoiling it all [laughs] But yes those are the songs we will play live tonight.
On Final Advent, what were the most challenging songs to record?
Nils: Very good question.
Jonathan: For me it was The White, the bass line of that definitely.
Did Achilles Heel and Instinct present challenges? There’s a lot going on in those tracks.
Nils: Yes there are lots of things going on in those tracks but for me personally I don’t remember a lot of struggles. The struggling part for me was that I recorded three of the songs with a microphone that we didn’t like the sound of it. So I had to re-record all those songs. That was a bad start.
One of the things we like to do at Rock Out Stand Out is keeping the conversation about mental health going. What’s awareness like in your local area?
Nils: The awareness is a lot higher than it was years ago, people talk about it a lot more and that’s not a bad thing. All the shame in it is gone and people are very open with it, it’s become something that is health in general and it’s something you need to take care of and might need help with.
Jonathan: It’s a lot easier to get help.
Is there anything we can do more of as loved ones so people feel more comfortable to reach out when struggling?
Nils: I guess the normal things to do are to check in and ask people how they are doing. Don’t feel ashamed of saying how you are feeling and tell it like it is. Also see if there is anything you can do to help. The fact knowing somebody cares helps a lot and makes a difference.
Jonathan: I agree with that.
At the end of a stressful day, is there anything you like to do to unwind and relax?
Jonathan: Play Zelda, particularly the latest one Tears Of The Kingdom.
Nils: I usually try to watch football when I need to relax. I know we’re close to Wolverhampton and they beat Manchester City.
Jonathan: I think we played Wolverhampton, last time we were here in 2016.
Nils: Yes I think we did, it was at The Slade Rooms I believe.
Which bands would headline your dream festival?
Jonathan: Dynazty [laughs]
Nils: I would like to have the original Dio band headlining the festival.
Jonathan: I would have Rainbow. Long live rock and roll.
Do you have a message for Dynazty fans and our readers?
Nils: We are very happy to be back here in the UK and we will be back again. It will be sooner than seven years this time. [laughs] Also can’t wait to play tonight and tomorrow in London.
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