Niklas Sundin Interview

First of all, we would like to know how did you start being interested in arts and illustration and how did you end up being a professional graphic designer.

It's hard to say when the interest started, but for as long as I can remember I've enjoyed drawing. I guess that most kids get a pencil put in their hands at some point, but for me it just stuck. While my classmates were busy with stick figures, I tried to apply real perspective and shading (with dubious results, but still...) to my dinosaur drawings. When getting involved in the underground metal scene in the late ’80’s, I started making demo tape covers and flyers for bands, which often just were favors or done for free in a “support the scene” mindset, but it was a good starting point. I then studied art at the university for a while before getting involved with web design and after a while I started taking artwork commissions on the side and found myself being "professional", at least in the sense of getting paid for designing, ha ha!

Angela Gossow Interview

A few months ago Arch Enemy teamed up with Amnesty International on tour to support the “Expression of Freedom” campaign. Can you tell us a little about the experience and the message behind it? it sounds very interesting

AI is running a campaign called Art4Amnesty, where all kinds of artists with different ethnic, political and social background get involved in actively promoting AI’s human rights messages. We support the ‘Freedom Of Expression’ campaign as the topic is naturally very close to our hearts. We are fortunate to live in a part of the world where we can communicate our thoughts and beliefs without being threatened or punished for it. We want to raise awareness that this freedom is not the norm in other parts of the world. Many artists are being punished by governments for their visual art, music or general message. We hope one day everybody will be able to express themselves freely! AI came along with us on tour in Europe and the US, they had booths and campaigners at our shows, collecting signatures, giving out flyers and recruiting new supporters. The collaboration was very successful and I am proud of our fans and the metal scene to have the courage to get actively involved and practice.. not just preach!