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Anders Köllerfors Interview – Drummer for Narnia & All For The King

Interview Anders Köllerfors – Drummer for Narina & All For The King

CMG: Where do you live?

AK: I live in a tiny little place called Omsed in Skåne, in the south part of Sweden.
8 houses scattered on some fields in the middle of nowhere.

CMG: What was your childhood like? Did you grow up in a religious home? Did you grow up in a musical home?

AK: I had a very good childhood.
I grew up in a christian home. My mom was a teacher and music leader in church. My dad had a boat building factory and was a singer. I have two brothers.
There was a lot of music going on. My older brother is a multi-musician that plays pretty much any instrument and my younger brother is a great pianist.
I started to play the violin at the age of nine but switched to play the drums at twelve.
Due to the fact that we were in church so much it made it very natural to perform in front of an audience from an early age. I think I sang solo from the age of five and played drums in moms choir from the age of thirteen.

CMG: What instruments do you play?

AK: I play drums and violin. Also little piano when nobody is listening.

CMG: What bands have you been involved in?

AK: Right now I’m a member of Narnia and All For The King.
I do work a lot with Magnus Karlsson so through him I have worked with Anette Olzon, Magnus Karlssons Free Fall, Allen&Olzon, Starbreaker and so on…

CMG: What were your favorite bands growing up?

AK: On my seventh birthday I invited my class to a party and played the best music I knew.
Mozart!!! But nobody liked it. Hahaha..!
Later I listened to Jerusalem, Leviticus, Stryper, Rush, Yes, & Toto among others.

CMG: What musical genre is Narnia considered?

AK: I think it’s a bit hard to answer… but maybe a hybrid of melodic and progressive metal with a neoclassical and symphonic touch.

CMG:What’s your favorite Narnia album?

AK: I really like ”Course of a Generation” and the latest album ”Ghost Town.”

CMG:The band is named after a world in the writings of C.S. Lewis. How much of his writings have you read, if any?

AK: When I was a kid the whole family gathered around the fireplace on the weekends and my father read the whole series of Narnia. Good times!

CMG:Who is your favorite character in the Chronicles of Narnia?

AK: Aslan, of course! I like King Caspian. He seems to be a nice dude as well!

CMG: Narnia is a band that has always been respected by secular audiences. What do you think contributes to that respect the most?

AK: First of all I think the respect comes from the fact that the members are really good musicians but also that we stand up for what we believe in. There are no compromises and I think that people really respect that even if they don’t believe the same as we do.

CMG: What are your favorite bands that are newer?

AK: I really like ”Icefish”! Virgil Donati and Marco Sfoglis band. Very progressive music!!!
Arch Echo is also amazing.

CMG: What is your favorite snack while on tour?

AK: Always Daim!!!

CMG: Have you ever had backlash from fans for a musical direction?

AK: I haven’t noticed any of that. I’m pretty new in the band though but I haven’t heard anything from the others either. We have the best fans, really!

CMG: What’s your favorite non-metal music to listen to?

AK: I really like Sting, Dirty Loops…

CMG: What is something about you that no one reading this would know?

AK: I used to be a killer on the unicycle.

CMG: What is your favorite thing about being a Christian?

AK: I´m saved and I have a personal relationship with the creator of all!

CMG: How can the Christian Metal Group community support you?

AK: Pray for Narnia and All For the King and that whatever I play on the Holy Spirit is going to be present in the drums.

CMG: I read that you are creating your own drum brand. Tell us about that.

AK: I have a new drumline called ReThink Drums. The shells are 3D printed with recycled wood. Very eco-friendly.
Due to the fact that the shells are printed there is no tension in the shells and they will stay round. Then my work is to make real drums out of the printed tube.
I grind the bearing edges, make the snare bed, drill all the holes and assemble all the hardware.
Soon we will release other materials in the drums as well. Very exciting.

Narnia
https://narniatheband.com/

All For The King
https://www.allfortheking.se/

Anders Discography
https://www.discogs.com/artist/4995139-Anders-K%C3%B6llerfors?superFilter=Instruments+%26+Performance

Testimony Of Apocalypse (TOA) Review 

Do you like blistering trash metal? Then you are going to love this new album titled The Offering!

Formed by Paul Graham on banging drums, Nick Pacitti on shredding guitar, and the incredible Derek Corzine provides session bass.

Based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. USA.

This is a follow-up from their first album called None Escape The Judgement.

1. The Rescue (featuring Juan Marrero from Let The Day Perish)

This song has crushingly good vocals with some cleans as well. The music is hard hitting with a great guitar solo for good measure.

2. Holier Than Thou  – (featuring Corey Weaver from Bloodline Severed)

This song is brutal and in your face from the start. I love the riffs on this song. The vocals demand your attention!

3. Darkly Through Mirrors – (featuring Brian Lyda from Burial Extraction)

This song has a throwback Extol feel to it. The breakdown is sick, the guitar work is phenomenal, and the drumming will keep you headbanging.

The lyrics are fantastic and exactly what you want to hear from Christian thrash metal band.  

This is an album that you will definitely want to order when it drops and I can’t wait to hear the whole album!- Jimmy Lamar Sorrells / Christian Metal Group 

Interview: 

Most Influential Extreme Christian Metal Albums!

Top 10 Christian Extreme Metal Albums

Horde – “Hellig Usvart”

Hellig Usvart - Wikipedia

“Hellig Usvart” by Horde is a pioneering Christian black metal album that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Drawing influences from Norwegian black metal bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone, Horde infuses their music with intense aggression and dark atmospheres. The album’s blend of raw, blistering black metal and unapologetic Christian lyrics challenged the conventions of the genre and paved the way for other Christian black metal bands.

 

Paramæcium – “Exhumed of the Earth”

Exhumed of the Earth - Wikipedia

“Exhumed of the Earth” by Paramæcium is a doom/death metal masterpiece. With crushing riffs, atmospheric passages, and deep growling vocals, the album’s mournful and introspective sound captivates listeners. Paramæcium’s influences, such as bands like My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost, are evident in their ability to blend the brutality of death metal with the melancholic beauty of doom metal. The album’s theological and spiritual themes contribute to its significant impact on the Christian metal scene.

Who The Album Influenced:
Crowned In Sorrow

 

Believer – “Extraction from Mortality”

Extraction from Mortality - Wikipedia

“Extraction from Mortality” by Believer is a landmark album in Christian thrash metal. Combining aggressive riffs, intricate song structures, and thought-provoking lyrics, Believer’s technical prowess shines through. Drawing influence from bands like Megadeth and Testament, Believer’s unique blend of thrash metal and progressive elements sets them apart. “Extraction from Mortality” helped establish Believer as one of the pioneering bands in the Christian metal scene.

Who The Album Influenced:

Living Sacrifice

 

Embodyment – “Embrace the Eternal”

Embodyment – Embrace The Eternal (1998, CD) - Discogs

“Embrace the Eternal” by Embodyment is a significant album in the early days of deathcore, known for its technicality and strong biblical lyrics. As one of the pioneers in the genre, Embodyment delivered a relentless onslaught of aggressive death metal elements. The album’s intricate musicianship, including complex guitar work and intense drumming, showcases their technical prowess. With its unyielding sound and powerful biblical themes, “Embrace the Eternal” left an indelible mark on the Christian metal scene, helping to pave the way for the development of deathcore.

 

Mortification – “Scrolls of the Megiloth”

Scrolls of the Megilloth - Wikipedia

“Scrolls of the Megiloth” by Mortification is a classic Christian death metal album. With its aggressive guitar riffs, blistering drumming, and growling vocals, the album showcases Mortification’s mastery of the genre. Their influences from bands like Death and Possessed are evident, but Mortification infuses their music with strong Christian messages, tackling topics like spiritual warfare and faith. “Scrolls of the Megiloth” solidified Mortification’s place as one of the premier Christian death metal bands.

Who The Album Influenced:

Afflicted Truth

 

Vengeance Rising – “Human Sacrifice”

Human Sacrifice (album) - Wikipedia

“Human Sacrifice” by Vengeance Rising is a groundbreaking Christian thrash metal album. The album’s aggressive and blistering sound, characterized by rapid guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and intense vocals, solidified Vengeance Rising’s place in the metal scene. Influenced by bands like Slayer and Kreator, Vengeance Rising’s uncompromising approach to both music and faith made “Human Sacrifice” an influential release in Christian metal history.

 

Impending Doom – “The Serpent Servant”

The Serpent Servant - Wikipedia

“The Serpent Servant” by Impending Doom is a crushing Christian deathcore album that combines bone-crushing breakdowns, blistering guitars, and guttural vocals. The album’s dark and relentless sound, inspired by bands like Whitechapel and Behemoth, reflects Impending Doom’s uncompromising approach to both their faith and the extreme metal genre. With its heavy and aggressive nature, “The Serpent Servant” became a standout release in the Christian metal scene.

 

ZAO – “Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest”

Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest - Wikipedia

“Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest” by ZAO is a landmark album in the metalcore genre with a strong Christian message. The album showcases ZAO’s ability to seamlessly blend aggressive metalcore riffs with melodic passages and emotional intensity. Influenced by bands like Converge and Norma Jean, ZAO’s raw and cathartic sound, combined with introspective and spiritually-charged lyrics, made “Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest” a standout release in both the Christian and metalcore scenes.

 

Living Sacrifice – “Inhabit”

Inhabit (album) - Wikipedia

“Inhabit” by Living Sacrifice is a seminal Christian death/thrash metal album that showcases the band’s technicality and intensity. With its blistering guitar solos, aggressive drumming, and dynamic song structures, the album exemplifies Living Sacrifice’s ability to deliver a relentless sonic assault. Drawing influence from bands like Sepultura and Slayer, Living Sacrifice’s commitment to their faith shines through in their powerful lyrics. “Inhabit” solidified Living Sacrifice’s status as one of the leading bands in the Christian metal scene.

Who The Album Influenced:

Hope Deffered
Embodyment

 

Extol – “Burial”

Burial (Extol album) - Wikipedia

“Burial” by Extol is an innovative Christian extreme metal album that defies genre boundaries. With its blend of death metal, black metal, and progressive elements, Extol created a unique and captivating sound. The album’s intricate musicianship, atmospheric passages, and powerful vocals set it apart. “Burial” is a testament to Extol’s ability to push the boundaries of extreme metal while incorporating their faith into their music.

Who The Album Influenced:

Monothiest
Lamentations
Diatheke

Has any of these albums influenced you as a musician? Leave a comment

Christian Progressive Metal Top 5 by The Slick

THE SLICK'S TOP 5

CHRISTIAN PROGRESSIVE METAL /ROCK BANDS​

This is the view of the author and not a stance of The Christian Metal Group

#5

Narrow Gate

Narrow Gate is an Armenian band with talent like few other. The band consists of members from Blood Covenant, Segor, and is led by the multi-talented Garik Amyan.

They have released one album in 2019.

Members includes:

Sergey Areskin (Segor)– Guitar
Zare Gasparyan – Guitar
Garik( Garegin) Amyan – Drums, Guitar ,Fretless Bass,Composer
Lyonik Herqoyan – Bass
Rafael (Riko) Epremyan – Guitar


#4

Teramaze

Teramaze is a Christian Metal band Geelong, Victoria, and has been active since 1993. The play Progressive Metal with the main man Dean Wells being with the band since their inception. 

Band consists of:

Dean Wells on Guitars, Vocals (backing) (Meshiaak)

Nathan Peachey on Vocals (lead) (2014-2018, 2019-present) (Trigger)

Andrew Cameron on Bass (2017-present) (Meshiaak, Metanoia)

Nick Ross on Drums (2017-present)

Chris Zoupa on Guitars (2018-present) (Seventh Dan Counterforce)

 

#3

AFFECTOR

Affector is a Christian Metal band who has members from The Netherland and Germany. The play Progressive Metal. The members comes from famous projects like Symphony X, Neal Morse and Transatlantic.

This is what two Prog Master had to say:

“I think Affector is amazing! Great playing, composition and production….and you can’t beat the lyrics! Congratulations to Daniel and the gang. Excellent work!” – NEAL MORSE

“If you are a fan of Dream Theater and progressive hard rock, this is an essential addition to your collection…you will love it!” – MIKE PORTNOY

“Affector’s Harmagedon is a solid blast of PROG metal complete with burning solos, odd time signatures, orchestral highlights, and Rock riffs that will tear your head off! Excited that I could be a part of this album!“ – JORDAN RUDESS (Dream Theater)

Member includes:

Mike LePond on Bass (2011-present) (Burnt City, DeadRisen, Eternity’s End, Eynomia, Fatal Array, Heathen’s Rage, Holy Force, Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins, Rivera/Bomma, Ross the Boss andSymphony X among others)

Collin Leijenaar on Drums (2011-present) (Dilemma, ex-Jessica Koomen, ex-Kaja, ex-Neal Morse, ex-The B-Band)

Daniel Fries on Guitars (2011-present) (ex-Divinity)

Ted Leonard on Vocals (2011-present) (Enchant, Thought Chamber, Spock’s Beard, ex-Transatlantic (live))

#2

NEAL MORSE BAND

The Neal Morse Band is a modern progressive rock band that continue to push boundaries, creating and performing ambitious, intricate and extraordinary rock music that moves, excites and inspires.

Since Neal Morse became a Christian in 2002, he has dedicated The Neal Morse band to his believes. World renowned drummer and friend, ex-Dream Theater Mike Portnoy, has been with the Neal Morse band since its inception.

#1

JEREMY

JEREMY is a Progressive Metal band from South Korea, and has been compared to Dream Theater and Symphony X. Their music is a blend of those 2 bands however, and you can hear the influence in the guitar sound of John Petrucci and Chris Impellitteri.

JEREMY has released a total of 8 full length albums.

The band consists of:

Byeon Seong-Woo on Bass, Vocals
Bak Sang-Yeol on Drums
조필성  on Guitars, Vocals
Jeong Mi-Seon on Keyboards
Mo Jeong-Gil  on Vocals

They are a Progressive Metal Powerhouse!!!