In early September 2005 I had the pleasure of conducting an online interview with the very charming Emil Norberg of Savage Circus - a new power metal band featuring many familiar names. You can call them the next great super group, if you wish. The band consists of former Blind Guardian member Thomen Stauch on drums, Iron Saviour's Piet Sielck on guitar and bass, and two members of Persuader - Jens Carlsson (also featured on Matt Moliti's Dark Empire) on vocals, and Emil Norberg on guitar. Emil was very responsive to my request and answered a vast number of questions on various topics.

Dreamland Manor, Savage Circus' debut album, is out in Europe. Hopefully, coming soon to the US, as well.

Emil: Hello! I am Emil Norberg, 23 years old based in Umeå Sweden. A city pretty far north. I play guitar in the bands Persuader and Savage Circus. Apart from guitar I enjoy my two cats and movies. I think that´s the basics!

Emil: After being contacted by Thomen about this (then) project we decided to work with this using the glorious Internet. Writing songs and riffs and posting them to each other using mail, ICQ and so on. It worked really well!! Every now and then, as often as possible, we gathered up at Piet's Powerhouse (his studio) to re-record stuff and talk the songs through and changing what need to be changed. We worked this way until all songs were ready and then we recorded all the stuff for real. I must say it has been a very pleasant way of working!

Emil: It´s very hard to choose favourites.. I think every song on the album has a own distinct character and I like them all. In retrospect I think we managed to create a very diverse album within the parametres of the genre.

Emil: Yeah I attended the Rock Hard festival and Wacken this summer and I must say I was really surprised with all the attention at signing sessions and meet and greet stuff. Everyone seemed really positive about the release and seeing us live soon. Feels great for sure! So now we have pressure to deliver and we really can´t wait to play this stuff live.

Emil: Hahaha, that was my idea... I had been talking to Thomen about this stuff and how it most times makes a lot of sense when you read someone's Zodiac. I really just see it as a fun thing. Nor do I deny it might have an influence... you never know.

Emil: Yeah of course we have to tour but a lot depends on how the sales will go. I think a good guess would be sometime around Dec/Jan. It depends on a lot of this so it´s hard to give a good answer. As soon as any news about this reaches me it will be posted on the website for sure. Any special places to tour.. hmm... EVERYWHERE!! Hopefully we can come over to the states as well if everything pans out. But as I said, it´s way too early to know anything.

Emil: Haha... I don´t have a lot of info about US distribution but as it was released on a pretty major label I can´t believe they don´t have a US distro. We are working on a plan to conquer the planet right now and so far so good. We are currently recording stuff for the new album and it should blow everyone's head of hopefully!!

Emil: Of course it also makes Persuader more well-known than before but so far there is pretty calm as we are concentrating on the new album. I guess we'll have to see next year when it is released. Hopefully we'll be members of two successful bands then.

Emil: Yeah as I said in the previous question we're working our asses of this fall to finish the album. Release date is preliminary in march next year. 27th I think it was.

Emil: As for Persuader it would take 4 plane tickets and some beer I guess.. If we get a decent slot there would be no reason to say no to such an event. Never been to the US either so it should be a fun experience. With SC it´s always a bit different as Piet and Thom have families and other obligations than me and Jens/Persuader. But if the chance arrives and everything works, we'll sure play.

Emil: Hahaha... well, I guess I'm just the one that knows stuff and is the least un-interviewable guy. Did that make sense? It´s just the way things have been. I guess the downside is that it is mostly the same questions that has to be answered and in the long run it can become a bit predictable. But it is a part of making CDs and I enjoy the connection and interest people have in stuff I do.

Emil: Well SC because there are three very enjoyable persons there where two is very experienced which for me is very cool. They give a lot of insight to the business. And most of all they are two really good songwriters and I feel we complete each other in a very good way. With Persuader it is a lot similar but also, we live in the same town and hang out a party together. A bit more social maybe.... not that easy to hang out with one guy in Spain and one in Germany. But that´s cool as well. I think these two bands complete my interest in metal very good.

Emil: Hmm... I think so far, it has only been one incident where I got a little bit to drunk before a show and fell of the stage.... I recovered quickly though and nobody noticed much... I learned my lesson too.... don´t drink so much before gigs...

Emil: Well I like Kreator because their agressivity, Yngwie for his un-copyable playing. When it comes to influences I find it difficult because I tend to listen really everything that comes in my path. I don´t have a specific genre I treasure over the other.

Emil: No not really... it was really a fluke that we started playing guitar when our mom decided to buy an electric one. And growing up with TWO older brothers playing LPs from Helloween, Steve Vai, Metallica, Sepultura.... starting to play guitar was the obvious choice, cause then you get to play solos. Also, don´t forget to check out my little bro´s band either. Guitarist as well of course. www.assailant.tk They are very cool!! They have signed with dockyard1 as well and will release an album at the same date as the new Persuader album.

Emil: Never say never, but so far the opportunity hasn't risen.... I'm not very good either.

Emil: Tough question.... I'm a pretty laid back guy.. I work, at a retirement home... not very rock-godlish but it´s a pretty cool job most times. Two cats that are very evil and cool. My free time is mostly comprised of songwriting/tv/party and I feel pretty happy with that.

Emil: Hahaha, cat lover at least. Two crazy sisters... eat a lot, shit a lot and sleep most of the time. I've had them for about 3 years now and can´t imagine life with or without them.

Emil: Should i tell this really? Seriously, I never make the same meatsauce two times... I just throw in whatever I have home... but a lot a cream, sour cream and garlic.

Emil: Hmm... I love french cars??

Thanks a lot for the interest and I hope we'll get to see each other on tour some day soon!!!