EXCLUSIVE: Swedish Metallers Chugger Speak about their Upcoming Performance in Egypt

Chugger is an impressive Death Metal group from Sweden, the country that is known with its outstanding Metal music. Few days ago, Chugger Band was announced as a special guest for the Wacken Metal Battle Egypt which scheduled to be held on March 30. We contacted the guys of the band who are so talented, welcoming, easygoing and warm. Enjoy reading the interview and welcome the strong Swedish \m/

RA: Thanks guys for giving me this chance and welcome home! so as it is your first time to come in Egypt as a Metal band and you are the event’s special guests, did you come across the music of the participated bands?

Robert Bjärmyr (Chugger’s Guitarist): Before the official announcement, the competing bands were unknown to us. But after the announcement we had to check them out of course, and there's lot of potential in all bands. We got a few "fan favourites" of our own, but we're not part of the jury, so we are equally excited for all bands and are very much looking forward to seeing everyone duke it out on stage. 

RA: This is the first time for the whole participated bands to take part in a Metal Battle, what can you advice them? What are the mistakes they should avoid?

David Dahl (Chugger’s Vocalist): Do your own thing, and do it really well. Don't think of the other bands as competition, but see it as a chance to meet other talented people and make new friends. 

In the end, a jury vote is just a subjective opinion, so all you can do is make the most of the experience and enjoy it as much as possible. Be professional and friendly, it will help in the long run. And most of all, have fun and kick ass! 

RA: Can you tell us in general how the battle gos in the Wacken Festival? What’s the process? The main challenges?

Eric Skyuttorp (Chugger’s Drummer): There is about 30 bands competing from different countries and continents, and each has a representative that takes care of the band and act as a jury representing their country.

The jury aren’t allowed to vote on their own countries.

The jury takes notes of the bands playing and selects their top 5 bands.

It’s important to be well rehearsed and try to make an impression on stage, give no less than 100%.

The hardest part is obviously the nerves. Make sure not to focus on the audience and focus on your playing and just having fun, it’s an amazing experience and opportunity that you will remember for the rest of your life! 

RA: Of course, the scene in Sweden is one of the strongest Metal scenes in the world, so how do you see the Metal Scene in the Middle East currently?

Robert Bjärmyr (Chugger’s Guitarist): It is very interesting to hear the middle east scales and rhythms carry through in the music! I guess there's typical examples of Swedish metal in our songs, as well, but it's extremely refreshing to hear the nuances across the genres.

 It is important to not carbon copy music, but rather forge your own beast, and what I've heard so far there's definitely something good brewing in your metal scene! 

RA: In your point of view, what are the required features for creating a successful Metal Battle beside talent and equality?

Robin Lagerborg (Chugger’s Guitarist): There is a lot of different things that you should take in to consideration regardless of what venue and show your playing. But a good and solid approach to your stage performance and appearance on stage is important. 

Pick out your best songs, and go on stage with the intention to give the audience and Jury the best show they have ever seen. If you're having a good time on stage, the audience will have a good time as well. 

RA: If you have a chance to tell the jury, participated bands, and the audience a message, what will you tell them?

Larza Skyuttorp (Chugger’s Bassist): Let’s prove to the world that the metal stage is more than just some people banging their heads. Let’s show them that the metal community is a big family whose sole purpose is to make new friends, having fun and exploring what music making is all about. 

Through our Metal we can write about any topic - whether it’s a sad or funny story - and tell about our experiences, opinions and what the world should or could be!

At the end, I hope that Chugger enjoy their stay in Egypt and enjoy their performance here! Guys, hope you show a great warm welcoming for our guests \m/ you can watch Chugger’s performance at the Wacken Metal Battle last year, below. Chugger was chosen as one of the top 5. 

Chugger is Interviewed by Rana Atef a.k.a (Dark~~Knight)

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PS: The Metal Sister blog has no relation with the event as it is a battle and the blog hopes the process go smoothly, fairly. So, we decided to not support any of the participated bands to not stand on any bands’s side rather than the other. Plus, we have no interest in the event as we are not taking part of it. Chugger is a talented band and they our guests to we should give them warm welcoming and good appreciation.