To start this interview, let me congratulate you with the release of TIME REQUIEM. It scored 9/10 on our site, and it seems we're not the only one that think this way! So now up to the questions.

Tom: When I heard about the formation of TIME REQUIEM, I found out that MAJESTIC has been placed on hold due to troubles with the label/distribution. What actually happened?
Richard: Well, I thought our European label Massacre did a crappy promotional job on Trinity Overture. They didn't go for it. Massacre just put it out and hoped it would sell with no effort, no real promotional push. It was sort of the same thing with our management and production company Roastinghouse; they also did very little for MAJESTIC. The whole thing got stale. We didn't reach the next level. I wanted to move on with more dedicated people, but was stuck in all those contracts. So I decided to put MAJESTIC on ice and locked myself away and started to write on something I've had in mind for a while. A bigger, more progressive and more Symphony X and Dream Theatre sort of album. It's a sort of continuation of MAJESTIC, even though it's a brand new thing. That's important to understand. I'm extremely happy with the result, as I've been able to decide every step on the way when it comes to use of studios and all that. Maybe it sounds like I'm a dictator. It's one man's vision and it's worked out very well. I have now signed new deals with Regain Records for Europe and Marquee for Japan.

Tom: Does placing on hold, mean that you're not giving up MAJESTIC yet?
Richard: The band MAJESTIC does not exists anymore; it's put on ice from now on. And that is very important to notice. Second! I have not changed the name from one thing into another. MAJESTIC is history as far as I concern. I might do something in the future with MAJESTIC but not at this particular moment. This decision was made almost over a year ago. So I have put all that shit behind me. Today I am working with professional and hard working people.

Tom: How would you describe the difference between MAJESTIC and TIME REQUIEM? And why did you name the band TIME REQUIEM?
Richard: TIME REQUIEM is much more progressive, tight and fast. You still have these certain melodies but that's because I have composed all the music. As far as I concern MAJESTIC was more Hard Rock music and TIME REQUIEM is more like Heavy Metal.

Tom: Magnus Nord wrote that his best live experience was in Lille, France. Is there any news yet about an European tour? Are there any plans to do a concert in Lille again, since this happens to be only 50km from my place!
Richard: The tour with Symphony X in France 2001 was one of the greatest times in my touring career. You guys are really enjoying progressive neoclassical metal. The record will be released in France January 2003. My record label and me are already talking about a possible European tour next year. I will definitely suggest France, as my music is well known in your country.

Tom: If you could pick 2 bands to support you on the road, who would they be.. and why?
Richard: Dream Theatre would be cool since we sometimes are playing their kind of stuff. You know, the audience would enjoy both bands. Symphony X one more time. We did get along real great together. Romeo and me are sharing the same inspiration sources.

Tom: A lot of progressive metal bands are influenced by the composer/ violin player Paganini. Can we add Time Requiem too on that list?
Richard: Yes! Definitely! Nowadays I only listen to classical music such as: J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Paganini etc. My music is based upon the movements you can hear in the baroque music.

Tom: Looking on the website, I found out that you're a real busy man, can you tell us something about your side-projects?
Richard: When the TIME REQUIEM CD was completed I felt kind of frustrated. At the time I met my old friend and guitar player Magnus Nilsson. We decided to do something together. I composed the songs for Space Odyssey in two months. The music became a mix of Malmsteen, Rainbow and late Black Sabbath. Very, very melodic. Since it is a project I wanted to use famous and well-known musicians. Marcel Jacob (ex. Malmsteen, Talisman etc) and Mats Levén (ex. Malmsteen) was very suitable for this record. I am extremely satisfied with this record since it comes directly from my heart. Very good and strong melodies.

Tom: Lately I saw that a Japanese magazine voted you in the top 10 of best keyboard players, and I sure agree with that one! In your opinion, how would you explain that Progressive metal is way more appreciated in Europe and Japan instead of in America? Or wouldn't you agree on that statement?
Richard: I totally agree with you. America is totally destroyed by money, put together boy bands and bad taste. Well! To be honest! It's a big country with people focused on big stars like Britney Spears, Madonna etc. In Europe people seems to be more dedicated to small specific bands. European fans are more honest. In Japan the situation is far more different. They seem to buy all the transatlantic gossip. But! They are extremely dedicated and nice fans/people. Very great audience.

Tom: If you have anything else to say to your fans, this space is all yours ;-)
Richard: Well! I can't enough telling you guys how happy I am hearing that you get the same felling for the music as I gets. Wow! That's pretty cool. I am also extremely very much looking forward to go out touring meeting all you guys. So!

Tom: So this is it Richard, I hope you've liked the questions. I wish you all the best with Majestic and your other projects. If you have any new releases, Nocturnal Hall is looking forward to review them. Hopefully I can see you guys on stage soon. Thanks again for the opportunity to do this interview.

Thanks to you too Tom! Cool interview!!!