Rogga Johansson is one of the most prolific and respected names in Swedish death metal. With a career spanning projects like Paganizer, Ribspreader, Revolting, The Grotesquery, and most recently Ghoulhouse, his music has been a cornerstone of the genre's evolution since the 1990s. With the release of Realm of Ghouls, the third chapter of Ghoulhouse, Rogga once again demonstrates his ability to keep the essence of classic death metal alive while exploring new atmospheres of brutality and horror. In this interview, we discuss his artistic vision, his collaborations, and the future of his inexhaustible creativity.
“Realm of Ghouls” marks a third chapter for Ghoulhouse. What were you trying to convey with this album compared to the previous ones, and how would you describe the sonic and conceptual evolution of the project so far?
Well this is a question with a very boring answer I guess. We didnt set out change anything at all really. Ghoulhouse has its sound which we love, we just wanted to make more music really. More of the same crushing filthy material for everyone to enjoy or be repulsed by.
In Ghoulhouse you share credits with Håkan Stuvemark (Wombbath). What's the creative dynamic like between you guys? What does each of you contribute to the songwriting and recording, and how does it differ from your other projects?
Its easy really, I do the music and lyrics and play rhythm guitars bass and do growls. Håkan does solos, as hes great at that. This time he added some harmonies too, which may be the first time for Ghoulhouse, but nothing that really detracted from the sheer foulness of the sound.
Realm of Ghouls has a very crusty and primitive feel. Was it a conscious decision to pay homage to the rawest, most punk sound of death metal, or does it simply reflect the natural way in which Ghoulhouse's music emerges?
Ive always loved crust punk and have always incorporated that into my music. With Ghoulhouse we thought that we should try to make it even dirtier, like mixing crust with really zombified death metal in the vein of lets say Mortician. And I think it works really well, its fun to play and its fun to listen to if you ask me.
Your career has been linked to the classic sound of Swedish death metal, almost like a trademark. Have you ever felt the need to break out of that mold and explore other metal styles? If you did, which genres appeal to you most and why?
Ive actually done lots of industrial stuff through the decades too, not just metal. But if we just talk metal Ive actually the last years indeed branched out a bit with my abnd Gauntlet Rule where we play pure heavy metal. Weve done two albums so far and its really fun to play the stuff you listened to when you first started to listen to metal as a small kid. Ive also had my band Dead Sun going since ´97 where I play a more oldschool gothic type of death metal, inspired by stuff like Lake of Tears and Sister of Mercy.
You've been involved in an impressive number of bands and collaborations. What motivates you to maintain such a constant creative pace? Is it more of a personal need for expression, a way to keep the underground scene alive, or is it more like a form of life for you?
I dont know really why I do so much music, I think its just a basic need. Maybe a way to stay sane haha. Ive always loved to write music and it comes fast when i do it, so there is sorta overkill of material indeed. Im just happt that there are people that like it and is interested in listening to it.
Technology is advancing at breakneck speed; you get used to something, and the next second it's obsolete. This has obviously changed the way music is recorded and distributed. When it comes to your creative process, what is play by the technology?
Well in the early 90s technology was needed for me as I bought a drummachine. That made me able to write music and do recordings, as I lived in a small village (still do) there werent many metalheads around, and even fewer that played music. Later on when internet had been around a while it also helped me expand as I could then work with people around the world by sending recorded files back and forth. So even if Im not into technology at all, Im crap at everything like that, it really helps me out greatly.
In today's music scene, many young bands are trying to achieve an "old school" sound. Do you think this nostalgia strengthens the genre or limits its evolution?
I think its ok really, as modern music has evolved to sound too polished and professional. Then its nice that these young bands say fuck that and try to make music with the stuff that was used when I was younger. Then again there are new technology made just to emulate old sounding stuff and thats ok but its always cooler if you dig up your old gear and get it done the right way.
You've worked with both big and small labels. What differences do you notice in the way they support bands, and which do you prefer for your projects?
Bigger labels expects more from you, in term of playing live and being active on social media and such things. As I dont like that much I prefer to work with smaller labels really. Then the support you get really isnt depending on the size of the label often. Some bigger labels do nothing while many small labels work really hard.
Looking back from Paganizer's early years to today, how has your personal view of death metal changed, and how do you perceive the evolution of the international scene? Do you think the genre still has the potential to attract new fans and not just rely on a base of nostalgic followers?
I think I still love the stuff as much as before. Maybe I dont search for new things as much but the music is something that I love and its exciting still. I think the scene is huge these days, as internet and social media developed so did the scene, and nowadays theres too much bands even haha. Thanx to me naturally as many are mine haha. And i dont think nostalgia is a huge thing either, sure theres these pure oldschool HM2 bands but there are so many other bands and various styles within the genre that its crazy. Its a very big and alive scene Id say.
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Have you ever been to Colombia? Do you enjoy touring and playing in other countries? What countries would you like to visit or even perform in with one of your projects?
No I havent, Ive been to maybe 20 countries and played but only in Europe actually. Im not a huge fan of traveling or playing live either, so I dont do it very often. But sometimes you have to haha. Oh, what country would I like to play in? I would say South America would be very very interesting, its feels like a place where you enjoy liveshows with extreme metal so that would be very cool really.
Many fans consider your albums to have a "cinematic horror" atmosphere. What role do horror films and literature play in your creative process? Are there any specific titles that directly influenced Realm of Ghouls or your riff and lyric writing?
Since I was a kid Ive loved horror, both movies and books. So its the biggest influence on the lyrical themes for sure Id say. Well "Mall full of zombies" is very much about Dawn of the Dead indeed.
If you had to choose just one project to represent your musical legacy, which would it be and why? Or is that like asking a parent to choose one of their children? I'm sure parents have their favorites, or am I wrong?
Haha what a questions, and I love both my kids equally actually. As for my bands I dont love them equally though haha. But I must say my main band Paganizer has a special place in my heart, also Dead Sun is a personal fave. And believe it or not Ghoulhouse is a fave too as its so primal and basic and raw, its just pure enjoyment to make this music. I can just sit down and let the riffs flow and what comes out is pure groovy or grinding disgust and its just so much fun. If I ever were to play shows with any other band than Paganizer, which is the only band I do gigs and tours with, it would for sure be Ghoulhouse.
With so many active projects, from Paganizer to Ghoulhouse and more, what can we expect from Rogga Johansson in the near future? Any new albums, unexpected collaborations, or even a different style you'd like to reveal?
Theres new albums now with Dead Sun, Putrevore, House by the Cemetary and my soloband Rogga Johansson. So theres a whole bunch out there right now thats fresh.
Actually today i just recieved the master files for a new projects album, Forogtten Breed. where me and Håkan have recorded an epic but aggressive black metal album. It turned out fantastic really, so that is something fresh for me really.
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