MAY 2008 - Years ago when we first launched the Peacedogman site, Swedish axe man Janne Stark was one of the inspirations. He's a long-time friend, sharing passion for a lot of the same classic records we're constantly cramming down the throats of our readers. Plus, his string of winning projects like LOCOMOTIVE BREATH and OVERDRIVE have made most of the staff into total fanboys of the man's musical output. For Yours Truly, objectivity for Stark music has been out the window for years, but it's still fun to report on his never-ending list of projects and collaborations. Always up for an interview, Janne answered a few questions about our latest rave, OVERDRIVE's "Let the Metal Do the Talking".

Marchman: I remember you mentioning that you 'didn't want to make this album' at first with OVERDRIVE. Can you explain that a little?

Janne Stark: Well, the band split up back in 1985. When we decided to do this reunion in 2003 it was just going to be a one-off thing. Then we were offered several gigs, which was also fine. When some of the guys started talking about recording a new album, I was all against it. I felt like I had moved on, was involved in other bands and projects which had my full attention. I didn’t feel I had neither the time nor the energy to get involved in writing and recording an album. There were also several aspects such as – if we are going to do this, it has to be bloody great, and no half-assed mediocre “re-union album”. It was also the matter of – what would people want and expect from us? We didn’t want to sound dated and at the same time we don’t want to disappoint the old fans. The buggers then lured me into it by first recording just a demo with some old songs featuring the new singer, which suddenly became the MCD “Resurrected”, which then lead to an offer from Lion Music… and I was trapped in a corner. I didn’t want to be the one to let the others down, so I accepted. My only condition was however that we should make the best possible album we could. Well, I think we actually have!

Marchman: How do you feel about this release, as opposed to some older stuff like 'Metal Attack' and 'Swords and Axes'? The technology must be a lot stronger.

Stark: I still think “Swords And Axes” is a really strong and good sounding record for its time. That was also one of the issues for the new album. It has to sound as good, but more modern, without sounding… modern. The technology of course also allowed us to record in sections and at different locations, as opposed to the old albums where it was the whole band in the studio for 10-14 days, recording and mixing the entire album. Now we could record at our own convenience as some of us have our own studios. It was more relaxed.

Marchman: What happened with former OVERDRIVE singer, and why was he unable to participate in the reunion?

Stark: Pelle was in the band when we did the first re-union show in 2003. After this we did one local gig. Pelle was a bit under the weather with an oncoming cold, but figured he could do it. However only 5 minutes before we were on, he was flat on a couch with a high fever. We actually did the show, instrumental, but with the audience singing. We had already got a gig booked at the Headbanger’s Open Air festival in Germany, but Pelle jumped ship only three weeks before. He could not be convinced to go on. I talked to Mattias, the singer in my other band locomotive Breath, who was occupied that weekend, but recommended Per who was the in UNCHAINED. We talked to him, sent him the songs, he was on and learned all the songs in two weeks. Since then we’re stuck with him ?. I think he’s done an awesome job with the new album! I mean the guy was born the same year we released our first MLP, but he sounds like he was an original member.

Marchman: How are your feelings about reunions for classic metal bands and 70s bands in general? Did this affect your decision to reform this band?

Stark: Well, there are two sides to that coin. I generally think it’s great, as long as they do it out of love for the music and not just try to cash in on an old dream. I’ve seen and heard bands like LEAF HOUND, CACTUS, MOXY, ANGEL, MONTROSE and they’ve all pulled it off really great. I actually like that better than some of the bands that have been going forever like AEROSMITH or SCORPIONS. I’ve also seen some horrible examples of bands that never should have re-united… As some may know I was actually part of one re-union, or rather resurrection, that unfortunately didn’t lift off (even if there’s still hope). SIR LORD BALTIMORE. It started when I did a cover of “Woman Tamer”, got in touch with singer/drummer John Garner, who offered to record drums and vocals for the track. He liked my guitar playing and wanted to resurrect the band with me on guitar. We were going to play Sweden Rock this summer, and I was even in New York in March where we jammed and rehearsed. Due to some logistic problems it unfortunately folded. We are still talking about writing and recording new stuff, so we’ll see.

Marchman: How does making an OVERDRIVE record differ from making a LOCOMOTIVE BREATH record?

Stark: Well, it’s a different style and a slightly different process. It’s also totally different people to co-operate with, like two different families. Both are fun and challenging to work with in their own way. On the other hand each Locomotive Breath album has been a totally different process, too, which is fun.

Marchman: How about the MOUNTAIN OF POWER project? Will there be any more albums of that sort?

Stark: You bet! I have just started the process of selecting songs. There’s a bunch of stuff on the table and this time there will be some international guests as well. Some of the bands I’m considering are TRAPEZE (I’ve promised Mel Galley to do “Monkey”), MAX WEBSTER, THIN LIZZY, RESURRECTION BAND, RORY GALLAGHER, NEIL MERRYWEATHER, THUNDERMUG, BOOMERANG, UFO, HARD STUFF and several others. The plan is to start demoing and selecting songs this fall, and to record and release it next year.

Marchman: Hmm...I think I may be familiar with a couple of those.

Stark: Ha ha! I'm pretty sure you guys know 'em all pretty well!

Marchman: Go ahead and talk about your other 300 Janne Stark guitar god projects that you're always working on.

Stark: I thought you'd never ask! We’re just in the final process of recording an album with my new baby – BALLS (the name IS actually the initials of the members) featuring Björn Lodin (BALTIMOORE, SIX FEET UNDER) on vocals and Mikael “Nord” Andersson (Nord, Private Eye, Roxette) on guitar. It’s basically ballsy, bluesy, groovy hard rock. The site is myspace. com/ballsfromsweden. I’ve also done some guest spots on albums by THALAMUS, M. O. B, TOWER OF STONE and Vhris Catena.

Marchman: Prolificity, thy name is Stark.

Stark: I'll take that as a compliment! Thanks to Peacedogman for all the support over the years.

Marchman: Thank you, sir!

OVERDRIVE are Per "Periloz" Karlsson -vocals, Janne Stark - guitars, Kjell Jacobsson - guitars, Kenth Ericsson -bass, and Kenta Svensson - drums. Their latest disc, "Let the Metal Do the Talking" is available through Lion Music. Find out more about them at www.overdrive.se.