My name is Lucifer, please wash your hands!
Interview conducted on March 24, 2020
by Dan Locke
Multinational Heavy Rock Megalith from Stockholm.
Lucifer is defined by their very heavy 1970s Hard Rock sound spiced with a good dose of Proto
Heavy Metal and Doom Rock. Main influences are groups such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple,
Blue Öyster Cult, Lucifer’s Friend, Steppenwolf, 70’s Heart and Fleetwood Mac.
With nearly 200 shows under their belt Lucifer has toured the US, Canada, Japan and Europe
multiple times and played renowned international festivals like The KISS Kruise, Psycho Las
Vegas, Hellfest, MetalDays, Sweden Rock, Desertfest, the long standing German cult TV program
Rockapalast twice, to name only but a few.
Founded in 2014 in Berlin by The Oath front woman Johanna Sadonis, the group first consisted of
Cathedral, Angel Witch and Ladytron members. The first 7” Single ‘Anubis’ and debut album
‘Lucifer I’,
Band Members
Johanna Sadonis (vocals)
Nicke Andersson (drums)
Harald Göthblad (bass guitar)
Martin Nordin (guitar)
Linus Björklund (guitar)
How did the band start?
Johanna: I founded Lucifer six years ago in Berlin after the breakup of my previous band The Oath.
Johanna- what happen to The Oath?
It’s not my style to air dirty laundry in public. It’s also four albums ago.
What was your up bring?
I was born in Berlin. My mother was a psychiatric nurse and my two fathers were both photographers.
How did you discover music?
Through my family. My mother was a rock and roller and my brother were a punk. Found my salivation in heavy metal as a teenager.
How did you get your name?
Lucifer was waiting for me to take it.
What was the first time like that you played together?
There have been many incarnations and all first times were great!
What is Stockholm like for live music?
We don’t go out much but Stockholm has a great live scene. Everyone I know here plays in bands, so there is lots going on all the time from what I hear.
Your album just come out. How is it doing in different international markets?
So far it looks promising.
What streaming outlet does the best for you, in selling your music?
It’s always better to sell physical copies.
Tell me about your latest video?
It’s called Leather Demon and it features the grim reaper and an undertaker. I’m all three of them.
Why do you have for colors of vinyl in just the US?
That was a record label decision.
How was the US tour?
We’ve done three legs in support of ‘Lucifer II’ throughout the year and it was a good time. We love our US fans! The US is a second home to me as I used to live in LA for three years and have family there. People are very outgoing and welcoming.
Johanna- Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. It must have been very difficult for you during that time.
Thank you, yes, it’s the worst that can happen when you’re away on tour.
What is the difference to tour in the US vs. Europe?
It’s a lot more expensive for us to tour the US with a complicated visa procedure, expensive flights and often non-existing hospitality, just like in the UK. I suppose we are spoiled by European venues.
However, it always pays off when you look into the faces of those who attend the shows. I love how open Americans are. Not afraid to show excitement and affection.
How is it to tour Japan?
It’s the best. People are so sweet, respectful and polite. Bands get taken care of extremely well.
Is Tokyo is as crazy as they say it is?
I wouldn’t say crazy. It feels a lot saner the rest of the world. A little like being on a different planet. I love Japan!
What is the strangest thing that happen to you there?
I couldn’t tell you one strange thing.
What you reading now?
Blondie’s autobiographie ‘Face It’
What would be the perfect tour?
Black Sabbath & Blue Öyster Cult, again!
I saw a lot of Fleetwood Mac on your Facebook site. Tell me about that?
Yes, I am a huge fan of both, the Green & the Buckingham/Nicks eras.
Any plans to tour this upcoming year?
We are focusing on Europe this year but a lot will have to get postpones due to the virus unfortunately. Times are uncertain.
What band would you like to tour with?
These are just a few of still existing great bands I’d love to see every night: Heart, Fleetwood Mac, BÖC, Ozzy, Mercyful Fate, Danzig
Any plans to get over to the United States?
We will return to the US hopefully next year.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Recording and playing as much as possible.
Anything in closing you like to say to your fans?
My name is Lucifer, please wash your hands!
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