You have recently released a new album; can you tell us about the recording process and the concept behind the record?
“Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae” was recorded in Necromorbus Studio (located outside Stockholm, Sweden) during three weeks in-between November and December, 2010. We were rather pleased with the result, and the way I see it, we left the studio with the first worthy production in the history of this band. If, by concept, you are aiming at the lyrics they all deal with different aspects of Satanism and the strife and longing to reach further on the left hand path, getting closer to the Lord.
The record has an interesting title, what’s the meaning behind it?
Well it is Latin obviously, and can be roughly translated into “crime against the heavenly majesty”, or if you will, “blasphemy” or “sacrilege”. The term derives from early modern Sweden, where intentional blasphemy was regarded one of the most serious crimes one could commit, leading to death penalty. People like Portrait would be the first to the gallows of course.
You’ve recently played a few dates in Ireland, what was it like playing there compared to shows in Sweden?
Compared to Sweden... Frankly I think I prefer to play abroad in general. Though we made a few decent shows here, the reception overseas is always something else entirely. Doing Ireland was rewarding, though the size of the audiences on some of those dates could have been larger. Dublin sure outdid most of our Swedish shows at least.
What are favourite places to visit on tour and what always ends up on your rider?
Favourite places, hard to say - there are still so many we’re waiting to reach. Spain and Greece were cool anyway, and Germany, where we have been the most, always means great audiences and response. The Finnish metalheads deserve a mention as well.
The base of our rider generally is a respectable amount of alcohol; lots of beer, wine and booze. For a while we also craved a hardbound copy of the latest Nobel award winning author’s work. Stuff like that.
What’s the music scene like in Sweden?
Depending a little on whether we should count the amount of relevant bands currently active, or how often there are interesting shows arranged, or something else, I guess it’s actually fairly alive and better than it has been. Thinking of it, Sweden surely houses the largest percent of bands I find reasonably interesting these days. Not saying we’re exactly drowning in them either, but...
Any tips on some up and coming Swedish metal bands and are there any bands from the UK that are getting you excited right now?
Up and coming I don’t know, but if you haven’t yet checked out Griftegård (masterful, monumental doom) or Invidious (most grand death metal filth since Repugnant), it’s about time. All I can think of from the UK is 40 Watt Sun and the mighty Hell, who probably made the albums of the year.
Sum up Portrait in 3 words.
Heavy metal darkness.
What’s you favourite song to play live and are there any cover songs you like to throw in?
Favourite songs vary, but it will definitely be something from the new album. Maybe “The Nightcomers” right now. Over the years we’ve been playing covers by among others Future Tense, Kiss, Coven, Gary Moore and Sarcofagus, but it’s been a while since we threw any into the set now.
Looking at promo pictures of the band long hair and leather seems to be in, is your image important an important factor?
Well it marks an alienation from society and the common ways, which I think is an important statement. Then also, we just happen to like to dress this way. I can’t stand so-called metal bands looking like boring average joes. Just got rid of our bassist mainly because he was shorthaired by the way, haha.
We are halfway through 2011 what have been you proudest moments?
The release of “Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae” in May naturally puts everything else into the background. To me, this is the album to finally show what this band is made of.
What does the future look like for Portrait?
The main focus right now is to try and tour as much as possible on this album. After that, there might be another one. Alright, thanks for the interview. Hail Satan!
