I remember I was a fan of Elvis Presley and Kiss at a very young age. When I was twelve, I got my first drum kit. I guess that’s where it started.

Were Drums your first choice as an instrument?

Yes. Drums were the only instrument that interested me.

Have you ever had any lessons or did you learn the old fashioned way?

I am self-taught.

As a drummer myself, I know I drove my parents crazy constantly playing and when I wasn't playing, I was beating on random stuff. Were you at all like this and how did you parents handle it?

In the very beginning there were no problems and they let me rehearse down in the hall of our house. After some time it was unbearable for them, so I had to stop the drumming at home and find myself a rehearsal room somewhere else.

What bands outside of Hypocrisy have you been in, were they successful?

I’ve been involved with Immortal and Grimfist. Immortal was without doubt the most successful of all of them. When I consider that I’ve made a living out of being a drummer for six years now, I have to say I made it quite far. Some friends of mine and I have started a new band in Norway called Roads Of Destiny. I have a great belief in this band as well. Roads Of Destiny will deliver old school Heavy Metal of the highest quality. We have written eight new songs already so soon we have enough material for a complete album.

The new release from Hypocrisy is entitled "Virus", who came up with the title?

As far as I know it was Peter.

How long did the writing/recording process take? Would you consider it a painful experience or a pleasant one?

All the members had material ready to use when we met up in the studio to start working with our ideas. It took around fourteen days to finish the pre-production. After that we took a break from the studio for a month or so. The recording and mixing of “Virus” was done within a month in effective time. The whole writing/recording process was stressful at times but overall a pleasant and interesting experience.

Out of the eleven tracks on the new disc, do you have a favourite, if so why?

One of my favourites is “Craving For Another Killing”. I enjoy the fast and aggressive expression on that song.

Does the band have any plans to tour the US in support of "Virus"; if so is there a specific touring package that you'd like to be on?

We are going to tour the US with NILE among others in Jan/Feb 2006. We are looking forward to visiting the States and to play for our great fans and friends again.

What would be an ideal tour for you as a fan and a musician?

A Judas Priest/Slayer/Hypocrisy tour would have been a good one. [laughter]

Have you ever had any bad experiences touring?

Yes I have, but it’s the good times and memories that come to mind when I’m thinking back on the tours I’ve done.

How does it feel to be in a band of such accomplished and talented musicians?

It’s cool. I have a great time playing with them.

What kind of drum equipment do you use/prefer and why?

I use PREMIER drums, PAISTE cymbals, ACHERON drumsticks and AXIS pedals. I have endorsement deals with all these companies except from Axis.

In your Bio on the band's webpage it says you are an avid fisherman. Do you fish for a certain kind or are you like me and just hope you catch something?!

Being out on the sea, being in fresh air, doing some fishing, relaxing… It’s the atmosphere of all these elements together that I like so much. Sometimes I fish for certain fish but mainly I go fishing because I find it to be fun, exciting, and a nice way to stress down in my hectic everyday life.

It also says that your favourite band is Judas Priest, what are your thoughts on the 3 albums they did with Tim "The Ripper" Owens?

Well, Tim in my opinion is a very talented singer and the Priest albums with him are not bad, but they are far from the best Judas Priest are capable of delivering. I’ve been a fan of JUDAS PRIEST since I was just a kid. When Rob Halford quit the band I thought that it was all over for JUDAS PRIEST. But then Tim came into the band and I was wondering how they would sound with this new singer. Maybe I had too big of expectations, because when “Jugulator” came out, it was not what I had hoped for. Those albums with Tim convinced me that replacing Rob Halford in Judas Priest doesn’t work, even if you give a good singer like Tim Owens the chance. I can compare it by saying that you can’t replace Lemmy as a singer in MOTORHEAD either. It’s just wrong all the way.

It goes on to say that you enjoy reading as well, what type of literature do you enjoy the most?

Crime fiction.

What kind of advantages are you afforded being signed to Nuclear Blast?

They can offer a good distribution for their bands. That’s a good thing.

Do you ever take the time to check out your label mates works?

Yes, but not very often.

Lastly, what do you hope to accomplish with your life after Hypocrisy?

When my career as a professional drummer is over, I might start working with explosives again. I am an educated dynamiter so returning to my duties as a blaster is an option. Time will tell.