The Dark Tranquillity and Insomnium Camden show isn't that far away now. So, to whet your appetites further - and to compliment that previous interview with the Finns; here's a special interview just for you about the gig with none other than Mikael Stanne himself. Needless to say, he seems pretty stoked!

If I may get right into the interview, you'll soon be on a European tour with new labelmates Insomnium this September. Would this mark the first time that both bands have played together?

Mikael:
We have met twice at festivals this summer, and had a great time together. I have seen them a couple of times on stage prior to that, and I've always been impressed. Now we get to destroy the cities of Europe together, and it will be a blast!

Are you excited that this band will be joining you on Century Media? They're fairly new compared to your almost veteran status, is it important that labels such as CM continue to unearth new talent?

Mikael:
For sure; the Century Media guys really know how to pick up talent. They are interested in quality over quantity, and I think that´s part of the reason we are so comfortable with them.

Is it fair to suggest that in addition to sharing a genre (melodic death metal),  that Insomnium and Dark Tranquillity are similar in regards to lyrical themes;  albeit theirs tend to be more fantasy, literary and nature-based whilst yours are largely more introspective and philosophical?

Mikael:
I guess we share a certain Scandinavian flair to our writing style; meaning the overall themes and views which I think are unique to this part of the world. I find a lot of inspiration in poetry and writings from these Nordic parts!

Recently, you've toured through North and South America. Are you looking forward  to be returning to the European continent with a string of shows; rather than a few appearances at festivals?

Mikael:
Oh yes. We´ve spent three months touring America, now it´s time to come back home and do it! The festivals have been amazing, but there is nothing like a full-on headlining show; and we are bringing something very special this time around.

You'll both be coming to play at the Underworld in Camden, London on September 28th. Would this be the your first time performing at that venue? The last time you played Camden it burst into flames, so are you planning any more fireworks?

Mikael:
I believe this could be our first gig at Underworld, yes. Very much looking forward to it; since I've seen many of shows there over the years.

The last time we were in Camden, it was insane. Standing outside the venue and seeing half the block go up in flames was very surreal, and added a strange urgency to the show that I hadn´t experienced before!

It's also been revealed that you'll have extra support for that night from local  band Cyper16. Do you feel that they would be a fitting addition to the show? Do you always try to check out the local supports?

Mikael:
On this tour, all the openers have been selected by us and the label. We had a contest through MySpace, where bands could apply for the opening position in each city. The response was amazing and the poor sods at CM went through 660 applications before selecting a few for each city; so from that we chose one every day! It´s been very exciting, and I am still looking through the different bands that will share the stage with us! Cypher16 certainly fit the bill, since we were first and foremost looking for originality.

Mind if I ask how long it has been, since Dark Tranquillity's last visit to the  UK? Is there anything in particular you'd like to do in London, before the gig?

Mikael:
I go over to London every once in a while to attend shows, or visit my brother who lives there. I think my main focus will be to hang out with my friends, get a great curry and have couple of hundreds of pints of Lager. That´s about it!

Before we close the interview, is there anything you'd like to say to the  readers out there about the tour?

Mikael:
Well, we are right now in full preparation for it and it´s one hell of a task rehearsing all these new/old songs that we decided to include in the setlist this time. It will be our most ambitious tour to date, and I hope that every single DT fan out there will come out and join us for an awesome time! Cheers!

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To get tickets for the show on September 28th, visit the Underworld's website at

www.underworldcamden.co.uk

Special thanks to Century Media and Mikael Stanne for the interview!