Hi! First of all, have you heard about Johnny Ramone's death?
Hi yourself! Yes I’ve heard and it’s really sad.

Ok, let's begin the interview now. How long have you been playing together?
It’s been five years now, this month actually.

What does 'Maryslim' mean?
It really doesn’t mean anything just a cool name that Urrke ( the bass-player ) came up with. He found it when he was a teenager and ever since he always wanted to be in a band with that name.

Your last album is called 'Split Vision', and has just been released in France. It's produced by Peter Tägtgren. How was it to work with him?
It was so easy. I mean, he is a very talented man, very easy to work with and he´s got a great sense of humour, so everything just went smooth. We are very satisfied with him, and the album turned out to be fantastic.

Do you think that the sound of your last album wouldn't have been so huge if you've worked with another producer?
We knew from the beginning that we wanted the sound to be massive, that’s why we did choose him, but I’m sure there is other producers that can fulfill that vision also, but with Peter everything turned out great.

Did he enjoy producing a sleaze rock band?
I think he was a little bit tired of metal bands and wanted to do something else and when he heard our pre-production he just said, hey lets make a record. I think he liked the melodic side of it.

Where do you get the inspiration for your songs? Are some of them autobiographical?
Yes, mostly they are. I want to sing something that I can relate to. According to the music the inspiration comes from everywhere!!

Now that we can find your album here, is there a chance that you come and play in France? Any tour plans?
Yes we are going on tour this fall, but everything isn’t settled yet.  We really do hope that we can play in France of course!!!

Could you tell us about your favorite bands and influences? Are you a fan of the 80's US metal scene?
My favorite bands are many and the influences to. I don’t decide that this song is gonna be influenced by bla, bla.. it just becomes something and what it sounds like doesn’t matter as long as the song is good. Well the 80’s!!! My favorites are still, Ironmaiden, Judas Priest, Accept, to mention a few.  I was never in to Mötley Crüe, Skidrow or Guns, but the others in the band are!!!
        

There's a bunch of Swedish rock n roll bands. Do you have any explanation why the Swedes are so productive with the rock n roll/sleaze rock?
That’s a tough question! But I think it has been pretty easy to start a band in Sweden. I mean the communities have been very supportive around the country to contribute to the culture-scene, which is good. Anyway that’s how it was when I grew up. And of course we have Abba, Roxette that have made it outside Sweden but I don’t know if that’s the answer. I have to say that I think there are many good rock’n roll bands all over the world.

Michael Monroe said few years ago in a Demolition 23 song that 'now there's nothing straight enough to rebel against'. Do you think this tendency is changing, that there are stuffs to rebel against now? Maybe the social climate is the reason why rock n roll has some more success these last months (The Darkness, Velvet Revolver, ...), even though lyrics do not have a political content? The youth needs guys with an attitude, playing heavy riffs, singin' about partying, booze, or even about the boredom of the new generation?
There’s always something to rebel against!!!

What current Swedish rock band do you appreciate?
For the time being I’m listing to Captain Murphy and The Solution ( if that counts as Swedish? ).

You played with Backyard Babies last spring. What are your memories from this tour?
Yeah we supported them in Spain!! That was a nice week I can tell you. They are four lovely guys!  very nice. We had a great time.

You've also been playing in the USA. Could you tell us about this experience? How was the response of the American audience towards a Swedish band?
That was also a very nice week!!! I mean we played at the famous CBGB’s in NYC and then at the festival South by southwest in Austin, Texas and it was really great!!! And the response was also great. I mean we had full houses, but hey, somehow we didn’t get rich this time either ha,ha!!!!

Could you tell us about The Thunderbirds, Urkke T's side-project?
Upps!!! That’s something I really don’t know anything about more than you do but I’m sure it’s gonna be a riot blast!!!!

What do you think of Europe's reunion? Did you listen to their new songs?
Mmmmmm……well I don’t know. I’ve only heard one song and well, it’s ok, maybe?!

Anybody ever told you that you sound like Ozzy when you sing?
Ha,ha!!! Well actually there is a few that have mentioned that, but I can’t really understand it. But hey, I take it as a compliment.

Alright, one last word for the French fans:
Well If you are out there I really hope that you don’t have to wait to long to see us! We sure wanna meet you!!! That’s what we are here for!!!!
Merci beaucoup!

Thanx a lot!