A Dirty Dozen with LARS CHRISS from LION’S SHARE – March 2026

According to a recent press release: “Lion’s Share are back—stronger than ever! With six acclaimed albums and a string of successful digital singles, the Swedish heavy metal powerhouse is set to unleash their long-awaited comeback album. Formed in Sundsvall, Sweden in 1987 by guitarist Lars Chriss and keyboardist Kay Backlund, Lion’s Share quickly carved out a unique sound through relentless rehearsals and high-voltage live shows. Along the way, Lion’s Share has collaborated with members of some of the most legendary bands in the world, including KISS, Megadeth, King Diamond, Candlemass, Symphony X, Aand Yngwie Malmsteen. Albums like Emotional Coma and Dark Hours have earned critical praise for their razor-sharp riffing, massive hooks, and a perfect balance of heaviness and melody. Since 2017, Lion’s Share have operated as a dynamic duo, with Lars Chriss on guitar and Nils Patrik Johansson on vocals, calling on trusted friends for live and studio collaborations. Now, with Inferno, Lion’s Share are ready to reclaim their place at the forefront of the heavy metal scene—a blazing comeback that promises to deliver everything fans have been waiting for and more.” We get guitarist Lars to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Inferno is our first album in 17 years, and I see it as a natural progression from our previous albums Emotional Coma (2007) and Dark Hours (2009). We really took our time to make it sound exactly the way we wanted. We had a lot of strong material to choose from and spent quite a bit of time making sure the track order created a great album experience from start to finish. We come from the old-school mindset where you put on an album and listen all the way through — like a 40-minute journey. There are definitely details that reveal themselves over time — layers, arrangements, and small touches that you might not catch right away. We’re extremely happy with how it turned out, and so far the response has been amazing.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

It all started with KISS. I heard them at a very young age, and that was the moment everything clicked. The image, the songs, the energy — it completely blew me away. I picked up a guitar when I was around eight years old, and from that point on, there was never really a plan B. It wasn’t a decision I made later in life — it was something that was decided for me in that moment.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

The first album I ever bought was Love Gun by KISS in 1977. That was a big starting point. Beyond that, the whole NWOBHM movement had a massive influence on me. Albums released between 1980 and 1987 probably shaped me the most. Guitar players like George Lynch, Gary Moore, Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, Michael Schenker, and Yngwie Malmsteen were huge inspirations. And of course, Tony Iommi’s riffs and the overall feel of that era of heavy metal left a permanent mark on me.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

If we’re talking dream scenario, it would have to be Ronnie James Dio. His voice is such a defining part of classic heavy metal, and stylistically it would have been a perfect match. Among living singers, I think Jorn Lande and I could create something really special together. Rob Halford would also be incredible to work with.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

To be honest, music is such a big part of my life that even when I’m “off,” I’m still connected to it in some way — listening, writing ideas, or working on production. But I do enjoy stepping away occasionally just to clear my head. Sometimes that’s as simple as watching a good movie or digging through record stores and finding something unexpected. I’m also a big fan of ice hockey, so I follow my hometown team and the Swedish national team.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I’d describe it as classic heavy metal with a strong melodic core, combined with a darker and heavier edge. There’s a mix of powerful riffs, big choruses, and a touch of that doom-influenced atmosphere in places. Bands like Judas Priest, Saxon, Dio, Black Sabbath, Accept, and Iron Maiden are definitely part of our DNA. Comparisons are always tricky. It’s natural that people hear influences, but sometimes they can be a bit too simplified. We’ve never tried to sound like anyone else — we just follow what feels right musically.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

These days we’re pretty focused when we’re together — especially with rehearsals and shows coming up. It’s less about acoustic singalongs and more about getting everything as tight as possible. That said, we definitely enjoy hanging out, having a few drinks, and meeting fans after the shows.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Probably when we opened for KISS in Gothenburg with another band I was playing guitar with. That was a full-circle moment for me, considering they were the band that got me started in the first place. The same goes for Lion’s Share touring with bands like Saxon, Dio, Manowar, Motörhead, and U.D.O. I grew up listening to those records — and suddenly you’re out there sharing stages with them. Hanging out as pals on daily basis. That’s pretty surreal.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part is creating something from nothing and then seeing how it connects with people. That never gets old. If I couldn’t be a musician, I’d still want to work in music in some way — producing, mixing, or developing artists. I’ve mixed a lot of albums for other artists, and that’s something I really enjoy.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’ve actually done a lot of great interviews for this album. Sure, a lot of the questions overlap, but they’re also relevant and understandable. One thing I don’t get asked about very often is guitars and gear, so I always appreciate when that comes up.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Of course, there are always things you could have done differently — like the long breaks or moving between different labels. But at the same time, every step — even the setbacks — has led us to where we are today.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would probably choose Mob Rules by Black Sabbath. There’s something very special about that album — the riffs, the arrangements, and the overall atmosphere. It’s one of those records that still feels unique and inspiring no matter how many times you listen to it. Being in the room during those sessions would have been incredible. We actually had the honor of backing the drummer on that album, Vinny Appice during a clinic he did in Stockholm, where we played both Dio and Black Sabbath material with him. That was an amazing experience.

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Category: Interviews