A Dirty Dozen with MARTIN GUSTAVSSON from REXORIA  – April 2026

Photo credit: Jonas Livh

According to a recent press release: “Today, Swedish royal metal band REXORIA proudly releases their new single “Heart of Sorrow,” taken from their upcoming album, Fallen Dimension, set for release on May 8th via Sound Pollution / Black Lodge Records. The new track features Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell / Hardline), uniting two distinctive metal voices in a collaboration aimed squarely at fans of melodic metal. “Heart of Sorrow” is a grand, emotionally charged power ballad that fuses strong melodic hooks with heavy guitars, driven by a commanding vocal performance at it’s core. The interplay between Frida and Johnny Gioeli’s voices creates a striking dynamic: Gioeli’s raw, raspy delivery brings grit and weight, while Frida’s clear and emotive vocals soar above, adding depth, intensity, and power. The single is accompanied by a cinematic music video, centered on visual storytelling and a strong aesthetic direction that reflects the band’s evolving image and artistic vision.” We get drummer Martin 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?

The new release has more guitars and heavy riffs than our previous album Imperial Dawn had, and a bit more powerful backing vocals this time. I think that this album needs more time to enjoy and understand the songs than the last one. The album itself has a darker atmosphere, not only musically, but also the lyrics as well. Some songs are more progressive also than we had done before, so that maybe needs more than one or two listening to appreciate these songs.

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

In my early days, many people in my social circle were quite into music in some ways. Friends, my parents, my brother Jonas (guitarist in REXORIA) and also his friends had some impact on me to get into music. I haven’t had a “moment” about deciding to be a musician. For me, this grew over time as I practiced the drums and tried to master it as good as I was able to. As long as it was fun, I kept on playing. After some years with progress I thought this was something I actually could do in a band and make it in a more serious way.

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

Well, my brother Jonas was, and still is a big Iron Maiden fan. He played Maiden very often and let me borrow the CD’s sometimes. I also started to like Maiden right away, especially for the great vocals and guitars melodies. I didn’t really notice Nicko’s extraordinary drumming back then. Still today, what I appreciate the most in a song is the vocals and guitars melodies. That’s why I very often listen to 80’s music, that era is full of great singers and powerful melodies.

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

There are many great musicians out there, but I’m still a fan of Iron Maiden and have been for very long. Steve Harris is such an amazing song writer and I would definitely pick him for a collaboration and ask him to bring his “Brave New World” – mindset!

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

Take care of my house and cats and enjoy time with my girlfriend. I am also trying to see my friends and family when I can, and I like watching Swedish hockey games.

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 use to describe it very short and consist, for people who’s into music I describe it as “Melodic Metal”. To people that is not so much into music I describe it as “POP-Metal”, haha. I can´t come up with something big here, but a funny thing was on Sweden Rock when I walked in the market areas behind some guys that discussed our band (and did not know I play in REXORIA). One of them told the other guy that “he knows that REXORIA absolutely is from Island”, haha. Would be cool if we were though!

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?

Since Cristofer actually is a chef, it’s natural he takes care of the food, and he’s doing it very well! Jonas gets the drinks; he always has cold beverages at home. About the guitar and singalong, we don’t really do that anymore  (except Frida, who sings all the time…) I believe there is noise enough when we all meet, so we really don’t need to add more, haha.

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

It was on a festival in Sweden a couple of years ago. Lasse Åberg was there with his band Electric Banan Band. After the show he had a meet and greet, that was very cool to be there and see him. He is very famous is Sweden for his music, art and acting / producer in many Swedish cult movies.

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?

Best thing is two parted, being on stage and you feel the good energy from the band and crowd the whole show, through every song. That is a great feeling. Second part is after that very show when all gear is packed, you have showered, and the buss is leaving and we have a bus party on our way to next show. These two parts combined is awesome! I’m a bit of an airplane enthusiast, and actually not very social normally. Then I believe I could make a good cargo pilot!

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?

Have not thought about it! But if I read interviews I like the questions about things that not is connected directly with the band. Like your question number 5. I find that content interesting. The music life is quite the same many times, so it’s nice to know something else about a person than just their music life. I’m actually not tired of any sort of questions. There is still hard questions sometimes, like “What was your approach with the drums on this album?” Luckily, I didn’t get that question from you. Thanks!

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?

Some things yes, the production of our first releases is not good, for example. The songs could have been a bit elevated with better production. The knowledge about the music business is also good to have as early as you can. But on the other hand, you can’t know everything from start.

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?

In my early days Hammer Fall was one my favorite bands. I got their album Crimson Thunder and listened to it very much, and all their others albums as well. I think Crimson Thunder is a good album even today and it really brings me back to my room at my parents house when I listened to it. Sometimes while playing Halo on Xbox on a 14 inch TV-screen. That was some gooood times!

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Category: Interviews