Almost A Dirty Dozen with TONIC BREED – July 2026

According to a recent press release: “Tonic Breed, the long‑running Norwegian thrash and heavy‑metal project led by Patrik K. Svendsen, returns in 2026 with its most ambitious and star‑studded release to date: the new EP Name Dealer. Reinvention has always been at the heart of Tonic Breed, and this EP pushes that ethos further than ever, bringing together an elite roster of guest musicians whose contributions elevate each track into its own distinct sonic world. Across its four tracks, the EP showcases the full spectrum of Tonic Breed’s identity: thrash roots, melodic depth, emotional storytelling, and the unmistakable fingerprints of world‑class guest performers. Tonic Breed began in 2006 as a four‑piece band from Sarpsborg, Norway, but since 2019 has evolved into a one‑man project driven by Svendsen’s vision and a rotating cast of elite collaborators.” We get Patrik 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 latest release is the Name Dealer EP. It brings together last year’s “The Die Is Cast” and “Anew” with the newer songs “Close In” and “Name Dealer.” It shows the two sides of Tonic Breed pretty well: heavier riff-based hard rock and metal, but also the more emotional side with “Close In.” Something people might not catch right away is how much contrast is built into the EP. “Close In” is a song that has been with me for around 20 years, so there are older ideas in there that finally found the right shape. “Name Dealer” is much more direct, also lyrically. The video also ties into my hometown and the industrial side of Sarpsborg, so there are some personal roots in there without making the whole thing too obvious. Even my custom-made guitar, 1016, finds its natural home in this video.

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

It was mainly guitar riffs. I do not remember one single dramatic moment where everything changed, but I remember hearing heavy guitars and wanting to be close to that sound. At some point listening was not enough anymore.

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

Metallica was a big part of that, especially their earlier work. Pantera is a huge one. The rhythm guitar work, the arrangements and the way the riffs carry the whole thing made a big impression on me. That has probably never really left.

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

With so many great names already on Tonic Breed songs, it’s difficult to see what the next chapter will be. It would be amazing having Jason Newsted on board, I’d say that!

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

At this moment it’s all about RO, RO, RO! Football World Cup and cheering for the Norwegian Vikings!

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?

Heavy, guitar-driven metal. I do not mind comparisons. People need reference points.

7. 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?

As I’m not a full time musician today, that is an easy answer: I’d be creating something. If not music, I’d find something else to work on.

8. 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?

A good question would be: What official Pantera music video have you been present in? The answer would be: Piss. If it is a question I’m tired to answer, it’s “why the seagulls follow the trawler?” It is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea, and that’s my answer every day of the week.

9. 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?

I sometimes wonder if turning Tonic Breed into a one-man band was the right call. I almost started completely fresh with a new name, but I held onto Tonic Breed just so I’d still have an excuse to talk about the old tracks.

10. 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’d say Black Sabbath, with Black Sabbath. That’s history being made right there.

TONIC BREED LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews