Into the Shadows: A Conversation with Tribulation’s Johannes Andersson

 

 

As winter darkness sets in over Sweden, Johannes Andersson, bassist and co-vocalist of the atmospheric metal band Tribulation, joined us for a chat fresh off their recent U.S. tour. Still a bit jet-lagged but in good spirits, Johannes shared stories about their new album, Hamartia in Eternum, memories from the road, and his thoughts on music, friendship, and artistic collaboration.

Jet Lag, Darkness, and Death Metal

Johannes greeted us with a tired laugh, admitting the gloomy Swedish winter and post-tour fatigue were catching up with him. “It’s very dark this time of year, and I’m still a bit jet-lagged from the U.S. tour,” he said. The tour, which lasted just over three weeks, wasn’t especially long—but the adjustment afterward always seems to take its toll.

We compared travel notes, sharing a story of attending a six-day metal festival in Transylvania. Johannes smiled at the idea but admitted, “That sounds like a bit too much. These days, I can barely handle two or three bands in a day.”

Reflecting on Past Tours

Tribulation has played some legendary tours, including one with Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth, and Aeon in the U.S. just before their 2015 breakthrough album The Children of the Night. “That tour felt like a step in the right direction,” Johannes recalled. “We shared a bus with Aeon—great guys. And we still stay in touch with Behemoth and Cannibal Corpse. Lifelong friendships form on the road.”

While not every tour leads to tight bonds, most do. “Even if you don’t have a lot in common, by the end of the tour, you’re still friends,” he said. “Some musicians are more introverted than you’d think. Not everyone is super outgoing away from the stage.”

Hamartia in Eternum: The New Chapter

Tribulation’s latest release, Hamartia in Eternum, has been turning heads. Fans and critics alike are calling it their best album to date. Johannes is cautiously optimistic. “Right now, it feels like the best because it’s the freshest,” he admitted. “But I also said that about Where the Gloom Becomes Sound. These things come and go. Still, this one took a bigger creative leap.”

When asked about standout tracks, Johannes picked Murder in Red as a personal favorite. “It was the last one we finished in the studio, and we really struggled with it during pre-production. But once it came together, it just… clicked. Sometimes the song you’re unsure about becomes the one you love most.”

Collaborations and Creative Sparks

The album also features guest appearances on piano, synths, and vocals. Interestingly, those collaborations happened almost serendipitously. “The pianist, Christian, had a studio next door. We met by the coffee machine, and he offered to help,” Johannes laughed. “As for Caroline, our opera singer, she’s connected to our drummer somehow—dating a relative or something like that. She came in and nailed everything in a couple of hours.”

Producer Tom Dalgety, who worked with the band previously, played a much more involved role this time. “He flew over during pre-production and was with us during the final week of recording. He really helped shape the sound.”

Studio vs. Stage

When asked whether he prefers recording or performing live, Johannes didn’t hesitate: “Live wins. There’s something about that instant reaction from the crowd. The studio is fun, especially when you’re really in the zone, but it’s also high pressure. Expensive. Time-consuming. Live shows are just more fun.”

That said, there’s a unique joy in the studio when things come together. “Usually it’s during the vocal sessions at the end, when everything is finally clicking. That’s the cherry on top.”

Visual Identity and Music Videos

Tribulation has released five videos for the new album—three official music videos and two lyric videos. Johannes admits he’s not a big fan of lyric videos, but understands their necessity. “They’re not that exciting to me personally, but they serve a purpose on platforms like YouTube.”

For the music videos, the band worked closely with Damon, a Stockholm-based cinematographer, and Brendan McGowan, a director from New York. “Brendan really understood us. He felt like an old friend I used to watch Italian horror movies with,” Johannes said. “We trusted him completely, and he nailed it—especially on Murder in Red.”

The Power of Artistic Trust

Despite the vulnerability of handing creative control to others, Johannes believes in collaboration. “That’s the beauty of art—you have to open up. We’re not lighting or camera experts. That’s why you find great people who can help bring your vision to life.”

He pauses. “It’s a weird business sometimes, but it only works because people love what they do and support each other.”

Final Thoughts

As our time with Johannes wrapped up, he recorded a quick station ID for us with his signature charm. We’re grateful for the insight into his world—a blend of shadowy atmospheres, intense creativity, and genuine connection.

If you haven’t yet checked out Hamartia in Eternum, now’s the time. Whether you're into haunting melodies or metal that's unafraid to evolve, this album might just be Tribulation’s most compelling work yet.

Stream Hamartia in Eternum wherever you get your music.