In this interview, I was able to catch up with Andreas Ålöv, Ricard Hulteke and Erik Tilling
of the European based Swedish Hard Rock band 'ALL FOR THE KING' to ask them a few questions
about their album 'Let There Be Light'.
(Jacob) It's so good to finally be having this interview with your band:
(Andreas Ålöv) Thanks for asking. This should be fun!
(Jacob) So, can you give us some insight into what got you involved in the music industry
and what is the ultimate purpose of the band?
(Andreas Ålöv) I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember, and when I’m not playing
in bands or writing my own music, I teach at a music school. So it’s all I’ve known for the past
25 years. As far as the purpose of this band, I’d say it’s to share the gospel as often and as
effectively as we can, and to do it through awesome and heavy music.
(Ricard Hulteke) Well, I’m not in the Music industry. I am a disciple of Christ and Music is a
tool to spread the word about my Savior and best friend Jesus. We want to succeed and
have as many listeners as possible in order to let them know about the love story of heaven.
(Erik Tilling) I’ve been into music as long as I can remember. I have had a solo career for the
last 20 years and recorded 15 albums and toured all over Sweden. The song “St Patricks
Prayer” is my most popular song and it is widely spread and sung regularly in the churches all
over Sweden. It has even been translated into Dutch. All For The King's version is the first in
English. The purpose of the band is to make Jesus known, believed and loved.
(Jacob) Who was the founding member(s) and when did the band officially form?
(Andreas Ålöv) As I wasn’t part of the band originally, I couldn’t describe the timeline, but I
know it started with Erik and Ricard talking, and it grew from there.
(Ricard Hulteke) Erik and I met to discuss theological issues and from that day we were
convinced God had placed a calling on our hearts to tell the world about Him.
(Erik Tilling) Yes, just like Ricard says and we released our first single in 2016.
(Jacob) Can you shed some light on where your band's name came from and what is the
meaning behind it?
(Andreas Ålöv) For me at least, it embodies what we want to be about, to give ”All for the
King”. That’s not an easy thing to live up to, but we believe that it describes our honest
hope, to truly live a life that’s pleasing to God and that spreads some of his love to a hurting
world. And all we can really do in that respect, is to do our best and ask God to bless it.
(Ricard Hulteke) In times of doubts when the church is pushed into a corner and with many
Christians not willing to draw a line, we think the name All For The King is a reminder and a
proclamation. It reminds me about the highest calling and proclaims the truth to
unbelievers.
(Erik Tilling) We have a leather bracelet we sell at the concerts with the initials AFTK. A bit
the same spirit as WWJD.
(Jacob) What brand of instruments do you all use and why do you prefer that specific
brand over another?
(Andreas Ålöv) In this band, I mostly play my Music Man 5-string bass, because it has a really
solid low end that sits well with the drums and those walls of guitars. In my other band and
on freelance stuff, I gravitate towards my Fender Jazz 4-string, because it has a lyrical quality
that I like, plus you can’t really beat those Jazz bass low mids…
(Ricard Hulteke) My favorite microphone is EHR-M and EHR-M1 and EHR-D from Ehrlund
Microphones!
(Erik Tilling) I´m a Fender guy. Has always been. I play the Stratocaster Elite-series. On the
first album, however, I used a Gibson ES-339. The smaller version of the 335. I loved that
sound but I never really liked the Gibson design. They personally do not feel as comfortable
as the Fender. So for me, a gibson-Fender hybrid would be the ultimate guitar! I found the
Jim Adkins signature model which is a Fender Telecaster but with Gibson measures, Gibson
bridge and P90 microphones. I used it on 80% of the songs on the new album. When it
comes to amplifiers, I use Orange cabinets and Dual Terror head.
(Jacob) Do you all have any hobbies outside of music that help to rejuvenate or inspire
creativity within your music?
(Andreas Ålöv) Oh, sure. Probably more stuff than is good for me. I enjoy studying languages
and theology, and reading in general. If we’re talking about the outdoors, I’m seriously into
disc golf and am trying to develop a decent backhand…
(Ricard Hulteke) I’m into exotic animals such as monitor lizards, turtles, tortoises and also
gardening.
(Erik Tilling) We live in a turbulent time when many truths have been erased. When I read
the news and then the good news, it strikes me that we live away from home. A bit of the
same feeling as Daniel had in the Bible. What we believe in is old fashion and is considered
dated. It gives me fuel for new songs and lyrics.
(Jacob) Are there any artists that have played a part in influencing the members of your
band along with your band's sound?
(Andreas Ålöv) Speaking for myself, in the bass department, my two biggest influences have
been Metallica and Dream Theater. The former got me into heavy music to begin with, the
latter got me into practicing my instrument. I’m still a huge prog nerd, but I enjoy playing
and listening to just about anything these days.
(Ricard Hulteke:) Bono, Glenn Hughes and Jorn Lande have influenced me as a vocalist.
When we write music, there is a lot of influence from the 70’s and I have a lot of soul/gospel
in my past that I think might come through from time to time.
(Erik Tilling) I´m a big Journey-fan. Love Neal Schon's guitar playing. I grew up on Judas Priest.
And later I discovered King´s X. Probably the biggest source of inspiration for me personally
when it comes to songwriting for the band. Many reviewers around the world thought my
guitar playing on the first record sounded a lot like Tony Iommi in Black Sabbath. But I have
never listened to him other than the big hits.
(Jacob) What is the biggest problem that you have had to overcome as a band?
(Andreas Ålöv) I came into the band about two months before Covid hit, so it’s been a
challenging time overall. I think the biggest hurdle, as with so many bands these days, is to
”rise above the noise”. To be heard, to get a shot in an industry where there is such an
abundance of great talent, that’s the challenge - To find a way to sustain a band at a time
like this. But since we are convinced that we’re here for a reason, and because it’s what we
love, all we can do is keep at it.
(Ricard Hulteke) In our part of the world we have no Christian radio stations or millions of
people listening to Christian music. And the small number of people listening to Christian
music are not known as Metal or Hard Rock headbangers. We are blessed with a small label
that believes in us, but there is almost no “market”. Our problem is to find an audience and
people that believe God wants to use this music to encourage Christians to live a life with
Christ, and to proclaim the gospel to the not yet believing people outside church.
(Erik Tilling) I agree. It is difficult to reach out. I know a person who has worked in the
Christian music industry. I let him preview on the new album and he said spontaneously
from the heart: & I quote; "Had I still worked in the industry and there were record companies left in
the US, I would not have had any problems selling the master to them for American release!
That´s how good it is!" & I quote; "But it does not matter today if you do not get attention."
(Jacob) Can you go into some detail about the musical direction on your latest release 'Let
There Be Light'?
(Andreas Ålöv) I think I’ll leave that one for Erik, since he’s been in the band from the start
and produced both albums.
(Erik Tilling) The first album was a bit heavier and more straight forward. This time we have
tried to relax and experiment a little more as we feel safer. The heavy riffs are there. And the
melodies. The lyrics of the first album were more of an alpha course in the Christian faith.
This time we also write about things that may not be as it could be.
(Jacob) Do you feel like you achieved what you set out to accomplish on your latest
project?
(Andreas Ålöv) I really do. I remember us talking about, when we were getting ready to write
this album, that we had to work really hard and craft the material so that it measured up to
the first album. And I honestly think we did that, when I listen to the new stuff, it’s solid
from start to finish. I think we got some awesome performances, I’m especially thinking of
Ricard’s vocals, great stuff. And Johannes Häger (mixing) and Jens Bogren (mastering) really
made it shine, once we were done with tracking. So, I certainly think we hit the mark with
this one.
(Erik Tilling) Since I am both a songwriter and producer for the album, I have strived to get a
cohesive feeling both in terms of the track listing and the sound. I think the album fits
together nicely with its start with The Hellion-inspired intro which turns into Black Sabbath-
like title track on to both heavier and more chorus-based songs and the album ends with the
eschatological The Return Of The King. I'm very happy with how everything fell into place.
(Jacob) What is your favorite song to perform, whether live or in studio, and why?
(Andreas Ålöv) I absolutely love "The Shelter” from the new album, every time I listen to it, it
stays with me. I can’t wait to get out and play that one live.
(Ricard Hulteke) My absolute no.1 is ”The Seventh Seal”, a song that we’ll release on our
third album. But on this, our second album, that we are about to release, my top three are
“The way, truth and life”, “The Shelter,” and “I am He”.
(Erik Tilling) It is very difficult to choose as the songs sit together like a string of pearls and
form a holistic feeling. But if I have to pick just one song, it will be "I Am He" as that song
contains all the elements that All For The king stands for.
(Jacob) Were there any special or funny moments during the recording process of the
album?
(Andreas Ålöv) Being a typical ”Covid”-era project, in that we mostly recorded separately in
our own studios, there weren’t really that many hilarious moments I can think of, but I think
we all really enjoyed seeing the album grow. From a demo, to adding "real” guitars, bass,
vocals, drums… More and more we could hear that these songs really did sound as good as
we had hoped. And then when the mixes came in, man… That’s always a special thing, and it
was just as incredible this time. I think we all consider ourselves truly blessed and fortunate
to get to do this.
(Ricard Hulteke) When we write music, the creative process is dynamic and goes like this;
Erik records a riff. I make a melody on that riff and then the lyrics are written by Erik and/or
myself.
(Jacob) At this time, are you planning to keep moving forward as a band and are there any
plans for future projects in the works?
(Andreas Ålöv) We are absolutely moving forward, it remains to be seen what’s possible and
not in these times. But again, we’re not just having fun, it’s a mission, something we’re
called to, and so we trust God in all of this. As for future projects, oh yeah… There are some
exciting ideas floating around, but perhaps we’ll get around to those another time.
(Ricard Hulteke) The first song on the next album is already recorded. That is a plan for the
future!
(Erik Tilling) We hope to have the opportunity to record a third album in the future as we
already have the concept ready for us and some of the songs already written. The best is yet
to come.
(Jacob) Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses to each and every question. I
am excited about your latest release and am looking forward to hearing more from the
band in the future.
(Andreas Ålöv) The pleasure is ours, it’s really good to be able to talk about this awesome
project. I hope everyone reading this checks out the new album when it drops, you won’t be
disappointed. And let’s hope we can get back to playing live again in the near future, music is
really meant to be shared and experienced that way, I think.
(Ricard Hulteke) It’s our pleasure to have this opportunity! God bless you and keep you!
2021-06-15
of the European based Swedish Hard Rock band 'ALL FOR THE KING' to ask them a few questions
about their album 'Let There Be Light'.
(Jacob) It's so good to finally be having this interview with your band:
(Andreas Ålöv) Thanks for asking. This should be fun!
(Jacob) So, can you give us some insight into what got you involved in the music industry
and what is the ultimate purpose of the band?
(Andreas Ålöv) I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember, and when I’m not playing
in bands or writing my own music, I teach at a music school. So it’s all I’ve known for the past
25 years. As far as the purpose of this band, I’d say it’s to share the gospel as often and as
effectively as we can, and to do it through awesome and heavy music.
(Ricard Hulteke) Well, I’m not in the Music industry. I am a disciple of Christ and Music is a
tool to spread the word about my Savior and best friend Jesus. We want to succeed and
have as many listeners as possible in order to let them know about the love story of heaven.
(Erik Tilling) I’ve been into music as long as I can remember. I have had a solo career for the
last 20 years and recorded 15 albums and toured all over Sweden. The song “St Patricks
Prayer” is my most popular song and it is widely spread and sung regularly in the churches all
over Sweden. It has even been translated into Dutch. All For The King's version is the first in
English. The purpose of the band is to make Jesus known, believed and loved.
(Jacob) Who was the founding member(s) and when did the band officially form?
(Andreas Ålöv) As I wasn’t part of the band originally, I couldn’t describe the timeline, but I
know it started with Erik and Ricard talking, and it grew from there.
(Ricard Hulteke) Erik and I met to discuss theological issues and from that day we were
convinced God had placed a calling on our hearts to tell the world about Him.
(Erik Tilling) Yes, just like Ricard says and we released our first single in 2016.
(Jacob) Can you shed some light on where your band's name came from and what is the
meaning behind it?
(Andreas Ålöv) For me at least, it embodies what we want to be about, to give ”All for the
King”. That’s not an easy thing to live up to, but we believe that it describes our honest
hope, to truly live a life that’s pleasing to God and that spreads some of his love to a hurting
world. And all we can really do in that respect, is to do our best and ask God to bless it.
(Ricard Hulteke) In times of doubts when the church is pushed into a corner and with many
Christians not willing to draw a line, we think the name All For The King is a reminder and a
proclamation. It reminds me about the highest calling and proclaims the truth to
unbelievers.
(Erik Tilling) We have a leather bracelet we sell at the concerts with the initials AFTK. A bit
the same spirit as WWJD.
(Jacob) What brand of instruments do you all use and why do you prefer that specific
brand over another?
(Andreas Ålöv) In this band, I mostly play my Music Man 5-string bass, because it has a really
solid low end that sits well with the drums and those walls of guitars. In my other band and
on freelance stuff, I gravitate towards my Fender Jazz 4-string, because it has a lyrical quality
that I like, plus you can’t really beat those Jazz bass low mids…
(Ricard Hulteke) My favorite microphone is EHR-M and EHR-M1 and EHR-D from Ehrlund
Microphones!
(Erik Tilling) I´m a Fender guy. Has always been. I play the Stratocaster Elite-series. On the
first album, however, I used a Gibson ES-339. The smaller version of the 335. I loved that
sound but I never really liked the Gibson design. They personally do not feel as comfortable
as the Fender. So for me, a gibson-Fender hybrid would be the ultimate guitar! I found the
Jim Adkins signature model which is a Fender Telecaster but with Gibson measures, Gibson
bridge and P90 microphones. I used it on 80% of the songs on the new album. When it
comes to amplifiers, I use Orange cabinets and Dual Terror head.
(Jacob) Do you all have any hobbies outside of music that help to rejuvenate or inspire
creativity within your music?
(Andreas Ålöv) Oh, sure. Probably more stuff than is good for me. I enjoy studying languages
and theology, and reading in general. If we’re talking about the outdoors, I’m seriously into
disc golf and am trying to develop a decent backhand…
(Ricard Hulteke) I’m into exotic animals such as monitor lizards, turtles, tortoises and also
gardening.
(Erik Tilling) We live in a turbulent time when many truths have been erased. When I read
the news and then the good news, it strikes me that we live away from home. A bit of the
same feeling as Daniel had in the Bible. What we believe in is old fashion and is considered
dated. It gives me fuel for new songs and lyrics.
(Jacob) Are there any artists that have played a part in influencing the members of your
band along with your band's sound?
(Andreas Ålöv) Speaking for myself, in the bass department, my two biggest influences have
been Metallica and Dream Theater. The former got me into heavy music to begin with, the
latter got me into practicing my instrument. I’m still a huge prog nerd, but I enjoy playing
and listening to just about anything these days.
(Ricard Hulteke:) Bono, Glenn Hughes and Jorn Lande have influenced me as a vocalist.
When we write music, there is a lot of influence from the 70’s and I have a lot of soul/gospel
in my past that I think might come through from time to time.
(Erik Tilling) I´m a big Journey-fan. Love Neal Schon's guitar playing. I grew up on Judas Priest.
And later I discovered King´s X. Probably the biggest source of inspiration for me personally
when it comes to songwriting for the band. Many reviewers around the world thought my
guitar playing on the first record sounded a lot like Tony Iommi in Black Sabbath. But I have
never listened to him other than the big hits.
(Jacob) What is the biggest problem that you have had to overcome as a band?
(Andreas Ålöv) I came into the band about two months before Covid hit, so it’s been a
challenging time overall. I think the biggest hurdle, as with so many bands these days, is to
”rise above the noise”. To be heard, to get a shot in an industry where there is such an
abundance of great talent, that’s the challenge - To find a way to sustain a band at a time
like this. But since we are convinced that we’re here for a reason, and because it’s what we
love, all we can do is keep at it.
(Ricard Hulteke) In our part of the world we have no Christian radio stations or millions of
people listening to Christian music. And the small number of people listening to Christian
music are not known as Metal or Hard Rock headbangers. We are blessed with a small label
that believes in us, but there is almost no “market”. Our problem is to find an audience and
people that believe God wants to use this music to encourage Christians to live a life with
Christ, and to proclaim the gospel to the not yet believing people outside church.
(Erik Tilling) I agree. It is difficult to reach out. I know a person who has worked in the
Christian music industry. I let him preview on the new album and he said spontaneously
from the heart: & I quote; "Had I still worked in the industry and there were record companies left in
the US, I would not have had any problems selling the master to them for American release!
That´s how good it is!" & I quote; "But it does not matter today if you do not get attention."
(Jacob) Can you go into some detail about the musical direction on your latest release 'Let
There Be Light'?
(Andreas Ålöv) I think I’ll leave that one for Erik, since he’s been in the band from the start
and produced both albums.
(Erik Tilling) The first album was a bit heavier and more straight forward. This time we have
tried to relax and experiment a little more as we feel safer. The heavy riffs are there. And the
melodies. The lyrics of the first album were more of an alpha course in the Christian faith.
This time we also write about things that may not be as it could be.
(Jacob) Do you feel like you achieved what you set out to accomplish on your latest
project?
(Andreas Ålöv) I really do. I remember us talking about, when we were getting ready to write
this album, that we had to work really hard and craft the material so that it measured up to
the first album. And I honestly think we did that, when I listen to the new stuff, it’s solid
from start to finish. I think we got some awesome performances, I’m especially thinking of
Ricard’s vocals, great stuff. And Johannes Häger (mixing) and Jens Bogren (mastering) really
made it shine, once we were done with tracking. So, I certainly think we hit the mark with
this one.
(Erik Tilling) Since I am both a songwriter and producer for the album, I have strived to get a
cohesive feeling both in terms of the track listing and the sound. I think the album fits
together nicely with its start with The Hellion-inspired intro which turns into Black Sabbath-
like title track on to both heavier and more chorus-based songs and the album ends with the
eschatological The Return Of The King. I'm very happy with how everything fell into place.
(Jacob) What is your favorite song to perform, whether live or in studio, and why?
(Andreas Ålöv) I absolutely love "The Shelter” from the new album, every time I listen to it, it
stays with me. I can’t wait to get out and play that one live.
(Ricard Hulteke) My absolute no.1 is ”The Seventh Seal”, a song that we’ll release on our
third album. But on this, our second album, that we are about to release, my top three are
“The way, truth and life”, “The Shelter,” and “I am He”.
(Erik Tilling) It is very difficult to choose as the songs sit together like a string of pearls and
form a holistic feeling. But if I have to pick just one song, it will be "I Am He" as that song
contains all the elements that All For The king stands for.
(Jacob) Were there any special or funny moments during the recording process of the
album?
(Andreas Ålöv) Being a typical ”Covid”-era project, in that we mostly recorded separately in
our own studios, there weren’t really that many hilarious moments I can think of, but I think
we all really enjoyed seeing the album grow. From a demo, to adding "real” guitars, bass,
vocals, drums… More and more we could hear that these songs really did sound as good as
we had hoped. And then when the mixes came in, man… That’s always a special thing, and it
was just as incredible this time. I think we all consider ourselves truly blessed and fortunate
to get to do this.
(Ricard Hulteke) When we write music, the creative process is dynamic and goes like this;
Erik records a riff. I make a melody on that riff and then the lyrics are written by Erik and/or
myself.
(Jacob) At this time, are you planning to keep moving forward as a band and are there any
plans for future projects in the works?
(Andreas Ålöv) We are absolutely moving forward, it remains to be seen what’s possible and
not in these times. But again, we’re not just having fun, it’s a mission, something we’re
called to, and so we trust God in all of this. As for future projects, oh yeah… There are some
exciting ideas floating around, but perhaps we’ll get around to those another time.
(Ricard Hulteke) The first song on the next album is already recorded. That is a plan for the
future!
(Erik Tilling) We hope to have the opportunity to record a third album in the future as we
already have the concept ready for us and some of the songs already written. The best is yet
to come.
(Jacob) Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses to each and every question. I
am excited about your latest release and am looking forward to hearing more from the
band in the future.
(Andreas Ålöv) The pleasure is ours, it’s really good to be able to talk about this awesome
project. I hope everyone reading this checks out the new album when it drops, you won’t be
disappointed. And let’s hope we can get back to playing live again in the near future, music is
really meant to be shared and experienced that way, I think.
(Ricard Hulteke) It’s our pleasure to have this opportunity! God bless you and keep you!
2021-06-15