:: Fanatical is the bands first release of new studio material since 2000's Original Sin, what have you been up to during this time?

First I got the splendid idea of re-record some old songs I wasn't happy with, which resulted in the "Best Of Baltimoore" album. Next I thought a cover album would really be a good thing to do so I did "Ultimate Tribute" . No, seriously I think I spent this time figuring out how to make "Fanatical" and did those other albums in between. I also moved back to my hometown in Sweden.

:: Why the band personnel changes over the years?

Well, I've really gotten used to them by now. I think one major reason is that we don't make any money:-) Another might be that people just don't wanna be involved full time and take responsibility. It's also quite nice to have new blood come in. Some of the players has come and gone and come back again, like Stefan Bergström - which I got very happy for. I know I wouldn't wanna be in another "band".

:: When did the writing for Fanatical start and how long did the recording process take in total?

It started in January 2004. I had gotten some riffs together and really couldn't stop playing them... I wanted to start a new project but knew I didn't have a drummer since Ian Haughland has joined Europe again. I called Hempo, who's always ready and willing to have a good time, and he said he knew a guitar-player, Mankan Sedenberg, who might be a good side-kick for me and my riffs. So, I flew down south and we hook up and started wanking. When the songs were done, in July, Stefan Bergström joined for lead guitar and Weine Johansson on bass. First we recorded drums in 4 days, the rest got recorded in a period of 5 months. The album was ready in February 2005.

:: What were you trying to convey during the writing of the material?

I think the image of me and the band standing on stage watching an audience having a good time was with me most of the time. I know these songs transfer well live. They're arranged that way.

:: I hear a more straight ahead hard rock approach on Fanatical, no keyboards, just ball busting gritty attitude - was this intentional?

Yes. Keyboards takes up too much space for this type of music. We almost had Lars Pollack sit in on Hammond organ but...

:: Every song has a great hook or chorus in it. How did you develop your melody lines for the tracks?

In most cases I do both at the same time. Also, a song can have a certain vocal line almost up to mix-down then I change it completely. This is the fun part. It can change the vibe totally.

:: The album sounds very live but in what sort of setting where the tracks composed?

I have an amp room in my basement, next to my studio, and I just crank it! I print all new riffs and vocal lines on a simple tape recorder. When the tape's full, or I can't wait.., I start working on the mac and make songs out of it.

:: There seems to be very little overdubbing on the album, what number of takes where you averaging to make it final?

I think there is a couple of guitar solos that have some harmonies on them, besides background vocals - that's it. No more. One guitar to the left and one to the right. Nothing was recorded simultaneously. Hundreds of takes. The editing was endless...

:: The guitar sounds on Fanatical are amongst some of the best raw  tones I have heard in years - just straight into the amp sounds. Where these great tones an inspiration in any way for the direction the music would take?

Thanks! Yes, there's something about playing an amp loud...a lot of times it tells you where to go next...We, Mankan and I, are both sound engineers and sound freaks. We knew we had to find this sound, we both heard in our heads, and get it on tape. We ended up using a Peavey Classic 2x12" 50w combo hooked to a Marshall 4x12" Greenback cabinet for both guitars.

:: Who are your primary influences?

AC/DC (Bon Scott era), Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Zappa.. you know, the real thing:-)

:: What do you use for lyrical inspiration?

What ever comes in my head. I like to ask questions and pretend I have an answer.

:: What's the current situation like in Scandinavia for hard rock bands like Baltimoore?

I'm not sure... we sort of just woke up... and I can't wait to find out!

::Are we gonna see any live dates in support of Fanatical?

Oh, yes! Man, I've been waiting for this for ever... We had our first gig a couple of weeks ago and more dates are added for this fall. Only in Sweden so far.

:: What else do you have planned for the rest of 2005 and 2006?

We start recording a new album in December and are scheduled for release in March 2006. Hopefully, that will work out with everybody... We will also try and do as many live gigs as possible.

:: Bjorn, anything else you would like to tell the readers of virtuosity one?

Well, thanks for your time, give our new album a go - and you're all invited to our website: www.baltimoore.net