Known for his past work with Sweden’s Black Metal giants Dark Funeral, as well as Aktiv Dӧdshjälp, Devian, and Suicidal Seduction, Zorn is these days best known for his most recent undertaking, the Symphonic Black Metal concept band Zornheym. From riding ski lifts while hammered to being compared to a drunken Yngwie Malmsteen, Zorn has a rather unusual collection of stories.
In this edition of The MetalTalk Lowdown, he recalls the band’s first live show, reveals his unexpected fondness for Eurodisco and explains why recognition might be the best route to both riffs and royalties.
And somewhere along the way, we discover how to move mountains with a forklift.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
Going up a ski lift absolutely hammered with a guitar between my legs. Of course, the lift stopped a couple of times on the way up.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Probably one of those where you arrive at the venue, and all they have is some kitchen pots and a broken practice amp, and think that counts as a full backline. And they also ask, “You didn’t bring a PA?”
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
There have been so many great shows, but Zornheym’s first show ever was a very special one, at Motorcultor in France. We expected nothing and got the warmest welcome ever.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
A platinum album would help me put on legendary shows, so I would choose that.
What’s your greatest fear?
My kids and wife dying while I’m getting decapitated, at the same time as Zornheym disbands and the world ends in a nuclear holocaust.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being too patient and too messy.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Being big-headed and thinking they are the center of the universe.
Describe yourself in three words.
Dedicated. Creative. A fixer.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
A well-deserved after-work drink with Dr Bettelheim.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
Magic. You cannot stop headbanging.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
Oh, I don’t know. We once had someone complaining that our stage clothes did not match our music. I think it is up to us to decide.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
When I was younger, I got a review that I sounded like a drunk Malmsteen jerking off to fantasy Metal. I took it as a compliment, though. I mean, even a drunk Malmsteen plays great.
If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
Playing too many video games, eating pizzas and probably planning to write an epic book series.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
I enjoy some E-Type’s, especially Made In Sweden. A bit of Eurodisco, every now and then when I am driving with my wife.
When did you last cry, and why?
I had tears in my eyes when I heard the final mix of the new album. It has been such a long adventure, and we have been lucky to get so much help from amazing people.
What keeps you awake at night?
The unreasonable deadlines set by Dr Bettelheim.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Recognition, because then I have the riffs and will get the royalties.
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who tried his very best and moved mountains with a forklift.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Probably to appreciate every opportunity you get. And never take for granted the people who show up to support you.
What happens when the music stops?
The universe is about to implode and start all over again.
Zornheym released Descending Into Madness on 2 October 2026 via Nobel Demon. You can read our review here. For more details, visit music.nobledemon.com/madness.
Enjoyed this Lowdown? Explore more from the series, featuring Toby Jepson, Vanessa Warwick, Baz Mills, Krusher Joule and Howard H Smith, with Skindred’s Arya Goggin coming soon. Same questions. Very different people. Read more MetalTalk Lowdowns here.
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Zorn – A Drunk Malmsteen Jerking Off To Fantasy Metal | The MetalTalk Lowdown first appeared on
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