SHARP TONGUES
Answered by Carl Häger, vocals
Q1. Could you please provide some background information on the band for those readers who may not be familiar with you—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
Carl:
Sharp Tongues is a melodic hardcore band from Gothenburg, which we formed in late 2020. We’ve already managed to release two DIY EPs and played at several shows and festivals. Our music is heavily inspired by the classic hardcore wave of the 90s, with bands like Carry On and In My Eyes being major influences, but we also like to mix in modern elements to keep our sound fresh and relevant.
Most of us have played in other hardcore bands before, like Set My Path, One Minute Left, Hope Haven, The Change, and Eyes Shut. Two of our members are also part of the band Modern Guilt.
Q2. When I first got into hardcore in the mid-2000s, melodic hardcore was the predominant sound, but its “star” has seemed to wane since. Yet several great bands I’ve spoken with lately such as Hell Can Wait, are diving back into that sound. Sharp Tongues go even further back with your influences, though, it seems to me. Who would you say are some of your primary influences?
I first got into the hardcore scene in the late 90s, but I’ve been into punk since I was a kid. I’ve always had a strong love for melodies, and when the emo wave hit in the early 2000s, it really resonated with me. When I started Sharp Tongues, I knew I wanted to incorporate those melodies—maintaining the intensity of screaming vocals but blending it with a sense of emotion and melody. I’ve always aimed to find that perfect mix of raw energy and melody.
Our first EP was heavily inspired by bands like Carry On and In My Eyes, and you can definitely hear that influence in our sound. It’s still very much present, but with our upcoming album, we’re exploring a broader range. While it has a solid hardcore foundation, you’ll definitely notice the emo wave coming through at times.
Q3. What was it about hardcore that attracted you to it?
I was just a kid when I discovered bands like the Sex Pistols and Swedish punk band Ebba Grön. I fell in love with their music right away; the feelings they stirred in me were something new and exciting. As I grew older, I found my way into hardcore, and it felt like a natural progression. I was drawn to hardcore because of its raw energy and the real emotions it expresses. Growing up, I loved punk for its spirit and DIY attitude, which led me naturally to hardcore. It wasn’t just about the music it was about connecting with others who felt the same way and creating something meaningful together.
I have kept the DIY mentality with me my whole life, and it’s something I apply in my everyday life and work. It helps me make the right choices and tackle challenges with a hands-on approach. Whether it’s in music or other areas. It’s all about staying motivated, and creating something meaningful with what you have.
Q4. Talk to us about the upcoming record—what was the writing and recording process like, what themes do you explore, what can people expect?
We released a single in September 2023, and soon after, Mike from New Age Records got in touch with us. After a few weeks of discussions, we decided to work with them on an album. We’re excited to announce that our album, No Rescue, will come out on September 6.
I had a few songs ready when Mike reached out, but I ended up writing more over the fall and winter. We ended up with eight tracks for the album. The writing and recording process was a lot of fun, and we really worked hard to create something that shows both our influences and how we’ve grown as a band.
No Rescue dives into themes of personal struggles and finding hope during tough times. We’re really excited about this release and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Q5. What are some of your most memorable experiences as a band so far?
In the first year, it was just me writing songs and working on the project as a personal creative outlet. It was something that gave me a lot of energy and focus, especially during a time when I really needed a project to pour my creativity into. When we released our EP, it caught some attention and started generating buzz. This led to people reaching out and asking us to play live shows.
Seeing the positive response, I reached out to some close friends and invited them to join the band. Our first show was in September 2022. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to perform at smaller punk and hardcore festivals, as well as various local shows and I’m excited about what’s ahead for the band.
Q6. Who would you say are the “Big Four” of Swedish hardcore (past and/or present your choice!)?
Refused is a must-mention when talking about the biggest names in Swedish hardcore. Their influence on the scene is massive, and I personally loved their early stuff—my first band even covered 2 Refused songs. Their blend of hardcore with experimental elements changed the game and set a new standard in the genre.
Desperate Fight Records also had a huge impact on me, releasing compilations that introduced me to so many incredible bands back in the day. Those releases were a key part of my journey into the Swedish hardcore scene, especially from Umeå. Bands like Final Exit and Shield.
Today, the Swedish hardcore scene is more alive than ever, with so many great bands and passionate people driving it forward. Moral Panic Records in Gothenburg and Actiung Out in Stockholm are doing incredible work, and bands like Sidestep, Speedway, Xiao, and Bulls Shitt are pushing the boundaries and keeping the energy high
Q7. What are some of your upcoming plans post-album release—shows, etc.?
After the album release, we’re planning to play some shows in Sweden this fall and winter. We’re also gearing up for a shorter tour in spring 2025. Beyond that, we’ll keep writing new songs and staying positive!