After a six-year break, Swedish melodic metal masters LION'S SHARE returned with their finest effort to date in 2007, Emotional Coma. The revamped outfit, which now features singer Patrik Johansson (ASTRAL DOORS, WUTHERING HEIGHTS) and bassist Sampo Axelsson (GLENN HUGHES) alongside band mastermind Lars Chriss (guitar) and session/non-touring drummer Richard Evensand (CHIMAIRA, SOILWORK, EBONY TEARS, THERION), continues to produce modern-sounding heavy metal that revolves around Chriss' thick, power-packed riffs while showcasing Johansson's hauntingly melodic delivery. Song titles such as "Cult Of Denial", "Toxication Rave", "Bloodstained Soil" and "The Arsonist" pull few punches, highlighting the band's heavier, more aggressive approach without sacrificing the traditional elements which made their earlier efforts such cult favorites.
 
Starting with their debut in 1995, LION'S SHARE went on to land a worldwide record contract with Century Media and release Two, which was hailed as a melodic metal masterpiece. The CD was promoted by a European tour with metal legends SAXON and a follow-up trek with ICED EARTH and NEVERMORE and more dates with SAXON. In 1998 a tour with U.D.O. and additional club gigs in Sweden took place. With the 1999 album Fall From Grace, LION'S SHARE streamlined its sound towards a tighter, heavier sound without losing any of its melodic sensibility. An appearance at the 1999 Sweden Rock Festival with bands like SCORPIONS, DEEP PURPLE and MANOWAR was followed by a Scandinavian tour in 2000 with DIO, MANOWAR and MOTÖRHEAD. The Entrance album came out in 2001 on Massacre Records and was supported by a number of headlining shows and yet another appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival.

After four successful releases, LION'S SHARE is ready to make its strongest impact to date with what is undoubtedly the most focused effort of the band's career. Stars like KISS' Bruce Kulick, Glen Drover of MEGADETH and Mats Levén (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION) have given the band their stamp of approval by making guest appearances on Emotional Coma. I had the opportunity to speak with guitarist Lars Chriss, it was great talking with him and appreciate being able to take the time to do this interview!

Kate: Hey Lars, thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions with me.

Lars Chriss: No problem at all!

Kate: What grabbed my attention first about this album is the great artwork, it’s very unique. How did it come about?

LC:  We wanted to have something along the lines of Iron Maiden’s mascot, Eddie, something we could use on future albums and merchandise. We had the artist come up with ideas until we were all happy with it. He did a great job, it’s something that I think everyone will remember.

Kate: It seems like the bands gotten heavier over the years, is it from outside influences or is that the direction you were planning on going?

LC:  It’s definitely a direction I wanted to go in but I made sure that the whole band was on the same page that I was. I wanted more energy on this album and I think that’s something we definitely accomplished.

Kate: So how would you compare it to previous albums?

LC: It’s more raw, aggressive and in your face. We stripped down a lot of the keyboards and background vocals and it feels more real. I felt more in touch with my roots when we did this album.

Kate: What have been some of your influences?

LC: We all grew up with the classic 70’s/80’s metal style. Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Accept, Megadeth.

Kate: How has it been having Patrik Johansson as the new singer, do you think he’s bringing something new to the band?

LC:  Absolutely! Patrik wrote all the lyrics for this album and some of the melody as well. He’s 100% a part of Lion’s Share.

Kate: What are your favorite top 5 albums of all time?

LC: I would have to say Kiss’ “Love Gun”, “British Steel” by Judas Priest, “Pyromania” by Def Leppard, Black Sabbath’s “Mob Rules” and since Kiss really was a huge influence to me I would have to say “Kiss Alive”.

Kate: What are your plans for the near future?

LC: We’re doing some shows in Europe right now and we’re currently working on a follow up to Emotional Coma as well. It’s mainly dedicated to the sick life of Charles Manson but also happenings from that era as well.

Kate: Any words for your fans?

LC: Thank you so much for your support, we always appreciate those out there not only dedicated to us but to metal as well! Please check out our website www.lionsshare.org!

Kate: Thank you for taking the time to talk with us!

LC: Thank you!

We would like to thank Lars Chriss and to his camp for making this interview happen!