Interview with Buster Douglas Odeholm of Vildhjarta and Humanity's Last Breath

Interviewed by: George Archibald

Writer, drummer, guitarist, producer, and studio owner are only some of the titles Buster Douglas Odeholm wears. This talented musician is the member of two of Sweden's heaviest bands, dividing his time between drumming for Vildhjarta, and now guitar for Humanity's Last Breath. People would think that would be time consuming as is but Buster also started Impact Studios where he works as a producer. His latest project was Humanity's Last Breath's single Abysmal Mouth, which he not only performed on but also produced. I was fortunate to get a chance to speak with Buster to learn more about his projects.

GA: I know you are a man of many talents, what are all your projects that you have/are a part of?

BDO: It's just Vildhjarta and Humanity's Last Breath as far as performing music!

GA: What got you into heavy metal music?

BDO: I started out listening to Kiss as a child. I bought like 20 + CDs for my monthly allowance. I spent it all on music. Then I heard Slipknot's IOWA record and it all went down hill from there.

GA: You are known for drumming and playing guitar, which instrument do you prefer to play and why?

BDO: Guitar for sure. Drums are fun, but it is only rhythms. I enjoy expressing myself through rhythms and melody at the same time with the guitar. I started out playing drums, and I played so much when I was a kid. I actually had my dad's drums in my room. I started on guitar when I was eleven, and I thought it felt more complete to me, I felt I was really playing the songs.

GA: Where does the inspiration to create such an original take on heavy music come from? I think the music that you helped to create in Vildhjarta and Humanity’s Last Breath is quite unique and stands out from most heavy music that is out now.

BDO: So I haven't really written anything for Vildhjarta. That's because I want it to sound like Vildhjarta, not me trying to sound like Vildhjarta. If there would be more material coming, I'd imagine I would write the drum parts though.

HLB started out wanting to sound like Ion Dissonance, then I was floored by Vildhjarta when I heard them. So it became kind of a blend on the first album, now it's very different though.
I joined Vildhjarta in 2014 so I'm a new guy helping them out!

GA: You also are a producer and have worked on the latest Humanity’s Last Breath album, do you find it easier to be a producer on your own music, or working with someone else’s project? What are some of the challenges from working with your own band and producing their album at the same time?

BDO: So I never record any bands. I just mix and master the already recorded files!
As far as mixing my own stuff compared to other peoples stuff. I enjoy other peoples stuff way more, because when I do my own stuff I can't stop changing things, and It's almost always for the worse haha! When working with HLB, it's just me. I write and record it all. I even demo out the vocals for Filip and send it off to him.

GA: Can tell me a bit about the new Humanity’s Last Breath album? Any videos or singles yet to be released, album release date? What can the listener expect from this new release?

BDO:I'm currently working on the vocal demos for Filip. When he's recorded those, I'll edit them and go over if I like all the parts, then I'll do revisions. We are talking to a label at the moment, but nothing is set in stone for release or singles etc. As far as what you can expect from the album, It's a mix of Morbid Angel, Rammstein, Shining (swe), Sworn In, and Dimmu Borgir.

GA: You also are a part of Impact Studios which you started, what are some of the perks of having your own studio?

BDO: Getting to mix killer bands and make new friends!

GA: What equipment do you currently use for each project you are a part of? If you have any sponsors please note them.

BDO: Well, I do mix the majority of my projects on my 64-audio A12s, which I love. Those guys did agree to sponsor me which is very cool. I'll thank my last manager Jamie Graham for that one!
I do most things in the box but I do have some amps I use like the Peavey 5150 & 6505, and the Randall Satan. I also use a Darkglass B7k Ultra.

GA: Can we expect Humanity’s Last Breath to possibly come to the United States to support the new album?

BDO: No idea, but I'd hope so!

GA: What is next for you, more producing? Touring? Writing?

BDO: Hopefully mixing more bands! I got a few cool ones coming up. I also just made some kemper profiles which I'll release on https://impact-studios.com/ so look out for that!

I want to thank Buster for speaking with me, I look forward to the new Humanity's Last Breath album. Hopefully I will get to see you in the states touring in support of it. Make sure you check out both projects Buster is associated with Vildhjarta and Humanity's Last Breath, both are sure to knock you on your ass when you listen to them.