Video | Interview with Mats Karlsson of 220 Volt
220 Volt’s guitarist and songwriter Mats Karlsson sat down with Roppongi Rocks’ Stefan Nilsson in Stockholm to provide an update on the band and what’s coming up. Watch the interview in the video below.
The conversation between 220 Volt‘s Mats Karlsson and Roppongi Rocks‘ Stefan Nilsson covers many things, such as the impact of changing vocalists, the work on the new album, the status of drummer Peter Hermansson, how the band got its break in the early 80s, record contract troubles, what the tours with Nazareth and AC/DC meant, if there is time for more solo albums and much more.
220 Volt was founded in Sweden by guitarists Mats Karlsson and Thomas Drevin in 1979. They got signed by major label CBS and released their self-titled debut album in 1983. With songs such as “Young and Wild”, “Firefall”, “Heavy Christmas”, “Power Games”, “Mind Over Muscle” and “I’m on Fire”, the band found success in the 80s. 220 Volt was at the forefront of a wave of melodic Swedish metal bands that also included Europe and Treat. They called it quits in 1992. A decade later, they came back and have been active ever since. A new album is expected to be released in 2026.
This interview was recorded at Courtyard by Marriott, Kungsholmen, Stockholm, Sweden on 9th August 2025.
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