If nothing matters to you, a very different form of expression arises

Just some interesting parts from interview with Björn and Gustaf about Caligola.

The cloaks that appear in 'Sting of Battle'? They remind of 'Eyes Wide Shut' and a secret society..

Gustaf Norén: No, no worries. The cloaks should simply clarify that there are no boundaries concerning expression and style. For example you can be a transsexual from Thailand, a dancer from Russia, or a Rastafari - we are all Caligola and all the same with those cloaks.

What does this have to do with the crazy Roman imperator who really has not been an appealing figure?

Björn Dixgård: This is a metaphor. Caligola was ruthless. A merciless ruler. Just: to create art, that possesses a certain half- life period you sort of have to be ruthless in a way. Combined with loads of lust and passion. That's what we have in common with this imperator. Because he was crazy. And to be crazy is good when you want to create something. That however doesn't mean that we applaud his cruelty. 

Gustaf Norén: And when Little Wayne says: 'If you earn money you'll turn crazy', i rather say: If I become crazy I get money. Because our job would make every crazy person happy. We observed this over the last years a lot. That it doesn't consist of being normal in any kind of way. Total freedom rules beneath these cloaks which supports the philosophy that one should be crazier more often or that craziness is the normal state of mind. 

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That's the reason for horses with erected penises as artwork?

Gustaf Norén (laughs): A horny animal explains the feeling of Caligola much better than anything else. It's in a certain condition, has a clear goal and is ready to achieve it. (laughs) meaning: It has a mission. And everyone who is horny had a clear imagination of what he wants and  is about to make it happen.

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Will you also go on tour?

Gustaf Norén: Of course! It's not about stars with Caligola, who stand in a distance on stage, we try to include the audience actively. I mean when we play shows, and that's what we will do soon in Germany there are at least 25 people who belong to the band. Artists, painters, photographers. Everyone who contributes to Caligola is Caligola. So there are many ways for the fans to be a part of it. I mean just have a look at what happens at our facebook wall. People post photos, paintings and remixes. They try to include themselves, just like us. And this is what it's all about. To be active instead of consuming only. 

And how does it continue with Mando Diao?

Gustaf Norén: We will definitely release a swedish album this year which has already been finished. It's just about finding the right moment to release it. But it's not as if Caligola and Mando Diao would collide.