Doomed Confessionary: Fredrik Bäckstrøm (Grand Atomic)
Photo credit: Thomas Moe Ellefsrud
Grand Atomic is a full-blown heavy psych/stoner rock trio from Norway, with the goal to make heavy music as they did back in the 70’s and 90’s. Formed in 2016, the band consistd of Einar Ruud-Jørgensen (bass), Odd Helge Eide (drums) and Fredrik Bäckstrøm (guitar, vocals).
Grand Atomic takes influences from bands like Electric Wizard, Sleep, OM and other stoner rock bands that emerged from all over the world, but in the process made a sound of their own.
The band released their latest album »Beyond The Realm Of Common Sense« in May 2023 and are aiming towards being a force to be reckoned with within the underground stoner rock scene. Grand Atomic’s new single »Black Tar Ritual« just dropped on May 2nd, 2025 via Majestic Mountain Records and Evil Noise Recordings.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are a trio from a small Norwegian town called Fredrikstad, just outside of Oslo. Just three dudes wanting to make dirty, dark music, and got together whit that goal.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Biggest challenge is to get in on the action, like the underground scene, and to be a band that gets attention amoungs all other great bands out there. Cause there’s alot of awsome bands that deserves attention.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Really proud of our album »Beyond The Realm Of Common Sense« and our latest release »Black Tar Ritual« and all over our track record of Desertfest London and Oslo, Truckfighters Fuzz Festival, and getting gigs all over the place whitout asking for it. What more can a dirty doomer ask for!
What was your biggest regret?
Don’t think I regret anything…. maybe just a tiny period of trying to be more “mainstream” in our sound, but that ended quick 😀 We thrive in what we do, so why change it.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Never been on “tour” but 2014 was a big year for us, with Fuzz Festival, Deserfest London, and getting booked and meeting bands and labels from all over the world, is fucking mindblowing for us three regular fuck ups. Just really greatfull for everthing that has happend!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The positive people, and all the people supporting, blogging, buying albums, cassettes, coming to shows from abroad…. its just amazing people in and around the scene, feels line a family.
Photo credit: Jeg Spiser Film
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
For me now, is the Islandic band Slor with the song »Becoming The Nightsky«, saw the last 5 minutes while playing DF Oslo, and kills me I didnt get to see their full set… also the band Wizard Master is on of my hang ups bands these days.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Take your time, don’t stress, and just slow grind on what you do, and in time you will see some result. Turns out the dude was right.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Britney Spears »Toxic«….. fantastic pop song….
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Fredrikstad?
It’s more or less dead for good music…. used to be a thriving scene back in the early 00s, but nothing to gain to play gere… sad, but true…. Oslo is the place to be in Norway, and there is alot happening there.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Not booked anything more this year, but maybe something comes along.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
In progress on on making a new album, so taking some time to write songs, and head for the studio. Hopefully by the end of this year, but we will see when we are satisfied.
How can people best support your band?
Buy our music on Bandcamp, follow on Spotify etc. Share our music, and add to playlist \m/
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for listening and supporting three Norwegian dudes just wanting to make some noise!!! If you see us, dont be shy, come buy us a beer \m/\m/
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well