Paws, Pets & Metal is Metal Insider’s ongoing column on bands with pets, discovering who watches them on the road, and more. Get to know more about these metal furbabies. We caught up with Norway’s Tonic Breed’s Patrik Svendsen shares how his cat enjoys the slow doom and gloom of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid.
Tell us more about your pet(s) and their names?
Sylvester, the ultimate overlord of the household. He’s more of a master than a pet, really. He doesn’t just demand attention; he demands tribute. His black fur and piercing green eyes give him an air of regal doom, and it’s only fitting that he’s named after the cartoon cat with a death wish for Tweety. If anyone’s in charge, it’s him.
Have you ever taken your pet on tour?
Ha! Sylvester on tour? He’d probably scratch up the van and demand we sacrifice a pigeon to him in every city. No, he stays home like the dark king he is, reigning from his throne (aka my bed), waiting for my return so he can ignore me again.
Who looks after your pet while on the road?
It’s less about who looks after Sylvester and more about who Sylvester allows to care for him. Usually, it’s a trusted friend or family member, but let’s be honest—no one truly looks after him. They’re just his temporary servants until I return.
What’s your pet’s favorite song or album?
Sylvester’s favorite album? I’m pretty sure he enjoys the slow doom and gloom of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid. He’ll sit there, staring into the void as “Iron Man” plays, as if contemplating his next plan for world domination.
How did you introduce your pet to metal?
Sylvester was raised on metal. From day one, the house has been a storm of riffs and blast beats. He’s been exposed to enough metal to turn any mortal soul to dust. I like to think his cold, unblinking gaze during a Pantera guitar solo shows his silent approval.
What animal charity means most to you?
Sylvester supports charities that help his fellow feline warriors. Local cat shelters and rescues are important because even a mighty feline like Sylvester came from humble beginnings. But, of course, in his mind, every other cat is simply his underling.
