Ricky Marx - Now Or Never: Bringing the Soul Into Music

Swiss-Danish power metal band Now or Never presented their fourth studio album The Legacy, featuring ex-Pretty Maids guitarist Ricky Marx, vocalist Peer Johansson, ex-Sultan drummer Ranzo, and bassist Guillaume Surroca. The new record is out via Metalapolis Records.

Since its founding in 2012, Now or Never has released 3 full-length albums that pushed the envelope in its own genre. The band is renowned for its high-energy performances and has shared stages with legendary bands. Founded by ex-Pretty Maids guitarist Ricky Marx and drummer Ranzo in 2012, Now Or Never has consistently delivered powerful, melodic and captivating music. With their fourth album The Legacy, the band opened a new chapter with a new line-up and a new label.

Ricky Marx, a Danish guitarist, composer, and producer best known for his work in the hard rock band Pretty Maids, shares his thoughts about the band Now or Never and its new album “The Legacy.”

You released the new studio album in 2025, which brought a fresh but recognizable sound and style. Yet, what is the fundamental musical difference between this one and the earlier albums?

Ricky Marx: Well, we had another singer on the III album. This album is heavier than the prior one also because of that. I had to rewrite some songs and write new songs based on his vocals.

Who was involved in arranging and producing the songs, and are you satisfied with the whole thing?

I’m very satisfied with it. The songs were produced by us and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen in Denmark. One song was mixed by Simone Mularoni in Italy.

How would you characterize the new band lineup given that you and Ranzo have been friends and musicians for a long time?

Ricky Marx: More heavy and solid musically, I would say. Peer is bringing more power with his voice and vocals, and Guillaume is bringing a solid rhythm section with Ranzo. It’s very important to have solid chemistry. I’ve known Ranzo since school and we know each other by heart.

What inspired you and Ranzo, while you were making the album? How would you describe the vibe of “Closer to Nowhere”?

Marx: The inspiration comes and goes. I wrote all the songs apart from one, which Ranzo wrote. I listen to a lot of different music, and my roots are between the 80s and 90s. So, I would say that past and present music inspires me.

You teamed up with Metalapolis records for the new NON album. What is your impression of this collaboration so far?

Ricky Marx: The Impression is very good; it’s a small but proactive label. They are doing a great job, and we are very happy to work with them.

What music inspires you the most? Does your music taste define you as an artist in some way?

I like lots of different kinds of music, a good song will always be a good song. My musical taste defines me as a person; it takes a bit more to be an artist than just be inspired by music.

You began your musical career as a young musician, from joining forces with Pretty Maids to becoming one of the driving forces behind Now or Never. That includes your work as a producer and composer, as well. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during all of those years?

Ricky Marx: To be open, play for the listeners, be humble, because without them, you won’t be where you are at the present.

What is the main essence that makes “Now or Never” music creatively unique and artistically different from any other music formations you have worked with before?

Every musical experience is unique, Pretty Maids was unique, Now or Never is unique. You bring your soul into it and follow your inspiration.