69 CHAMBERS - Nina Treml (Vocals) (10 August 2009)
(Interviewer: Ad van Osch, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
AD: First of all, Nina could you explain the name of the band 69 CHAMBERS?
NINA: The name goes back to 2001, when the band was founded by myself and two guys who are no longer in the band. That was a time when we actually never considered taking the band onto an international level and having to explain ourselves. But anyway, it was after one of our first rehearsals when we walked passed a cinema airing Marilyn Chambers' porn film "Behind The Green Doors", which had been pretty controversial in the seventies. We started talking about contradictions, sex and violence and Marilyn Chambers' interesting personality of being a porn star and a politically active feminist at the same time. Somewhere within this conversation, we came up with the name. Nowadays, the name doesn't have that meaning to me anymore... I guess that you could say those 69 chambers are simply the "rooms" where I can place all my ideas, inspirations, wishes and thoughts to create a music according to my taste and style.
AD: The band was formed by you way back in 2001. Before you released your debut album "War On The Inside" this year, you had released a demo and an EP. When was that demo and EP actually released and how many songs did the demo and EP have?
NINA: As I mentioned, the band was never formed in expectation of an international release. Though I was always very ambitious and would have liked to commit myself more to music, my band mates had a rather ambivalent attitude towards the band and weren't willing to contribute more money, time and work into the project. We were all pretty inexperienced and the band was more or less a "hobby project". We played a couple shows in Switzerland, but in order to have a decent chance of playing good shows, we needed a demo. So we spent one weekend in 2003 at a studio and recorded five songs. The result was somewhat better than a demo, so we decided to self-release the EP, which was available at certain independent music stores. But we never tried to find a label with this product, though.
AD: On YouTube I saw two videos of 69 CHAMBERS so far. The first video I saw was of "Alright" and the second one of "The Day Of The Locust", which is the first track of the debut album. So, "Alright" has to be a track of that EP, right?
NINA: Yes, "Alright" was a track on this self-released EP. A friend of ours made the video for practically no money. Internet can be a terrible thing when it comes to revealing one's dark past ;-). No, seriously, I am not ashamed of the video, but it is pretty out-of-date now and I am glad that we've moved on from there...
AD: What notices me in the video of "Alright" is that you had a male bass player and a male drummer. So, what was the line-up of 69 CHAMBERS during the demo and the EP?
NINA: Yes, the band was formed in 2001 by myself and a drummer called Scott Loren as well as a bass played named Christoph Dubach. Scott was part of the band until shortly before we went into the studio – he left because he had no interest in spending money and sacrificing more time. Mainly, because he has a demanding job and a family. That was extremely disappointing to us, but I guess it's a common thing, that bands split up as soon as the project becomes more demanding and acquires some professionalism... Anyway, Christoph left the band shortly after the recordings, also because he didn't want to handle with the pressure layed upon him. We are still on good terms, but it was definitely a difficult time for me, since I was all by myself in this. Of course, I saw the positive side because it doesn't make any sense to try to achieve something with band members that lack ambition. But I really did have a hard time finding the right people to play the songs in the time following the recording. Since I wrote all the songs, I decided that I would continue the band no matter what...
AD: What's the story behind "Alright", because at the end of the video you can see one member sitting in a car and the other member on a motorcycle. You are standing in front of them holding a scarf in your hand. When you let the scarf drop they are racing away, like in drag races. So, do you have any special interest in drag races, because you also had such promo pictures and a gig poster of 2004 on your MySpace page?
NINA: Actually, yes, I am a huge car racing fan, and I've even written a book about this topic. My former band members were motor sports enthusiasts as well, so that was a common interest we shared besides the music. I'm not so much into drag racing, but in that way, the car racing topic could be showed in a very bold manner. Besides that – we wouldn't have had the budget
to film a regular racing scene on a track ;-).
AD: Did you released the EP yourself or was it released by a label? And is that EP still available?
NINA: The EP was self-released, we never made any efforts to find a label with it. And no, it's not available anymore, we only made a couple of hundred copies.
AD: So, since when is the current line-up of 69 CHAMBERS together?
NINA: It took me quite a while to find the right musicians with the same commitment, the same passion for music, the same visions and also the ability to play the songs right. I've had quite a few line-up changes before I finally met Maddy and Diego only about half a year ago. Maddy was actually just the substitute for my former bass player after he broke his leg before an important gig. But because she fit in so well, I asked her to stay. She's really valuable for the band, because she's not only a talented bass player but also sings the backing vocals really well. I had never been fond of the idea of having another girl in front, because it labels us „girl band", but with Maddy it works really well, so to hell with the prejudices many people have when girls play music... We met Diego at a show and he decided to try out. Since he's been playing with us, I think the band got a lot better live – he's a real „animal" on the drums...
AD: You were born in Seoul from Swiss parents and lived in South Korea and Singapore before you finally moved to Switzerland at the age of sixteen. Was it difficult for you to make the step to move?
NINA: Living in Asia was my reality during the first sixteen years. I knew Switzerland well, because my family and I visited relatives every year. But of course, the step of moving here for good wasn't all too easy for me. It wasn't all that hard to make new friends or change schools, but I guess that when you grow up in a completely different environment than where you're originally from, it's hard to tell where your roots are. At the same time, I'm probably pretty open-minded and wouldn't have too many problems assimilating to any kind of environment when asked to...
AD: You started your musical career as a bass player when you were sixteen. In what kind of bands have you played, before you formed 69 CHAMBERS?
NINA: My first band was a female rock band. A girl at school asked me whether I wanted to play the bass for them. I said okay, bought a bass, an amp, taught myself to play the instrument by listening to CD's and was up on stage within two weeks. The band, quite frankly, was crap, but at the time, female bands were quite in fashion in Switzerland, so we did have some exposure. The band's name was The Wannabes, quite an appropriate name for who we were at the time ;-). But anyways, it was a good start and we had a lot of fun. I then switched to guitar and vocals, because I felt that I could write my own songs. I had a project after that with a male drummer and my former guitar player, but it didn't last for long. The next band I had was 69 Chambers, so isn't really a long history of different bands in my past.
AD: Did you get lessons or are you self taught? When and why did you make the change from bass to guitar?
NINA: No, I never had any lessons on the bass or on guitar. I switched to guitar at the age of nineteen and taught myself to play just by seeking my own melodies. You can tell that I am not a very virtuous guitar player. I learn by playing the melodies in my head. If I can't play them yet, I practice until I can. Plus, since I also sing and were just a trio, the guitar has to be kept a little bit more simple.
AD: By the way, at what age did you start singing and which singers (male and female) inspired you to go singing as well?
NINA: Oh my goodness... I never ever sang as a kid. In fact, I was extremely ashamed of singing, so only moved my lips to the lyrics but never made a sound. It was during my time in the girl band, that I started singing because I felt that our singer's melodies were too boring. I had some ideas that I tried out. It was then, that I discovered singing and started training the range of my voice. I'd say that the first singers that really inspired me were Chris Cornell during the SOUNDGARDEN era, and Chris
son from THE BLACK CROWES. There were never any female vocalists that I really admired to be quite honestly. It was later that I learned to appreciate singers like TORI AMOS or HEATHER NOVA for their unique melodies.
AD: You have written all the songs on the album. How do you write your songs and where do you get your inspirations from?
NINA: I usually just sit with my guitar and play around until I get some ideas in combination with vocal melodies. I use the crappy program "Garage Band" on my Mac so I don't forget the ideas. Sometimes it takes months before I know how to make a song out of an idea, sometimes it takes a couple of hours. It really all depends on my mood sometimes. When I'm in a foul mood, I play heavy riffs and really can just spend all day working on it. When it comes to lyrics, I usually write them after I wrote the melodies – according to the mood of the melodies. Most lyrics are autobiographical, I guess. I process things that bother me, thoughts, past events or conflicts. It's my way of dealing with emotions.
AD: The music style of 69 CHAMBERS is very varied and even your way of singing is very varied. Some songs are Metal but most of the songs are catchy rock songs and even some close to pop. Do you have a very varied taste of music as well?
NINA: Yes, definitely. I listen to a lot of metal, but I am not a traditional metal fan. I don't think in categories. A good rock or stoner album can appeal to me just as much. I don't really buy any pop music CD's, but I sometimes watch MTV for inspiration, that is, when they're actually playing music ;-). Some melodies from pop music can inspire me just as much as a metal CD that I listen to.
AD: What are your own favourite bands?
NINA: I love bands like Slayer, Meshuggah, Machine Head, Gojira or Bolt Thrower. But at the same time, I still enjoy listening to classics like Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath. And I can't deny that my musical childhood was during the grunge era – I listened to a lot of Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Nirvana in the past.... I'm not into the post grunge "nu rock" or "nu metal" stuff that came into fashion the past couple of years though.
AD: You are on the cover of "War On The Inside", laying naked in a kind of bath tub. Can you explain the idea behind the album cover in combination with the title of the album?
NINA: The photographer and I spent a lot of time discussing what we should do for the cover... It was clear that the picture would have to be bold and striking – and not according to any metal or rock clichés. When someone came up with the image of me lying naked in the bathtub, I wasn't all too sure whether I wanted to do it. But it seemed right in combination with the album title... the nakedness shows the vulnerability, and the black of the water stands for the struggle going through the darkness without knowing what would happen – that was just the way I felt when we put the album together. I knew that there would be some contradiction and that critics would accuse me of relying on a "Sex sells"-strategy. But I was pretty convinced that the music had more to offer than that, so I figured I'd risk that kind of prejudgment.
AD: Tommy Vetterli, who also worked with bands as CORONER and KREATOR, produced the album. How did you get in touch with Tommy or was he chosen by Silverwolf Productions as the producer for the album?
NINA: I signed with Silverwolf after we had already finished the album, so working with Tommy had nothing to do with them. Tommy is a renowned producer in Switzerland for his large studio, and for some high-quality rock and metal productions. Really, no-one makes drums and guitars sound the way that he does – so when it came to recording a decent album, it was clear to me that I would want to work with him. And since he was really enthusiastic about the music and offered to support us, collaborating with him was just great. We had the same demands, the same ideas of how the music needed to sound, with what effects etc. He also challenged us a lot and when it came to recording the guitars, he was a tough teacher, of course, but he really knew how to bring out the best in all of us. I will definitely record the next album with him, no question about that.
AD: What are your personal favourite songs of "War On The Inside"?
NINA: I doubt that the album "War On The Inside" really has a song that you could call a keystone. It's the whole album that takes you on a trip, and the songs are pretty diverse. Personally, I like "The Day Of The Locust", because it's heavy, has a catchy chorus, but also features a softer part. We really enjoy playing "Return Of The Repressed" and "Judas Goat" live, and I can imagine that the next album will follow this direction even more. But there will always be mellow songs on our albums, such as "A Ruse" or "The Collapse Of Time And Space".
AD: Are you going to promote "War On The Inside" by a large European tour. If yes, can we expect to see 69 CHAMBERS live in Holland too?
NINA: We were actually supposed to go on tour with a German and Austrian metal band this fall. But the tour was cancelled for various reasons – we were going to play in Holland, the date was already confirmed. Now we don't exactly know what's to follow. But we just signed with a great booking agency, so I'm confident it's going to happen sometime in the winter.
AD: Nina, you are a very good looking woman. I can imagine that, besides being in a band, you could do some modeling work as well? Have you ever done modeling work in the past?
NINA: Haha, thank you. But no, I never had those kinds of aspirations. Making band photos is just about enough for me ;-)
AD: Nina, you've got several tattoos. Have I seen it right on the cover of the album, do you have a H.R. Giger inspired tattoo as well?
NINA: I love Giger's work! But no, that tattoos aren't really Giger inspired. I started off with some weird tribal stuff along my body and then continued with some Japanese work. Dragons, a crane and a Koi. The Japanese style appeals to me, also because it reminds me of my childhood in Asia.
AD: What does tattoos mean to you?
NINA: When I started getting tattooed at eighteen, I can't deny that it was an act of rebellion. I've had a good education and decent jobs, but I never wanted to fit into the scheme and become "one of them". Nowadays, I simply like the aesthetics of tattoos, especially Japanese work. Plus, I enjoy the contradiction of being a rather feminine woman and wearing heavy tattoos that don't seem to fit. Those different sides have a lot to do with who I am – as you can probably also tell by the music.
AD: Any last words to the readers of MMM?
NINA: Thank you so much for your interest in 69 CHAMBERS, for buying our CD, if you will :-). We'll keep it coming.
AFTER FOREVER - Sander Gommans (Guitarist) ( 9 September 2006 )
(Interviewer: Suzanne Smaling (www.rockpics.nl), Wamel, The Netherlands)
After the After Forever gig at the Appelpop festival on 8th and 9th September (After Forever played the 9th) I had the chance to interview Sander Gommans of After Forever. I talked with him about the gig, the new CD, about record companies, their Drummer André Borgman etc.
Enjoy reading!
SUZANNE: First of all I want to say that the gig was absolutely awesome!! It was a very good show.
SANDER: Yes, thank you, it really was a great gig.
SUZANNE: How was it for you guys to play here on Appelpop after a couple of years?
SANDER: It was very cool. Currently we are busy in the studio, a complete different world. We are busy with complete different things. Then you don't have any idea where you come and what you can expect. I didn't expect that it would be this big! That is a big surprise. So it was really, really cool!
SUZANNE: The last months/year a lot of things happened in the After Forever camp, you've been through a lot, drummer André Borgman was very ill, you left the record company 'Transmission', how is André doing and of course the rest of you?
SANDER: André is doing very well, as you have seen and heard on stage. He is practically all better and I think that especially André gave everything a very positive turnaround. And I think that you can hear that too. Because we also could leave our old label. We are all very positive about the future and I think that we all are stronger then ever!
SUZANNE: You just started recording in the studio, with producer Gordon Groothedde, how is it going??
SANDER: Good, at this moment we have the drums on tape. And, we had a very good pre-production and we worked out everything very detailed.
And, yes, I think that you can hear and see it too on stage. Because I hear old elements, new elements. I hear everything! Everything sounds like it should sound. You will hear a very enthusiastic band.
SUZANNE: Yes, I noticed it during the show too. You all are very enthusiastic on stage!
SANDER: That is absolutely right.
SUZANNE: Can you already tell us something about the new songs?
SANDER: Yes, the new songs will, of course, link up with what the fans are used to hear from us. But we also want to let everyone hear something new, nothing will always be the same. There will always be a difference. And I think it will be especially cool to hear us with the orchestra, you will hear a special orchestra. A big orchestra this time, but the other elements will sound different this time, and it will sound different in the way of sounding extremer. I think that that was a very clear choice of us and thereby you hear some very, very modern elements. So I think that it will be a surprise for everyone, but on the other side also very recognizable. But you will definitely hear it when the time is right.
SUZANNE: Once in a week you post a short movie on the website to keep the fans updated with the things you are doing. These movies are recorded by the whole band and edited by you. I think that is a nice initiative. What kind of reactions do you get from fans?
SANDER: We are currently going to a complete new process, because since we have left are label, we are allowed to do these things! As a band we always wanted to do such things. But just weren't allowed to do it and I think that it is completely normal that you try to involve your fans by what you are doing. Fans are a part of the band. A band can not exist without his fans. And that is why we really would like to show these things to our fans. The fans are curious of what they will hear and I'm curious to their reactions. That is an interaction.
SUZANNE: But the reactions are very good?
SANDER: Yes, the reactions are very good, I didn't receive even one negative reaction.
SUZANNE: I understand from your story that the whole band is happy that you left 'Transmission', can I say that?
SANDER: Yes.
SUZANNE: Currently the band is searching for a new record company, in which phase are you guys with that at this moment?
SANDER: Let me put it in this way, we received several offers, so we are actually in a very luxurious position and that is very cool! Now that we have left the old label we notice that there are much more labels who are interested and that is really awesome.
But that is also pretty striking, because we are already recording in the studio, but we didn't made a decision yet. We really want to make a good decision and that needs time.
SUZANNE: I'm very curious which record company you will choose.
SANDER: Yes, so am I!
SUZANNE: You had a fanmeet in Heerlen (The Netherlands) in the summer after a gig. Floor (Jansen, vocals) & Joost (van den Broek, piano/keyboards) played some acoustic songs. How was this evening for the band? Was it a special experience?
SANDER: Well, to be honest I have to say that I wasn't there. Because during the gig before that everything went wrong. And at the end of the gig I just played a couple of songs because of all the trouble. And that was really annoying, so I decided to not go there. But I know that the rest of the band really liked it and that we want to do this more often. But to organize, that really everyone can come, is pretty difficult. But we really want to do this more often.
SUZANNE: In October you're going to South-America for a short tour, this must be very special for you all. Are you more famous there then here The Netherlands? And how is the vibe there?
SANDER: I think that we, you have to see this way, we are as famous here as over there, but much more people inhabit South-America. People over there are so enthusiastic and they really live for the music and then you really have an over-enthusiastic audience.
That just gives us a huge kick!! Standing there in front of all that over-enthusiastic audience. Before we arrive at the gig, we have to make a detour and you drive through an incredibly excited crowd before you get there. And then you feel, for some reason, a bit special. It is very cool and awesome and fun but I'm always happy to go home again.
SUZANNE: Well today it was a bit the same. Lots of people came especially for After Forever. I was here last night too and the tent were you played hasn't been as full as during your gig this afternoon.
SANDER: That is very good to hear, really awesome!! I hoped a little that it would be like that. Because the numbers of Metal shirts walking around here is very big!! But it is really cool to hear!!
SUZANNE: After Forever is playing on just about all big festival in The Netherlands and Europe, you're playing in all big and smaller venues in The Netherlands and abroad, you're touring South-America, supported f.e. Nightwish. What has been the most special gig so far and why?
SANDER: Pffff…. That is hard to say. Because it depends mostly on the fact of how the gig is going. Will you play in Ahoy' (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), but the sound is terrible or you're having musical problems, then it sucks and it will not be a special gig. But when we play in a little venue were you can barely put in 200 people and you are playing the stars from heaven and everything is going like it should be going then I like that gig much mire then the Ahoy' gig. It is just very hard to pick one gig.
SUZANNE: But, if you are still to name one?
SANDER: That is really hard to say! I don't know. There are more gigs that went just really good. But a very special gig was last year on 'Fields of Rock' (festival, 18-06-2006, Nijmegen, The Netherlands), that was the first gig with André joining us after his hospital- and recovery period. So yeah, that was for me a very special gig.
SUZANNE: What is the planning for the next following months/year? What can we expect from After Forever?
SANDER: I think that you can expect a band who decided to go for the music. And we really want to go and tour a lot! We want to go for music for the full 100%! And you will see that on our website, during the gigs, you will see it in us, the music etc. In everything you will notice that we are going for the full 1000%. And it is going to be amazing.
SUZANNE: Can you already say roughly when you are expecting the release of the new CD?
SANDER: No, not really. As said before we don't have a label yet. So the CD will be completely finished before we can release it. But I think that you have to count on March/April 2007.
SUZANNE: Is there anything that you would like say or add to this interview?
SANDER: Thanks for the interview!! I really had the idea that the fans felt that this would be the last gig before the studio period, and that we and the fans wanted to go for it just one more time for the full 100%. And then wait for the new period. It was just so cool.
SUZANNE: Thank you very much for your time and I wish you a lot of success in the future!
SANDER: Thank you very much to you too, really cool!
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AGENT STEEL - Bruce Hall (vocals) & Juan Garcia (guitar) ( 11 March 2005 )
(Interviewer: Stan Efraimov, New York, USA)
STAN: Bruce, how are you and how have you been?
BRUCE: I'm well. I decided to clean up my lifestyle and start excercising and
taking my instrument more seriously and it's working out very well. I
feel good, have more stamina, and have lost a ton of weight; 60 pounds
at last count. I am at a very comfortable 180 lbs. now at I feel
really good.
STAN: Juan, how have you been lately?
JUAN: I've been good; a bit busy but staying focused and preparing for the upcoming AGENT STEEL tour which begins in a few weeks; getting my guitars, and gear ready for the metal attack!!!
STAN: Bruce, how was the response to your performance at Blue Meannie Records
in El Cajon?
BRUCE: It's was fun. We were a bit rough around the edges for sure but the
energy carried us over the mistakes very well. George Robb from the
Skeptics days joined us on stage for Agents and he kicked ass. As
usual, all Agent Steel shows are full of energy. I don't know if we've
ever been perfect but we're always full of juice and power. That's
what Agent Steel live is all about, energy, passion and enthusiasm. We've
all dedicated our lives to playing music and we do it with all the
heart in the world. We are very sincere.
STAN: Juan, you mentioned that you enjoy listening to new bands such as Chimaira. Do you get influenced by bands like these to write similar music for Agent Steel?
JUAN: I like listening to new bands to see what is going on with the metal scene; and also because I am a metal fan as well, but as far as being influenced and writing similar type music for Agent Steel; I don't think it would work out; We have our own style and we'd like to keep it that way.
STAN: Bruce, I understand you knew Bernie Versye for a while before you got the
job to sing for Agent Steel. Did you work with him on any projects before?
BRUCE: Yeah, after he left AS back in 1987 we played together in a band named
Sybil. It was named after the schizophrenic character from the book
because we couldn't decide what we wanted to be. We had a lot of
different styles and ideas happening. Unfortunately, probably due to
lack of a concrete direction, we never made it out of rehearsal. The
main riff from Destroy The Hush was a Sybil song.
STAN: What is the current status on your new album? How many tracks will be on it and how much of it have you recorded so far?
JUAN: All the songs to the new album have been written as of December, 2004; all together there are 10-11 songs ready to go. We had to take a brake from writing to prepare for our upcoming tour which will be promoting the "live @ Dynamo Open Air" DVD. After the tour we will review the songs and rehearse and do some pre-production before recording the new album.
BRUCE: It's basically finished being written. I still have a few verses to
finish but its essentially done. When we get home from the tour we'll
start pre-production and then get into the studio as soon as possible.
I hope we can get it out by the fall.
STAN: Is Bernie handling production duties on the new record?
JUAN: We have not finalized who will produce the new album; although Bernie did an amazing job on "Order of the illuminati". We still need to go over details and find out what we are going to do for the new album.
STAN: Will you decide to have 2 covers made for the new album, just like with Order of the Illuminati?
JUAN: I think it would be a good idea to have 2 different covers again; but this time I think the covers will be more similar in styles and theme; what happened on "order of the illuminati" was that the European distributors wanted something more interesting and the original cover was more plain, so we went with different cover for Europe and decided to keep the original cover artwork for the U.S. release, but for the new album I think it will be 2 different covers but real similar; just minor detail changes.
STAN:Bruce, tell us about your previous band. I heard that you played a
similar style to Pantera.
BRUCE: My last band was often compared to Pantera but it wasn't particularly
intentional. We were around in the very early 90's breaking past what
metal had commonly become. We didn't want to be aggressive just for
the sake of aggression because we wanted to have songs that were memorable
but at the same time we were very anti-glam, anti-establishment,
anti-everything. Because we were a metal band with a punk rock
attitude and a bald headed singer we were labeled as similar to Pantera but the
truth is we were both out there doing the same thing at the same time.
They got famous and we made a lot of enemies in record companies.:)
After 5 years of sold out shows and lots of local acclaim but no major
record deal the band fell apart. Shame because we had something very
special that anyone who ever saw us would acknowledge. My big mistake
was talking too much shit about corporate America and record companies.
It cost us our future because we were unwilling to play games and suck
ass.
STAN: Bruce, here's a curious question: Have you ever met John Cyriis?
BRUCE: I met John at an after party in the Reseda neighborhood where the
Country Club was back in 1985. We talked for quite a while about weird
shit while all these other dudes were trying to pick up chicks.
Perfect when ya think about it. Two dorks wasting their time talking about
spaceships and armageddon when we could have been getting laid. Never
again did I come across him but my experience was positive. I'm glad
that he has heartily endorsed our version of his band. Like I
mentioned earlier, we are very sincere and maintaining the integrity of the band
and concept is paramount. I think, ultimately, when it was all said
and done, he understood we mean well and that we aren't in this money or
some ulterior motive. We'd be retarded if we were.:)
STAN: Juan, everyone wants to know what happened to John Cyriis. Last we heard, he had a band called Stellar Seed. I heard a sound clip of one of the songs, ''Godz of Men'' which sounded pretty good. The band's [cryptic] website has disappeared. Do you still keep in contact with him and is Stellar Seed active?
JUAN: John Cyriis is a very private person and we have ultimate respect for him and his family and his projects/workings. Me and John have communicated and everything is on the positive and he endorses what we are currently doing. I have no further details; we've talked and things are good; which I am thankful for.
STAN: ''Order of the Illuminati'' was such an outstanding album. It's a
half-concept album which speaks about a group, the Illuminati, who
are said to want total control of our planet. It is very original of
bands to talk about this stuff, seeing as how most take the ''death and
destruction'' path. When did you first get interested about the
Illuminati and related topics?
BRUCE: I've been curious about the manipulation of humankind since I was a
teenager. I felt like we barely had control over our thoughts because
of advertising, money and religion. When I became aware of The
Illuminati about 12 years ago it all clicked and I realized there
really was a machine behind all these coercive agents. The only way they can
be defeated is through acknowledging their existence. Their power is
directly tied to their secrecy.
STAN: I'd like to ask if you can tell me what is the story behind the
song, ''Human Bullet''? My guess that it's maybe ...mind control (?)
BRUCE: Absolutely. It's all about using the mind through hypnosis and
installing triggers activated by either, audibly, with words or,
visulally, using symbols. These experiments have been occuring for the
last 50 years. The actual idea for the song came from a very cool (and
I know this is hard to believe because about half his books are crap)
Dean Koontz book called Night Chills. That and Dark Rivers Of The
Heart are two books all fans of our band should check out. Since they are
"fiction" they are pretty easy to read and digest as opposed to some of
the manuals I've recommended and they'll really get you started
thinking about the resources those in control have and the frightening
possibilities.
STAN:Some of your lyrics are influenced by David Icke. Do you like to
read his books to gather information for your lyrics, or do you come
up with your own concepts and ideas?
BRUCE: I definitely appreciate David Icke. A lot of people think he is nuts
to the point of hatred but I think that is to be expected when you are
dealing with such radical thoughts. People hate to accept the
possibility that they are sheep, that there is an elite group on earth
manipulating us all. It's hard to swallow. My own concepts are
certainly more fictional, like taking Arthur C Clarke's idea of
igniting Jupiter, twisting it, and using the new sun as a symbol for a world
leader like we did with the first half of OOTI. For the most part I
don't want to spend my voice on pointlessness. There are many fine
people who are working very hard for your freedom like Icke, William
Bramley, Jim Marrs, Alex Jones. Zecharia Sitchin and many many others.
They are doing the work and finding answers. I am just using my voice
to get their conclusions heard by more people. That is my small
contribution.
STAN: On the next album, will you discuss more about them
[Illuminati] and go even more into detail, or will we expect
something different this time? And do you have an album title that you are
thinking about?
BRUCE: There's a little bit more alien influence in the new lyrics because
Niburu's prophecized return is imminent. If you're unfamiliar with the
concept do a quick search for Niburu and Planet X on the internet and
read Sitchin's The 12th Planet and Earth Chronicles for more
information. There are still a few songs about the New World Order but
I see them as directly tied to the whole idea of the Nefilim and the
course our planet has taken. It's all interconnected.
STAN: The response to your previous album, ''Order of the Illuminati'' was positive all the way. Did that put any pressure what so ever on you, as to what to do on your next album?
JUAN: I am glad that the response was positive for OOTI (order of the illuminati); because we worked very hard on that album. The new material we got I think is even better, but that is just my opinion; the pressure has been lifted because the songs have been written; all we need to do is some pre-production and recorded it and mix it.
STAN: You're soon departing for your European tour. It's already known
that you will play the entire ''Skeptics Apocalypse'' album at the
Keep-It-True festival. Will you play the whole album on other
European dates as well?
BRUCE: I suppose that really depends on demand. If the crowd is large,
willing, and unable to be denied we will play it. We're reserving it
for the truly deserving.:)
JUAN: Perhaps so, I think for the Hardenburg, NL show at the Podium we will perform the whole "Skeptics Apocalypse" album as well.
STAN: Will you perform any new songs on your European tour?
JUAN: A lot of the new songs require different guitar tunings, so on this tour we will hold off on performing new songs live until the album is recorded; but perhaps we will work in one new song somewhere in the tour. We debuted a new song entitled "Wash the Planet Clean" at the Dynamo Open Air '04 for the fans.
STAN: Is your live DVD near being completed and ready for release?, and
apart from your show at the Dynamo, will there be any bonus stuff included? Your live DVD was said to be released in late March, yet so little information has been given about the contents on the DVD. What will be included besides your live show at the Dynamo?
BRUCE: You should ask Juan. I think there is some stuff from the Effenaar in
Eindhoven on it but I've never seen any of it. I have no idea about
the DVD. I'm much more interested in audio than video.
JUAN: The full concert from Dynamo will be included; at first we thought about editing the set a bit that we performed because a few songs had guitar drop outs and a few songs were not up to our standards, but after further review we decided to procee d with the full concert and not edit anything, and infact we decided to keep it raw, live with no overdubs. The DVD will include 4 bonus songs; 2 from the Dynamo Pre-Party show at the Effenaar, and also 2 other songs from the "Bonded by Metal Exodus" tour; also included will be a photo gallery section; the DVD should be released by March 21, 2005 and we encourage fans to check it out.
STAN: Juan, do you ever plan on doing a re-union with your previous band Evil Dead in the future?
JUAN: Not really, those songs are hard to play live!!!! just kidding. I speak to some of the members of EvilDead and although we have talked about it; I don't think it will happen because I am busy with AGENT STEEL and keeping things moving forward; if there's any other type of reunion it would be ABATTOIR before EVILDEAD.
STAN: Bruce, what music/bands are you currently listening to?
BRUCE: On my IPOD I have Alice In Chains, Angel Witch, Anthrax, Ark, At The
Gates, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Beyond Twilight, Black Sabbath, Cage,
Crimson Glory, Def Leppard, Destruction, Dew Scented, Exodus, Faith No
More, Freak Kitchen, Handsome, Heavy Pettin, Iced Earth, In Flames,
Iron Maiden, John Arch, John Norum, Kate Bush, Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of
God, Legs Diamond, Loch Vostock, Megadeth, MSG, Montrose, Motorhead,
Nevermore, Nine Inch Nails, Pat Travers, Psychotic Waltz, Queensryche,
The Quill, Rainbow, Riot, Sanctuary, Saxon, Scorpions, Sepultura,
Shadows Fall, Slayer, Steel Prophet, Testament, Thin Lizzy, Tool,
Tygers Of Pan Tang, UFO, and Y&T. That's pretty much what I am listening to
right now.
STAN: You recruited a new drummer, Rigo Amezcua. Now from what I heard on ''Order of the Illuminati'', this guy can deliver such an awesome performance. Where did you find him and was he in any previous bands?
JUAN: Me, Rigo and Karlos (bassist) were working together in a prior band before AGENT STEEL. What happened was that AGENT STEEL had a live appearance scheduled and Chuck Profus (original drummer) got injured and we got Rigo t o fill in for the show, then later Chuck decided to just retire from music all together; although I am hearing rumours that he is playing drums again in a punk band. Rigo did a fantastic job on the tour and also on Order of the illuminati.
STAN: Chuck Profus has retired from the music industry. What made him decide to do that? Was it the arm injury that made him call it all quits?
JUAN: Well, like I mentioned; originally it was a hand injury and then he just got tired of the music business and just wanted out. I spoke to him the other day and he is fine and I heard he is playing drums again in a punk band.
STAN: Juan, you and Bernie are an amazing guitar duo. When writing songs, who usually comes up with the main riff?
JUAN: Depends who writes the idea main riff; it's a team effort, but Bernie is an amazing guitarist; he can take my idea and push it to another level; not to mention his solos are out of this world.
STAN: And my final question is, are you planning to do a complete U.S.
tour anytime soon?
BRUCE: No plans but we are willing when the right offer comes up. It'll
happen. I believe.
JUAN: That is a great question and I wish I can answer that one, but I don't know. The U.S. is a difficult market and for a band like us to properly tour the U.S.A. we would need to go out and support a bigger band. I don't know maybe some day a band like SHADOWS FALL, or JUDAS PRIEST perhaps will ask us to be join them as special guest; that would be awesome both of these bands are really great and I enjoy them a lot. One of these days we will finally properly tour the U.S.A.
STAN: Bruce, thank you for answering the questions. It is such an honor for
me. Have a great time on tour and take care!
BRUCE: Touring is always a battle for the singer but I will do my very best
and I will try to enjoy myself as much as possible. Thanks for the
interst, Stan. We all appreciate your support.
Bruce
STAN: Juan, would you like to add anything else?
JUAN: for more information and band updates visit www.agentsteelonline.com and a big thanks to metal fans worldwide!!!
I want to thank Bruce and Juan for the interview, and of course Mario, for arranging this all. MASTERS OF METAL - AGENTS OF STEEL!
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ALCHEMIST - Adam Agius
(Vocals/Guitar) ( 1 February 2006 )
(Interviewer: Stan Efraimov, New York, USA)
STAN: Hey Adam, what are you guys up to at the moment?
ADAM: We are writting for our new album, its coming together very nicely and we are rehearsing for the second leg of the Embryonics tour in Australia.
STAN: Tell us about the history of the band. How did you first come together?
ADAM: We first came together officialy in '89, we were a technical thrash band looking to forge our own style. We started experimenting with psychedelic sounds mixed with the thrash. We think it took three albums to get our style developed. We have had Australian record deals for the first 4 releases and in 2000 signed to Relapse for our first international deal, we toured Europe for the first time in 2004. We were teenagers when we started the band and originally it was myself , Rodney our drummer and a different guitarist and bassist, we have had the same line up since 1992. Our first album was "Jar of Kingdom" in 93, "Lunasphere" in 95, "Spiritech" in 97 , "Eve of the war" in 98 , "Organasm" in 2000 and "Austral" in 2003, all the pre Organasm titles have been condensed into a double album for the rest of the world called Embryonics released on Relapse
STAN: What sort of lyrical themes do you tackle in your songs?
ADAM: Anything from Astronomy to enviromental, scientific, political and personal believes. Sometimes we are very electric but we are writing very straight forward lyrics at the moment basically about the way we feel right now.
STAN: In the liner notes of Austral Alien, you wrote that the record almost killed you
to make it, LOL. You wanted to record the best Alchemist album at the point, I guess?
ADAM: You got it mate and it was very difficult, I dare say that this one is proving just as hard, I guess I have learnt not to beat up on myself so much now and just to keep my head down and not let any shit riffs get through.
STAN: I noticed that if you say Austral Alien a bit quicker, it sounds like ''austrilian.''
Was this something you guys planned or kinda realized afterwards?
ADAM: Yes this is somthing we planned, we liked the play on words, we also liked the fact that Australia is so far from the rest of the western world and that we are alienated from the scene, by geography and musically
STAN: You are in songwriting mode right now. How are the new songs coming along?
ADAM: The songs are coming along great, its a heavier sound than Austral, very headbangable. I guess its a reaction to Austral, we really like Austral but its about as mellow as Alchemist can get, the new material is very dark and heavy sounding, cant wait to record it and tour the states if anyone will book us.
STAN: Alchemist truly has a very unique sound. How would you classify your music?
ADAM: Its metal with some world music, electronica, pschedelic twist , its proggy but its extreme prog not wailing Iron Maiden type.
STAN: How did METAL FOR THE BRAIN come about?
ADAM: Our friend Alec Hurly tried to break up a fight outside a club in 1990. He was pushed over and received bad brain injurys leaving him in a vegeative state that he still remains in today. The concert was held with 8 local bands to raise money and has grown to a 35 band event, its the best show an underground metal band can play in this country.
STAN: How has the success been with your new Double CD, ''Embryonics"?
ADAM: Its been great in Australia but its not released anywhere else yet, we tour again in oz in March. Its been great for all the new fans to be able to buy those old songs that they hear live all the time and great for the old fans to get some of the rare tracks on it.
STAN: Are you planning any shows this year, particularly in the States?
ADAM: We will play anywhere in the world. The problem is no one wants to book our shows or offer us an opening or support slot on their tour, sucks actually, we want to tour the world thats for sure, I guess it comes down to having a small profile.
STAN: Are their any upcoming projects you're planning to release soon?
ADAM: Yep, our new album will be released this year so look out for that one. Im in a grind band called Grind Pony and we are looking for to record this year as well, hopefully Relapse will pick it up and release it.
STAN: Any final words to all our readers?
ADAM: Hey guys if you want hear Alchemist goto www.relapse.com or www.alchemist.com.au for some free mp3s and video clips!
Take care and love your music, care for artists by buying their releases and have fun at their shows.
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ALESTORM - Dani Evans (Guitar) (12 April 2009)
(Interviewer: Sammy de Maere, Beveren, Belgium)
SAMMY: Can you tell me a bit more about how the band started?
DANI: The band started in 2004 as Battleheart. After some line-up changes we changed our name into Alestorm in 2006. We did a lot of local shows and got noticed by the bigger boys. We signed a record deal with Napalm Records and released our debut in 2008. Things went very fast from there on as we toured the world and already played at some of the bigger European festivals. It's kind of weird to go from college straight into professional music but we're all enjoying it a lot.
SAMMY: Why did you choose to play pirate metal?
DANI: That's always a hard question to answer. We were looking for a style of music that isn't played yet cause it's always easier to get noticed when you're doing something that hasn't been done yet. We came up with the whole pirate idea and thought it was pretty cool. After experimenting with this for some time we came to realize that it really did work well.
SAMMY: What do you think about being compared to Running Wild?
DANI: I think it's something we'll probably not get away with for several more years since Running Wild did start the whole pirate theme and they were in the scene for over 20 years so it's obvious that every other band who starts something with pirates will get compared to them. But on the other hand I think it's quite annoying since we don't have anything in common with them. Running Wild was speed metal with just lyrics about the pirate scene while we are more power or folk metal with all the joho's and everything so I find it hard to compare us.
SAMMY: The new record sounds more bombastic, why did you choose to go that direction?
DANI: We actually always wanted to have this kind of sound but it took us a while to get it. After releasing Captain Morgan's Revenge we did get some more time to experiment with everything and we came to this sound with all the cool extra sounds and this is how we want to sound so we'll stick to this.
SAMMY: There is also a lot more keyboard in the new songs.
DANI: Yeah and that is pretty cool. It gives us more variety as a band. It's also a lot of fun to do twin solo's and duels between keyboard and guitar. They sound really nice and are fun to do on stage. We'll try to do some more of those to entertain us as well as the crowd.
SAMMY: Even with the new cd not yet for sale, are you going to play a lot of new material on this tour?
DANI: There is actually a whole merchandising pack for this tour with a shirt a poster and a cd with new songs from all the bands playing on this tour. We'll probably stick to the 3 songs on the new cd or throw in another new one if the crowd is really good. So basically this tour is more of a promotion for the albums that are coming up for us as well as for Tyr and Heidevolk and by selling the tour cd we can give some preview for the new album.
SAMMY: The 2 new songs on the Leviathan EP are also on the new record, was the EP more of a teaser to the new stuff ?
DANI: That is actually more because Napalm Records wanted us to release an EP since we did so well on the summer festivals. We already had some new material so we decided to put 2 of those on it. But it's more of a demo version of those 2 songs. We re-recorded them with better sound and all. Basically the EP is more something for collectors and for people who really want to have Heavy Metal Pirates on cd.
SAMMY: You're touring again with Tyr? How do you guys get along?
DANI: It's already the third time we're touring with them, we had the Ragnarock tour in October last year and we just got back from the US with them. They are really great guys to have fun with and it's also very nice to start the fun on the tour from day one cause we already know them so we don't have to get to know everybody on the tour bus. Tyr are definably the coolest guys we've ever been on tour with.
SAMMY: How did it go with Grave Digger?
DANI: I actually don't like to talk about them that much, that tour was probably the worst 3 weeks of our life as a band. We're sitting here now on the tour bus doing this interview but on the Grave Digger tour this wouldn't happen since we weren't even allowed to come downstairs. We were treated like dirt for the whole 3 weeks of the show. Grave Digger are the most pretentious assholes I've ever met, you put that on record.
SAMMY: Are we going to see you guys on any festivals this summer?
DANI: Unfortunately we're not doing Graspop again cause that was really cool last year but we are doing lot's of festival this summer including Bang Your Head, Metal Camp and Wacken Rocks.
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ANGER AS ART - Steve Gaines (Vocals/Guitar) ( 22 December 2005 )
(Interviewer: Mario van Dooren, Berkel Enschot, The Netherlands)
MARIO: Hello Steve how are you doing lately?
STEVE: Hi. I cannot recall the last time I have been this busy. I am literally going 10 directions at once. And you, as a new father, you know what I mean, right? Except in this case, my child is my music!
MARIO: Your latest solo album was titled "Anger as Art" but now you decided to call the band that same name? Is there a particular reason for?? How are the reactions to this album so far?
STEVE: Well, it is a long story. I don't know if I could answer properly right here. But here's how it went. When I started working on it, the idea was that it could be the next Pagan War Machine recording – but with a new lineup. The idea was to call it NEW WAR... but when it became clear that PWM was finished, I realized that it was time to start over. The lyrics to the song Anger As Art are somewhat personal. Just the process of converting the anger that you have in your head into a form of art. The following thought was "hey, if a band grows out of this, that is what I will call it."
MARIO: Who are in the band at the moment and where did you get these guys from? Do some of them also play in other bands?
STEVE: In no particular order – I have known Mars for years – I first met him when I was in Bloodlust back in 1983. We did goof around playing cover tunes a few times, but really got to know him when he joined Dreams Of Damnation when I worked for that band. I always knew that he was the guy I wanted for a drummer. Mars was supposed to be the drummer for Pagan War Machine, but we could not make the schedule work out, so it never happened. And the bassist is another from way back in the Bloodlust days – Javier. He came along the first time Mars and I jammed on the AAA stuff, and fit perfectly. Guitarist William Rustrum was from a local LA band, but made a name for himself in Hangar 18 – the Megadeth tribute band. He plays the role of Dave Mustaine, and very well, I might add.
MARIO: What are the futureplans for Anger as Art? Any new albums or maybe a promotional (European) tour?
STEVE: Mario, you have no idea how much we'd love to play Europe. But, being realistic, I don't think it will happen any time soon. It may be a year away. We just signed with OSM records – they are re-issuing the AAA CD, and we start recording our 2nd album in January. Also are being offered some tours here in North America – will have answers on that soon.
MARIO: How did you get in touch with the Old School Metal Records label?? What is special about this label and what was the main reason you signed with them?
STEVE: I had known the CEO for a few years. He asked me to send a CD to him, and really seemed to enjoy it. Well, he asked us if we wanted to play at Thrash Against Cancer – a metal Festival in San Francisco earlier this year. When you stop to think how many bands wanted to get on this show, and he gave it to us – we were very humbled. So we stayed in contact over the following months – one thing leading to another, and before you know it, we were signing with them. But we didn't shop for a deal. It was a freindship / relationship from which this grew.
What is special about OSM is the fact that they love metal for the same reasons that we do. We are comitted to the same golas and work ethic. I know it is not a huge label with unlimited budget, but we all believe the same thing. I believe that we are in the best hands possible, and that together with some hard work, we will have great results.
MARIO: Are you still a member of the legendary Abattoir, Bloodlust, Pagan War Machine, Tactics & Dreams of Damnation? What is the status of these bands? Did they disband or are they still alive?
STEVE: Let me go down the list – Abattoir is still together, but not working at this time. We do plan to release that long awaited album someday, and also plan to do one last show ever with the VA lineup – this includes Juan Garcia – and release on video / DVD. But schedules conflict too greatly.
Bloodlust is still enjoying a nice rebirth – but we again have scheduling conflicts – one member lives about 2000 miles from the rest of us, and it is hard to get everyone together at once. But when we do, the band sounds better than it ever did.
Tactics disbanded in 1999 – we had a long solid run, but we literally took the band to its end. It is my biggest regret that I did not market the band more actively in Europe – as it would have been huge. I remain good friends with all members, but the band is done. Good memories.
As for the other 2 – let's just say that I will not be working with Jim Durkin anytime soon.
MARIO: You did record a live-CD with Abattoir a few years ago but that one is hard to find in Europe these days. Will there ever be a new studio album?
STEVE: We did do a studio album, but went through hell trying to finish it. When we had a rough mix, the whole thing was lost in a computer snafu. So all we have is a rough mix, and all of the different songs and demos going along with it. That kind of disaster really took the fire out of some of the guys. I wouldf like to belive that the rough mix will be available someday, and I never say never to another studio recording, but am not counting on it. Ideally, I would like to see Abattoir is a state of readiness to go out and play at festivals whenever we are asked. Abattoir will always be around, but not really functioning on a day to day basis.
MARIO: How is the metal-music scene in your area these days? Is traditional heavy/speedmetal still popular in the US these days?
STEVE: There are some good bands, and what scene exists is healthy. But it will never be like it was back in the glory days. Funny – AAA just played in the Midwest last week, and the scene is vibrant and booming in places like Salt Lake City, Utah. But in Los angeles – it exists on trends – and thankfully this kind of metal is not trendy enough. I like it thqat way. At least you know that what exists is the real deal.
MARIO: I heard that you are also a member of Bitch? Is that true and will this band ever do any live shows again in the near future?
STEVE: That story got let out too fast. It never came to fruition. What happened was that Bitch was approached to do some shows, and they didn't have a bass player. So Dave Carruth asked if I would learn a set, and be ready. So I learned their music, but the call never came. It is my understanding that they may have broken up. For the record, I was never a member – I would have been a 'hired gun', so to speak. But that would have been a ball to do. I have always been a fan of them, and friends with them.
MARIO: I reviewed the Pagan War Machine demo several years ago and i was very excited about that one; Are there any plans for recording a follow up to this demo?
STEVE: The logical follow-up for Pagan War Machine would be Anger As Art. And in fact, the reaction worldwide to AAA has been stronger than it was for PWM. But you have to understand that my co-collaborator with PWM Jim Durkin simply stopped – with no explanation. We'd ask " what's going on, Jim?" And the accusations would fly. Marcelo was his enemy, and I was his new Eric Meyer... anyone who isn't with him is against him... fucking whatever. He burned a lot of bridges with fans of this band around the world, damaged relationships within the band between myself and the other members, and created such a sense of ill-will that there will be no way I will ever work him again.
MARIO: I noticed that the PWM & Abattoir websites are offline?? What is the reason for this??
STEVE: Yes. Both came down to simple mistakes - people (not me) changing credit cards, or server accounts - and therefore missing the need/notice for updating the account. To buy the web domains back is cost prohibitive.
MARIO: Last year they told me that you would play the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany in 2006. Is this still going on because i cant find any confirmation on the HOA website?
STEVE: feel free to post this on your site, or anywhere
Are you ready for this? For whatever reason (I assume it would be to generate ticket sales) , they wanted Bloodlust to play an additional 30 minute set and call the band Abattoir. I found this to be an insult on par with asking Dave Mustaine to have Megadeth play a 30 minute set of Metallica tunes, and call the band Metallica. I explained that it was a stab in the back to both bands, and more importantly to the fans who would have been there. It literally would have severed friendships that in some cases took years to rebuild, and I wouldn't do it. It would have been a sure destruction of my credibility, and the fans would have been pissed.
I was only the voice for Abattoir, the band was most assuredly myself with Mel Sanchez and Mark Caro. I would not damage my credibility. I told them repeatedly that it was non negotiable, and please do not bring up the request again. So they came back with an offer of 200 euro more (this requires more explanation). I told them that I absolutely refuse to sell out my friends, and fans of both bands for 40 dollars ( Bloodlust is a 5 piece band - splitting the money evenly).
With this they became insulted, and said they needed to re-evaluate their offer. After this, we never heard from them again.
To begin with, this trip would have costed Bloodlust approximately $15,000 to do. About $3000 each member. We had agreed to do the show knowing that we would have to pay our own expenses. But to offset the loss, we needed to add additional dates in other regions in Europe, and we would need their help in finding a promoter to secure additional dates. They refused to help - stating something about having the exclusive Bloodlust date in Europe. Next we asked to be paid for the appearance - the original request was that we do the show for free - which we would have agreed to do if we had additional dates. They came up with an agreement for $500 euro - merely a gesture of goodwill, but would have gone nowhere to offset our losses. We asked to be put up in lodging - any hotel or home of someone, and they refused. When looking at maps and realizing how far away the festival was from Hamburg airport, we asked for someone to pick us up at the airport, and return us to the airport. At first they agreed, but used this as an excuse when they decided to re-evaluate their offer. A ride to and from the airport changed their minds?
When bands come from America to play in Europe, it is less expensive for a band from the East Coast to go than a band from California. It is an additional $1000 per person to fly across North America, before changing flights. Bands on the East Coast - Attacker, October 31 and the like already have that $1000 advantage over us. Even with that , they'll take a huge loss. We were going to make tremendous sacrifices to do this show, and when we finally made agreement to do it, they sprung the Abattoir thing on us. It was wrong, disrespectful, unethical, and chicken-shit. If they wanted Abattoir they should have contacted Abattoir, and never dealt with Bloodlust.
Metal fans, this is what happens behind the scenes. This is the ugliness and the reality of negotiation. Bloodlust was ready to go - and ready to take that financial hit to do HOA in 2006. I hope we do not come across as Prima donnas - but let me ask you - put yourselves in my shoes, and what would you have done? Not just for metal, but from a business standpoint? Could you afford to take that hit? Were your requests unreasonable? And as a fan, how pissed off would you have been if you went expecting to see Abattoir, and instead Bloodlust never walked offstage, just stayed in place and played cover songs? And who would have the finger of blame pointed at directly? I rest my case.
I do not question anyone on HOA's staff's dedication to putting on a great show, or their dedication to metal. They are good guys, but I think they were thinking with their money, as opposed to reality. They saw an opportunity to pad their ticket sales by including Abattoir on the bill without actually providing Abattoir. The fans would have hated me for doing it, and them for trying to sell it.
It is my belief that they did not realize what kind of position they were putting me (or themselves) in. I wish them a succesful show this year, and hope that HOA continues to grow. I would like to believe that someday I can work for them at HOA, but am doubtful that it will ever happen.
MARIO: Anything you miss in this interview that should be told to the MMM readers?
STEVE: Part of what happens when you answer questions honestly is that you end up looking like a whiner. I hope I don't come across that way. I put a lot of work, and effort into everything I do. And you have to choose your 'horses' carefully. Many times you work with someone who on the surface appears to be the 'perfect fit'... but you find out after you are too deep into it that there are some serious problems that cannot be rectified.
That is why I chose to do the AAA album entirely by myself. After being involed with 4 bands at once, and having all of them implode at the same time, it starts to look like you arte the cause. After all, I was the common denominator in all of the bands. I wanted to prove to the world and myself that I can do this with no one else to blame. And I am so thankful that it worked out. Now, there are 3 guys who believe in me as much as I believe in them. And that is the strength of Anger As Art – the work ethic, and dedication to to what we do. Trust me, I will not be breaking up the band, hopping on a plane in the middle of the night and going home. Not in my fiber. I will stop at nothing to give you the best I've got with everything I do. And thanks for your support.
I do not bullshit anyone. I do not say anything that I cannot or will not back up. We are dedicated here in AAA – I can honestly say more than any band I have been involved with in a long time. And that is refreshing. I hope the fact that there are no emotional basketcases does not become boring here. But that is not what we are about. We are about the music – first and foremost. I hope that comes across honestly in the music.
If we do a cover song by Abattoir, it will be AAA doing it. I will never bullshit anyone and try to pass this off as the new Aba-lust, or whatever. My integrity is everything to me, because it is all I have with you guys.
Okay, I am rambling... but thanks again for your support. Watch for the new Anger As Art album later in 2006. It is going to rule. METAL...........
MARIO: Thanx a lot for your time & honesty!
Mario van Dooren
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ARCTIC FLAME -
All members (17 December 2008)
(Interviewer: Alex Avdeev
, Siberia, Russia)
There are only a few bands appearing in this century which deserve to be listed among metal bands, and Artic Flame from New Jersey is a bone-chilling, devastating band which has earned to be that exception - the heavy metal music they play is pure US Power Metal! The band has claimed the support of well-known bands across the world as well as it has been credited with two full-length records, "Primeval Aggressor" - 2006 and "Declaration" - 2008 (which was out on December, the 5th!!). I would like to thank Mike - the drummer of the band, with his own distinguished playing style with accentuated down beats - you know you hear him when Arctic Flame's song comes up on your stereo, Jon - the bass player, Dave - the singer, Rod and Sebastian who are filling in the guitars, for the following interview!
(Note):
Rod could not be available for the interview as he has a family situation that he has to attend to at the moment. He sends his apologies.
ALEX: Hello, guys! You were at Mario's Metal Meeting, a metal festival hosted by Mario, the owner of this fanzine, in November: tell us about the reception in Netherlands and how would you compare the sound in the small venues of Europe to the small clubs of the USA where you have been playing?
DAVE:
The scene in that part of the world is really amazing. It seems like the people over there just live for this music and show it by throwing these festivals almost every month. Reception was amazing, and while we were showing them songs off of our new album. Originally we were hoping to have "Declaration" out by that time, but it worked out as it was in anticipation. The small clubs like 013 and Juz Andernach (Swordbrothers) in Europe are great for US bands; they're appreciated because they don't get out there too often. Many times the crowds in the states treat traditional/power metal in a somewhat novelty fashion and usually only are interested in the current trend. There are many exceptions to the rule and we always come away with new flame heads.
SEBASTIAN:
The reception was great. The people were very nice and friendly. We had an awesome time over there and I wish we could've stayed longer! The sound was good but it wasn't any different from what we are used to have here in USA, although the stage was one of the best I've seen, the lights, the fog, it was pretty cool.
JON:
The reception overseas is always very warm and welcoming. The Netherlands was no exception. The sound was quite good too though I was enjoying the sound I was getting from the Ampeg (a bass amplifier – Alex) I was playing out of. I love playing through Ampeg amplifiers so that was a lot of fun. Hopefully everything sounded heavy out in the crowd though, that's the most important thing.
MIKE: The Netherlands fans are tough, especially if you are an up and coming band. I noticed during our set, people were rather subdued until around the 3rd song. Germany fans were just nuts from the first guitar note. So far every show we played the sound systems were very professional. The same is for the better venues that we've played in the US. Some places, especially some of the dive bars we play, you have to make best of what you have. It's all good.
ALEX: How would you define the general conception of Mario's Metal Meeting, where such bands as Wolf, Shadowkeep, Vicious Rumors, and Courageous were playing: diversity, straightfowardness, elitism, or something else?
DAVE:
Each band had something slightly different to offer, as it shared the same thread. Courageous seemed to have more of a heavy straight forward dirtiness to it than the others. I think a lot of these organizers try to bring bands to the people that touch on different aspects of true metal as a genre. It's just awesome seeing the patch jackets of many bands we grew up with, harder to come by here. We especially had a great time viewing and hanging with our old friends in the band, WOLF again. They always put on a killer show, and we always end up creating alcoholic chaos with 'em!
SEBASTIAN:
It was good, it was just what a metal festival is expected to be. Different bands, each one with a unique sound and attitude, and also representing a different side of the music, like a little more modern sounding, or more thrashy or melodic,...
JON:
I think that the shows that we get put on overseas are well thought out and really good at showing that different kinds of old school metal bands will always sounds good together. Sometimes, we get shows here, in the USA, which have bizarre lineups. Shows like MMM are a ton of fun because the people going to show are going for the sole purpose of seeing heavy metal bands... Drinking, and seeing heavy metal bands. It was great to see Niklas and Johannes in Wolf also. Always a lot of fun with those guys.
MIKE: Let's call it a diversity of straight forwardness. Every band has the core sound of true metal but they may octopus out a little to create their own style. This keeps things interesting to the fans.
ALEX: There are bands with a variety of attitudes towards critics, and your band's motto is siding with ignoring all criticizing - have you ever been in a situation where this couldn't be avoided?
MIKE: Yes! Sometimes you can learn things from the critics especially if the all say the same thing. Just recently at our show in the Netherlands, the band wasn't as energetic on stage as we do in the states. This was in part because Sebastian was performing with the other guitarist, Jason Perez, who was filling in for Rod, for the first time live. We hired Jason and only had 3 practices with him. This may have had an impact on their stage performance as they were concentration more on the music. This was pointed out in most of the reviews and we totally agreed. It's something we appreciated and something that won't happen again.
ALEX: What are the major difficulties you have to encounter while running the band, Mike?
MIKE: This band runs pretty smoothly. Everyone basically has the same goals so that makes things a lot easier. The only things that come up are usually dealing with promoters or some bands that have attitudes. There are some bands we've played with that don't understand their position in the food chain of metal. They want a better slot on a particular bill even though they haven't done jack shit to deserve it. Hey, we'll play in any order but don't give me because your guitar player plays a million notes a second, that you're god's gift to heavy metal. I'm always democratic and try to work with people as long as they don't give me any bullshit. If it get to a point where I blow a gasket that means you went too far. But this rarely happens.
We have great road crew that knows what to do and Steve, our stage manager and my right hand man, makes sure everything runs smoothly. This guy knows what he is doing and I trust him completely. He grew up in Scotland and when he turned 18, he roadied for Thin Lezzy on their 'Chinatown" tour in Europe.
ALEX: Remembering the experience of Bruce Dickinson in 90s with Iron Maiden, who was earnest in his attempts to incorporate experiments in his music, I was worried when I read that Dave enjoys doing "new things"? If it's music-wise, what exactly might that mean?
DAVE:
Aah yes, plus his solo works like "Skunkworks" and "Balls to Picasso". Ha-ha not to worry my brother, it incorporates more my life style than anything else. Your soul only gets one shot at this short time we have here, so I want to try as many: foods, drinks, instruments, sports, games, as possible- only thing to stop you is fear, unless if it something ridiculous haha. Musically Arctic Flame will always evolve within the vein and classic NWOBH influences it has. I will always keep it within the realms of our sound and while incorporating something new (via "Shadow of a Broken Man", "Blind Leads the Blind".)I do enjoy other types of music and theatre, but I would experiment if I did my own project or something like that.
ALEX: There are two and four-year breaks between your LPs (the first one being a break since your foundation). How did the composing and recording process go for each, and especially the last, long-play album? Do you plan to accelerate the process of surprising your fans with more records?
MIKE: The plan is to put out an album every year or year and a half with the "Salem Gun Witch" EP series in between. Whether this works out or not, remains to be seen. Most plan don't go accordingly but we definitely want to put out full lengths every year. The songs for the 1st Cd were created as the band was forming, so we had a bit more time to flesh them out and correct them until the recording sessions. The 2nd CD was pretty much the same but we did write several songs a few weeks before those sessions such as "Declaration", "Hammer Down" and "Disciples of the Flame". Also several lyrics were completely changed as we were recording. "Blind leads the Blind" and "Hammer Down" are perfect examples of this.
ALEX: Rod's, Don's, and Steve's (Steve is a temporary fill-in for the band) guitar sound is perfect on both "Primeval Aggressor" and "Declaration" - the wall-crushing, voluminous sound of riffs remind me of the best records by such bands as Attacker, Agent Steel and Judas Priest, and every song keeps me anticipating for more of the higher range of the singer, whom I would like to compliment - he did his job right, and the high notes hit by Dave are sounding astonishingly pretty well! A question for all members: what has been improved on the latest record, "Declaration", and what seems that it could be improved on the next record?
DAVE:
I would say that the song writing musically has developed into fuller songs than some of the more epic features of the last record. Everything seems pretty well balanced and the sound is heavier, which we wanted. Jack Frost did a phenomenal job on "Primeval Aggressor", and for this one we wanted to bring out a raw, yet diversified sound. Vocally I knew I sung in falsetto on "Primeval.." wherever I had the chance. I wanted to place them in a more accented direction in this one and show more variety in my voice. As far as improvement for the next, we want to be as prepared as possible and have more tracks. There are always a degree of unused songs that never make the cd, and I think we have a lot of material, especially with the current line-up with Sebastian.
SEBASTIAN:
We are always looking to be better musicians, individually and as band too. But when it comes down to the songs or the records, it's not about making it better than the last one, each song and each record is a different story.
MIKE: One improvement on this CD, to me, is the "dirtier" or "raw" guitar sound. The 1st CD had a more polished sound. I'm more into the "rawer" sound. Also the drum sound, particularly in the bass and snare drums, come through more. The bass guitar and drum sounds are a lot better than "Primeval Aggressor". As for the next CD, more guitar wizardry. I would like to hear some dive bombing guitars.
JON:
I think that the overall style of the band sounds fuller, heavier and, dare I say, a bit more modern, without losing the bite that we have come to love from the 80's sound. The first album had a good tone though, the heaviness and thickness of the guitar sound has been improved tenfold on Declaration. There are always things you wish you could change here and there and things you didn't care for or irk you. There are moments on the album I would change though I am generally really pleased with the outcome. I think on the next record, you just try and continue with the good and eliminate as much of the bad as you can. I know I want a slightly dirtier bass tone on the next one, like a Lemmy tone.
ALEX: Is there a conception behind the LP, "Declaration", or the songs are just dealing with various unrelated subjects?
DAVE:
There is no conceptual story per say, but all have a message of declaring a certain emotion or feeling. Also the title track deals with not being afraid of who you are. On a the story note, I am a huge fan of bands like King Diamond and Dream Theater that do it so well. Each track is like a chapter of a story that unfolds in symphonic storytelling. We may, hehe have some plans for a tale or too in the future!
MIKE: Dave and I write the lyrics and we've never got together to discuss a concept. This album is just random stories. Dave writes on subjects in a roundabout way. I write either straightforward or metaphorically. I either write to tell a story or to paint metal imagery.
ALEX: Thank you! Remembering that your previous bass player (Jeff Scott) incorporated intricate patterns (as in "Kingdom Of Illusion" on "Primeval Aggressor", 2006), which please the ear, would you say that Jon, the new bass player did the job as great as Jeff Scott on "Declaration"?
MIKE: Jeff was a good basic metal bass player as well as a great guy. Jon is very technical and a very knowledgeable person. But they both fit the bill very well.
ALEX: Hearing that Jon has "some ridiculous parts" for your upcoming 2009 record (or even records!), I am interested what you, Jon, have prepared for us!
JON:
Well, I don't want to give much away but it definitely will not sound like Traced In Air. I can guarantee you that. Some of the songs are a little more complex, more riffs and lead-work. I've been playing with melodies and trying to create more auditory depth. More subtlety without losing the heaviness and classic feel of the material. On the other hand, I think that at times, the material is less complex, catchier and encompassing. I think that my love of the extreme metal genres shows in the material. Don't worry, there won't be any growling or screeching. We won't be prancing around in corpse-paint and impaling goat heads on stage.
ALEX: Sebastian, you are working at your own recording studio, did Arctic Flame get any help or assistance from your studio?
SEBASTIAN:
No, the album was recorded before I joined the band.
MIKE: But we will use all of Sebastian's talents not just as guitarist and songwriter but also his studio expertise.
ALEX: Mike is not only a songwriter, lyricist and a drummer - he is a writer too! Does the mystic horror story, "King of Toys" that you, Mike, have written has to do anything with the band? If not, did it really intervene with working with Arctic Flame?
MIKE: The book, "King of Toys" has nothing to do with the band or music in general. It is a horror/poetry story about a young boy you is abused by his drug addicted parents. After a serious episode of abuse, his toys spring to life and take revenge out on his parents and their friends. I wrote it mostly in my spare time. It took about a year and half to write and then it sat on the shelve for another year and a half before I actually got around to sending it out. The band always comes first but there is always time to do other things. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
ALEX: Your song "Hammer Down" is more of a direct song, but you are experimenting there with wah-wah, while, for example, in "Green Lady of The Hill" you operate more with high vocals. Is there an ultimate approach in your songs to get a zest in every song, or all of that has been done naturally?
MIKE: I think a little bit of both. First you write the song and see if sounds good. Then you try and add parts that will bring out certain aspects of that song.
ALEX: Are there any songs on your demo record which were never included on the either of the two LP records you have so far? If not, what were the reasons of not including them?
MIKE: Yes, there a song written by Steve Demalion that wasn't included. It was written a week or two before we went into the studio. Most of us only heard it when we got the scratch tracks. It needed some work, so we decided that it was best to leave it off.
ALEX: Reading a lot on your band, I was always wondering why do some mass media sources spell your name together, not separately.
MIKE: It was always our intention that it be two words in one. Maybe for internet reasons, people do that. I don't care though, it's a minor thing.
ALEX: I am personally interested in Hammer horror movies of 60s and 70s, I couldn't help but ask Dave about his huge interest in horror. Dave, what movies do you enjoy the most?
DAVE:
This is a question that believe it or not I'm asked somewhat often, but my answers change with the newer films. Some of my favorites include the 80's cult slashers like the Nightmare On Elm Street series, especially part 3, Friday the 13 series, Evil Dead, Dolls, (somewhat unknown), Hell Raiser and many of the Stephen King books and movies made then. One of my favorite time periods is the classic silver screen era of the monster masterpieces like Frankenstein, Dracula, Godzilla, to the 70's classics, Dawn of the Dead, Texas Chainsaw, Zombie, Exorcist. In the 90's the genre became somewhat of a parody, but this decade has brought out on of my favorite series of all time- Saw. I hope they keep those going forever, even if they run out of ways to keep Jigsaw in flashbacks. And I can scare my wife every year because we see a new one in the theaters every anniversary.
ALEX: Haha, thank you, Dave – it seems that 90s were a parody for everything. Jon, In your biography section you are saying that you intend "to stay with the band for a long time to come and write a lot of great music." Does that mean that you will eventually quit it?
JON:
No, I don't plan on leaving or quitting. Sometimes, shit happens though. You might think everything is fine one minute and the next guitars are being swung at each other and amps are being smashed over each other's heads. That's really not an issue with us though. I think we are bit too laid back sometimes. Plus, Mike is made of metal and can not feel pain. Not someone you would want to fight with.
ALEX: On your Myspace page Steve Demalion was listed playing "guitars and bullshitting". What is that latter instrument?
MIKE: Steve was supposed to join the band. He told us he loved the band and it was what he was looking for. Several months afterwards he tells us, by email, he was leaving because of his day job. We found out he was looking to audition for other bands. So he lied to us and that is where "bullshitting" comes in. It means in America that you're lying. It's a sarcastic statement.
ALEX: What influenced on your decision to switch from Battle Cry Records to Pure Steel Records?
MIKE: We loved Battle Cry Records just for the fact that Andi, the president, is a very honest man. He told us to go ahead and find a new company that could give us a better deal for the second album. Plus I think he folded Battle Cry Records soon after anyway. We had done the 5th Sword brothers festival and really found a professional company with Volker Raabe. We hit it off with Volker and then soon found out he was involved with Pure Steel records. At the time we were in middle of negotiations with another good metal label. But it seemed to be dragging a bit and we weren't about to go through what happened to us with Massacre Records. Massacre offered us a deal for the first album and then 3 months went by and we couldn't get a reply from them. That delayed the release of 1st album because we had to shop it all over again. We weren't taking any chances for the second one so I contacted Pure Steel to see if they would be interested and in 3 days a deal was done. Very good people at Pure Steel records.
ALEX: Yes, sadly, I heard exactly the same - that Andi has closed his label. I got a bit puzzled with the release date of "The Salem Gun Witch", an EP, which has been painstakingly described on your Myspace page. Would you please clear it up a bit? And why do you not intend to play it live?
MIKE: The "Salem Gun Witch" is a side project of ours in which we hope to release in between the full length CD's. I had written it earlier in the bands beginning stages. We had so much material going on, that I just set it aside. After the 1st album was released, Dave wanted to resurrect in some shape or form. So we came up with the EP idea. The plan was to start and release it last summer but, as usual, there were things that happened and we had to put a hold on it. These songs will be a bit more progressive than the songs on our CD's. Not that these songs sound like this, but the best I could describe it would be something in the style of Mercyful Fate. There will only be 3-4 songs on each EP. It is planned as a series of EP's that will tell the story of "The Salem Gun Witch". The reason that they will never be played is that in order to tell the stories, we may use orchestration or keyboards to create emotions or atmosphere and they may not fall into the ArcticFlame style. ArcticFlame as a live band, will not have keyboards, just bone crushing, true metal guitars. The songs are written for the first one, we just have to find the time to rehearse them and start recording them.
ALEX: Thank you very much for such an interview! The latest record from Arctic Flame, "Declaration" is already out in the stores of Pure Steel Records, Germany, (their page is: http://www.puresteel-records.com/ )! Metalheads, don't pay attention to the economical crisis and just get the records - I can't even tell which one you should get first - get both LPs!
The band pages are:
http://www.myspace.com/arcticfire
http://www.arcticflamemetal.com/
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ASTRAL DOORS - Patrik Johanson (Singer) ( 19 April 2006 )
(Interviewer: Wim van Grunsven, Veghel, The Netherlands)
WIM: How have the reactions to "Astralism" been?
PATRIK: Very good so far. They are the best we have been extremely good, obviously. Definitely the best we ever have had. I guess you know that we have released three albums now and I really hope that this can be. I am really sure that this one can bring us be one step up the ladder against the start.
WIM: Well it should do, because it is a very strong album. Stronger than anything you have done before.
PATRIK: Yes, I really think so too. I think the songs are better overall on this one. That is why we are extremely happy with it. The media reactions have been overwhelming so far.
WIM: Did you change anything in the songwriting to make this album better?
PATRIK: Actually no. All the guys in this band live in the same small town here in the middle of Sweden and we meet each other almost every day. That is how we also write our stuff. When we write our stuff it always starts with a riff. The guitar players then create instrumental demos which they send over to me. I then create the vocal lines and afterwards I write the lyrics to it. When I have my part ready I just go into the studio and record my vocals. We have worked the same way on all of our albums. So I think we haven't changed anything, not really. What we might have changed is the guitar riffs. Our first album "Of The Son And The Father" was pretty much influenced by Black Sabbath and Rainbow. Our second album, "Evil Is Forever", also went in that direction, although it was a bit more modern. On this new one I think the guitar players have looked more at themselves. I think they have found their own style more. I think that it's great and that we are coming more and more into our own style.
WIM: : I also think that the power of the songs has never come out as good as it has on "Astralism".
PATRIK: You know, I think that especially the guitars sound very powerful. My vocals too, I wanted to give the world my best performance ever on this album. I really think I did a swell job. You could say that we are extremely happy with the result.
WIM: Do you think that the "Astral Doors" EP of last year gave you just that bit of extra attention which was profitable for the new album?
PATRIK: I don't know. I hope so. The EP we released in October 2005 does contain "Raiders Of The Ark" and it contains some songs that before were only released in Japan. One song on that record ("Easy Rider") had never been released before, it was a left over from the "Evil Is Forever" sessions. The reason we released it was because we wanted to have something just for the fans, we didn't want them to have to sit there and wait for new material. That is why we brought this as a little gift for the fans. I don't think we are going to make any money on it or so, but it was just a treat for them, for people that like Astral Doors. Also I know that "Raiders Of The Ark" has become a bit of a radio hit, so that's great.
WIM: You are a singer that will never be able to escape the comparison with Tony Martin and Ronnie James Dio, but on "Astralism" you have finally succeeded in putting your own mark on them, so that people do hear that these vocals are definitely sung by Patrik Johanson.
PATRIK: Thanks a lot, I appreciate that. I think you are right, because on the first album we wanted to do an album in the same league as the old classics like Black Sabbath's "Heaven And Hell" and stuff. On the second album we had found ourselves a little bit more and on this one, especially on the vocals, it has worked. I have never tried to steal anything from the people you mention, I have just been influenced by them. Of course those influences are still strong, but I think I rose onto a new level on "Astralism". I am glad you mentioned it, because the stuff I do is on very high level. I actually don't think that either Ronnie James Dio or Tony Martin could pull off what I have done on "Astralism". This is the best thing I have ever done on an album.
WIM: At least you are very self confident, which is an important aspect for a vocalist.
PATRIK: I have to be. What I do is pretty high up in the pitch, you know. If you really sit down and compare my stuff to that of Dio you will find that I sing a lot higher. As I said he is a very important influence, my all time favourite, but my vocals are much more aggressive, much more powerful.
WIM: I know you have a great voice, because I have also seen you perform live, at Sweden Rock 2004. Astral Doors was very good, then, and you especially impressed me. When will you be coming to show everyone what you can do?
PATRIK: Wow, you have seen us live? And I impressed you? That is a compliment. Thank you very much. The cool thing about Sweden Rock is that is was only our second live performance ever, so for you to tell me you liked it very much is very rewarding. We did one festival before that, but Sweden Rock was our second show. The third one was Wacken Open Air in Germany, so that is a list of shows to be very proud of. We don't only do big shows, but also do a lot of club gigs. I think we are best suited for big arena gigs. Our music does suit those venues perfectly. We play rock-'n-roll music and it is pure fun to do that.
WIM: Living in a small town, you have always been close together. Does that mean you were always friends, even at a young age?
PATRIK: Actually, drummer Johan Lindstedt and me have been playing together for many years now. The rest became friends as soon as Astral Doors started. That was when Johan and guitar player Joachim Nordlund got together to play music. I don't know how the hell they met, but they decided to get together and start writing some songs in old, classic hard rock style. They needed a singer and Johan said: what the hell, we should just call Patrik and do some vocals to this. That happened and we became very good friends. Now we hang out almost every day.
WIM: Did you know you had a good voice before you started with Astral Doors?
PATRIK: I have been around in the local scene for many years. I used to sing in a band with a local guitar player called Eric Bojfeldt, who has played with Glenn Hughes on his albums "From Now On" and "Burning Japan Live". We used to have a Deep Purple cover band. We called ourselves Purple Rain, just because we only played songs from Deep Purple and Rainbow. We did stuff like "Stargazer", "Long Live Rock-'n-Roll", "Speed King", "Burn"(obviously) and stuff like that, so I already knew I had a voice that was suited for the hard rocking music. To keep up with all of it I have to train my voice a lot. I have always been training so hard, because when you scream like I do and then have to out on tour, it is very important for the voice to be as strong as possible. I have to prepare myself properly, Have to train and practice a lot to make my voice stronger. That is also an advice I always give to young singers: practice and train your voice properly. Take care of your voice. Stay away from the whisky. I'm not saying lay off the alcohol, because I do drink the beers, you know. Beer is okay for me, but not the whiskies and so.
WIM: You are still growing with Astral Doors. How far have you come in your growth?
PATRIK: Patrik: That's a really tough question. I don't have the answer to that at all. I think that if you look at what we have done so far and who we are, I would say that we have the talent, the songs and the albums to become a big band. For the rest it's up to the people to like us and buy our stuff, so that we can keep on growing. Of course we can go all the way, but we need the support of the music lovers, and a bit of luck. The thing is that we have to tour a lot. That to me is essential. That's the most important thing we need to do; face the fans. Show ourselves on the stage, let them know what we stand for. It is a long hard road, but as long as we think it's fun we are going to do it. If you haven't got the heart to do it, you just can't go on.
WIM: Will you be coming out on the road soon?
PATRIK: This spring we are doing club gigs here in Sweden, just to promote the album. In the summer we're going to do some festivals. We are booking a few at this very moment. In the fall we will be touring Europe as the special guests of Blind Guardian. That will be a gigantic chance for us to meet new fans and we are really excited about it. We're going to do at least 30 shows with Blind Guardian,. Visiting 15 countries. We will be doing Holland as well and it definitely will be a big thrill for us. (29 September in 013, Tilburg)
WIM: When you tour, how do you keep your voice sharp for such a long time?
PATRIK: I have never been on a tour this long, so I'm not sure how everything is going to go. It will be interesting for me. I have done a tour of 14 gigs in 14 days before, but this is different. What I do is I just rest, as often as possible. After the gigs I rest my voice. The next day while waiting for the show I rest my voice as well. I am just drinking a lot of water and before the show starts I make sure that I warm up my voice by singing up, or however you say that. I'm like an athlete, so I have to take care of my voice.
WIM: Well, I would like to thank you for your time and effort and hope to see you on the tour.
PATRIK: Thank you and good luck to your webzine!
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AXEL RUDI PELL - Axel Rudi Pell (guitar) (4 November 2008)
(Interviewer: Mr. Globbetrotter
, Breda, The Netherlands)
Axel Rudi Pell recently released his 19th album, when you include his "Ballads" albums and his live releases. Axel began his career as promising axeman in the German band "Steeler".
Mr. Globetrotter talked to the very polite and humorous Axel about his career so far, his latest release and future plans.
GLOBBETROTTER: Hi Axel, thank you for making time for us…
AXEL: No problem, it has been hectic the last few weeks but I'm up for it.
GLOBBETROTTER: Axel, "Steeler" is almost 25 years behind you. What did you take with you,
music wise, from that period in time? "Call Her Princess" was on that first
album, and it is still played live….
AXEL: That period was a learning school. To play live, record albums, write music and lyrics, I
had to get used to that pattern and I have enjoyed that very much, it benefits me for
what the band is now. It is true, we have played "Call Her Princess" a lot of years but
we are going to change the set list for our upcoming tour and I don't think we will play
it anymore; it is time for a new approach on stage.
GLOBBETROTTER: Back in 1989 you started your own band. Looking at the list of musicians over
the years, you haven't really used a lot of people. Are you such a nice boss or
what is the secret behind it it?
AXEL: Hahaha yes that's true, I have used a limited amount of musicians. Volker (bass) has
been with us from the beginning, and I think I have used four vocalists. I think we now
have found the balance because this line-up has been around for 10 years. When I look
back, it seems that we lost other musicians because there was no 100% commitment to
the band when we had to go on tour and there were other agreements with other bands.
We don't have that anymore, everyone is dedicated to and focused on Axel Rudi Pell.
GLOBBETROTTER: Johnny Gioeli has been your vocalist for years now. Have you actively listened
to what all vocalists had done before they got in the band?
AXEL: Oh yes, I was very much aware of what they had released. I still listen to what they do
Nowadays. Rob Rock has been in the band for a year and I've heard practically
everything that Impellitteri had released, so also the albums he did with Rob. He
actually was our support act a few years back with another band. He asked me if I
could play a part on his upcoming solo album and I did, we're still good friends. I heard
that Charlie Huhn was on Sweden Rock when we played there last year, but security
wouldn't let him through when he tried to look us up..oh well, we'll meet again for
sure sometime…I actually heard that story when we were driving home.
Jeff Scott Soto was advised to me by a Dutch guy, when I needed a replacement for
Rob. We sat down and after a short while, we both knew we had chemistry.
Unfortunately, he also left the band because of other arrangements with another band
in the USA. Then came Johnny, and he never left……….
GLOBBETROTTER: Style wise, you have always been associated with Ritchie Blackmore and
Yngwie Malmsteen. Don't you get tired of hearing that over and over again?
AXEL: Actually, Blackmore's last album has only a few nice songs, his play is not comparable
to what he did before with Purple and Rainbow. I know, after every album I read that
it's again a Blackmore-thing but that is not realistic. I think that the fact that we play a
Stratocaster is the binding factor. The three of us had long hair and we were all dressed
in black, or dark clothes. Our way of playing has diversified so much that you
can't compare that anymore.
GLOBBETROTTER: "Diamonds Unlocked" was your cover project. But in the past you have covered
other songs like Free's "Wishing Well" , Deep Purple's "When a blind man
cries" and Uriah Heep's "July Morning". Diamonds Unlocked took a
completely different path. Do you ever feel like re-recording your older songs
that you really like but that might need a fresh approach?
AXEL: Oh no, I will not re-record older songs with the current line-up. Why would I ? I feel no
need to repeat myself doing that. Our first album did not have a good production, but
I'm fine with the others. For that reason, we are thinking of releasing a remastered box
set, maybe with a t-shirt. I know that Kiss recorded some older songs with the current
line-up but I fail to see what that could benefit us doing that. What we might do, is re-
record an older song but then acoustic. I see value in that, but not copying what we
released previously.
GLOBBETROTTER: Ballads gave you a part of your fame. I remember the first song I heard of you,
which was "Come Back To Me" which I like very much, and later on, you
released the Ballads-albums…..
AXEL: I agree, those albums were very successful.
GLOBBETROTTER: Now, "Tales Of The Crown" has just been released; some rhythm changes were
announced but nothing fancy in terms of change in style. I must say I was
surprised with the sound and tightness of the song material, and I have heard
major changes….
AXEL: To some, it will sound quite different, but I feel we still kinda stuck to our own style.
Except maybe for "Emotional Echoes" which is completely different, and the slight
rhythm changes in "Ain't Gonna Win" and "Crossfire" to me are not so much different.
But it is nice to hear that you noticed it…
GLOBBETROTTER: The title of the album is a continued story that links to the other album titles.
The knights have returned with the crown. So…that story seems over. It is also
kind of similar to the way that Ronnie James Dio wrote his lyrics, thematically.
How are you going to proceed with that?
AXEL: Ah….well, the crown might have evil powers in it so it might get lost again, hahahaha.
That is one of the things that I will have to develop next year. I spoke to Ronnie some
time ago about our album covers and the album titles and he complimented me with
that, which made me very proud; Ronnie is one of my heroes, he writes excellent stuff.
GLOBBETROTTER: Speaking about Dio, I heard that it is your dream to make an album or a project
that involves all of your favourite singers. Is that a dream that you will persue?
It sounds like an Ayreon project…..
AXEL: It would be great if I could pull that off, and I talked about that with the record
company, but it has a lot of legal issues and problematical angles, so….one I get a
"GO" , I will go for it. Maybe not with EVERY singer that I would like to have, but
certainly it has to involve Ronnie James Dio, Paul Rodgers and Glenn Hughes…
GLOBBETROTTER: When Arjen Lucassen can pull that off, why wouldn't you be able to?
AXEL: I don't know, really. The issues must be solved before I could go ahead with it. It
cannot be an Axel Rudi Pell album, it must be a project….
GLOBBETROTTER: I quite liked your latest DVD release which also contained some acoustical sets.
Is an acoustical set part of your gigs?
AXEL: Yes, we have done this for a few years now and I want to go on with it. We might play
"Fool Fool" acoustic…that would be great. But we also played "Love Gun"(Kiss) for
years now, so that one is out…At festivals, we don't do that, only in club shows. There
are lots of ideas for the upcoming tour.
GLOBBETROTTER: Finally, what are your plans for the future?
AXEL: For the near future we have to develop a new setlist, tour schedules, merchandise, and
after the tour we will probably do some festivals again, starting in april, and after that I
will write the music and lyrics for the next album, which is scheduled for 2010.
GLOBBETROTTER: OK Axel, thank you for your time and we will see eachother on tour in
February 2009!
AXEL: My pleasure, see you in February!!
|
AXEMASTER - Joe Sims (Guitarist) ( 5 August 2006 )
(Interviewer: Marco van Empel, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO: Your band is started in the year 1985, is that right?
JOE: Officially yeah. Actually, I first used the name Axemaster a few years earlier when I was 16 as the name of the first recording project I ever did, it was a solo thing on a 4 track with me doing everything but drums. But it was 1985 when we first formed as a true band with the lineup that did our first recordings.
MARCO: Can you tell the European heavy metal fans something about the history of your band?
JOE: We recorded our first demo called "Slave to the Blade" in 1986. That got us a deal with Azra Records and with them we did the album "Blessing in the Skies" and 2 shaped picture discs called "The Vision" and "Crusades". After that, we changed the lineup, got a new singer and bass player. That lineup did "Death Before Dishonor", a tape of rehearsal and 4 track recordings that was put out by a promo company in Belgium and a manager we had in France. A year later we changed singers again to record "5 Demons". We ended up getting a couple new members and changing the name to The Awakening. That band did 1 CD and broke up in 95. Unisound Records did a couple re-releases of our stuff on CD in the early 2000s, and that brings us to now. We officially started the project again in March of this year. Since then we have been mostly writing, doing promo, and talking to record companies - getting things ready for a full scale assault!
MARCO: Axemaster is still one of the most legendary cult heavy metal bands from the states, why did you never change your style? I'm sure your a big heavy metal fan by yourself too?
JOE: Thanks! Oh yeah, I love metal, it's all I listen to. I'm a HUGE fan of bands like old Metallica, Black Sabbath, old Savatage, and Iron Maiden. Metal is more than music, it's a way of life. I'm a 100% metalhead. That's why I never changed the style of music I play. I would never play anything but metal, I'm not into doing anything else.
MARCO: You are recording a new studio album, still in the old style again?
JOE: Like I said,we will NEVER change our style!!! Axemaster is pure metal, that's it, always has been and always will be. Right now, well, at the time of this interview, we're getting ready to record 3 new songs to shop to record labels. We're ready to do a full length album, just need label backing. There are a couple companies who are interested in working with us before even listening to our new stuff because of our name and reputation, but even if one of them works out right away we still need to record and have something for people to check out right now so everybody knows that Axemaster still has the same style and sound that what we always did.
MARCO: Do you have planned some tour days yet and when ae you guys coming to Europe?
JOE: We haven't gotten into planning a tour yet. We want to get a CD done with a record company first. That's the most important thing. We want something new to support on tour! We have some offers to play some festivals over there!!!!! We also have a couple people from different parts of Europe who want to book some shows for us. That doesn't even include what a label would do.
MARCO: Anyway, your first demo tape was out in 1986. Why have you decided to use the "Josef Stalin" intro...? - How do you remember recording session of the "Slave To The Blade tape?
JOE: Josef Stalin was something we threw in at the end just because we thought it was cool and fit with our sound. It was a sort of poem that I wrote for a college class, the music came later. The keyboards weren't even meant for those words, they were just something I was messing around with. I ended up experimenting with some different stuff, put the 2 together, and an intro was born! We've always been into using intros and sound effects that are interesting and work with the overall mood of what we're trying to do. The sessions for "Slave to the Blade" were great. It wasn't totally planned out. Chris just called one day and said he booked us in the studio, we had no idea it was coming. It was just like, okay, fuck it, let's just do it. None of us had ever been in a real studio before so it was definitely a learning experience. It let us know a lot of what to do and what not to do in recording. It's funny to think of us back then, a bunch of new guys running around not knowing what the hell was going on but having a kick ass time doing it! It ended up being the best thing we ever could have done, it really got us started on the right track.
MARCO: Did you never need a bigger label to get more fans in the underground scene?
JOE: We would have liked to have gotten together with a bigger label to back us, it definitely would have helped get our stuff around. But even though that didn't end up happening we still got a big underground following worldwide. Since starting the band back up we really found out how big the following is and it's just getting bigger! Tons of people from all over are getting in touch and telling us how psyched they are that the band's back together, and others who are just now checking us out and digging the stuff we did. Anyway, because of that following we hope that we can land a deal with a bigger company.
MARCO: What actually came out first - the "Crusades" single, or the "Blessing In The Skies" LP?
JOE: To tell you the truth I didn't know for sure until a couple days ago! I just found out that "Blessing" came out 2 years earlier. Azra wasn't totally truthful with us and put out the "Crusades" disc without even bothering to tell us! I ended up finding out about it in like 2000 from the internet!!!!!! I had to get my copy off ebay, they should have at least gave us some free ones!!!!!!
MARCO: Who got the idea about the one track shape single?
JOE: Azra did. There were actually 2 songs on it, one from "Blessing" and a bonus live track. Azra specialized in doing shaped picture discs, I think they got some kind of world record as the company who did the most of them. Anyway, we thought it was a cool idea so we went for it. I'm glad we did, it's something kind of different that not everybody does. Plus it gave us the chance to use the extra live song that we probably wouldn't have used on a regular album. I'm pretty proud of the record, I definitely still like to show it to people.
MARCO: How do you think, in how many copies "Blessing In The Skies" was actually pressed? Currently it's rather hard to find this one!
JOE: Again, Azra never bothered to tell us. It was practically impossible to get a straight answer from them about anything. We just kept getting put off and never got any of the info we were looking for, just a lot of bullshit double-talk. It wasn't easy to deal with. Hell, if they never told us how many were pressed, we DEFINITELY have no real idea of how many they actually sold. Our licensing agreement was over in 1990 and Azra wasn't supposed to press any after that. Whether they actually did or not I have no idea. It looks to me like they sold out all they had so it would be hard to find a new copy. That's one reason that we want to re-release it.
MARCO: 1988 Azra released next shaped picture disc single... Why? Weren't they interested in doing second full length album?
JOE: Actually, WE didn't want to. Like I said, they weren't honest with us so we decided we'd be better off on our own. They gave us a lot of headaches and we weren't into dealing with them anymore. I think it was probably the right decision, you can only take so much bullshit. At least they helped get our name known internationally, that was a really positive thing to come out of it. It definitely makes our working with them a lot more worthwhile. But it's really too bad, it could have been a majorly kick ass partnership if they just would have just been up front and honest with us!
MARCO: Did you still got other offers since you splitt with Azra?
JOE: Yeah but nothing we wanted to go with at the time. After what we went through with Azra we were being really careful, well, more like paranoid about who we worked with and what kind of deal we got into. I think we might have been a little too careful and possibly missed out on some opportunities. I wish the stuff from "Death Before Dishonor" could have been done in a studio and released on a label. There were some great tunes on there but the recording, distribution, and packaging didn't do them justice. At least the material was put out and got around Europe, the 2 places we worked with on the release did a lot more than what we could have done alone. But it would have been a lot better with a decent label. But hey, it's easy to look back and second guess decisions you made, it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. We might end up recording a couple of the songs again for a new release so they can be done right.
MARCO: The Five Demons tape from the year 1991 sounds great! Was it hard for you those days? Grunge was very big those days.
JOE: Thanks! I think it's some of the best guitar work I've done in the studio. It was VERY hard in those days, the 90's sucked, especially here. Heavy metal was at its very lowest point and that release was maybe the heaviest one we did. It got great reviews from metal mags, but the overall metal fan base was weak so it didn't reach enough people. If it would've come out a few years earlier or now I think it would have done GREAT. It sucks, but it was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. We're gonna make up for that now!
MARCO: The year 1995 was the end of Axemaster but also heavy metal was dead those days. Do you also hate the mid 90's so much?
JOE: I hated the 90's scene more than you can ever know! I don't think metal was ever totally dead, but it was in really bad shape. It was almost impossible for underground metal bands to find any kind of success, especially here. I'm glad that decade is long gone!
MARCO: What did you do in the years without Axemaster?
JOE: I played in the bands The Awakening, Reign, and Dream or Nightmare. They were metal and we did some pretty cool stuff, but nothing that compares to Axemaster. They lacked something special. I can't tell you what it is, just a feel and an energy that this band has that those didn't. This is the band that I was born to play with and that will never change. Especially after going through the stuff I've been through I realise that there's something special here that can't be replaced.
MARCO: How do you think, where Axemaster could be now, if you wouldn't stop to play back then?
JOE: I've thought about that, it's really tough to say. I should have worked to keep it going since it's what I'm really into doing. But there's no use dwelling on it even though I do wish that things would have went different. The most important thing is that we're back and ready to kick some ass. It's GREAT to be playing this music again, I missed it.
MARCO: The Greece label Unisound released a best of, how did you choose songs for this album?
JOE: I took the songs I liked the most that had studio recordings. There were some other songs that I would have liked to include, but I didn't have the rights to them at the time.
MARCO: 2 Years later you released "Death Before Dishonor" album on CD, are you happy with them?
JOE: Yes and no. I'm glad that they got our music around, it's really helped keep the band name alive, gave us great promo, and got us a lot of new fans. Unisound definitely did a good job with that. At the time we did those discs I was in Dream or Nightmare and never imagined that Axemaster would come back. I had no idea that keeping the name alive would end up being so important. I was just happy that the stuff was finally on CD and that more people were able to check out what I did in the past. So I was happy with Unisound for a while, until I learned that they were keeping money that should have been ours. They didn't end up paying us any royalties!!!!! They definitely owe us some cash because I KNOW they sold a lot of those discs, we definitely got ripped off. So it was a good news, bad news sort of deal.
MARCO: How many unreleased Axemaster tracks from the 80s you still want to release?
JOE: There are just a couple with good recordings that we want to include on a re-release of "Blessing in the Skies". But there are a lot of different unreleased songs that have bad sounding recordings of us at practice or that I did on a 4 track. Too bad, there's a lot of good stuff there that I wish could have been released. Who knows, at some point in the future we might end up doing a good recording of a couple of those tunes.
MARCO: In 2005 I heard the great news about Axemaster's reunion...So, I hope that this mean that we will finally see and hear the original "Blessing In The Skies" on CD as well?
JOE: Yep, definitely. Like I said, it'll probably include 2 unreleased bonus tracks and 3 songs from the album that have never been on CD. Who knows, we might throw some video on there too. It'll definitely include a cool booklet with a bunch of pictures and liner notes. We have good offers from a couple different companies right now, so I know it will be out there, probably by the end of this year at the latest.
MARCO: Joe do you want to tell the fans something I'll forget to ask?
JOE: You can get in touch with me at AxemasterInfo@aol.com, feel free to write if you want more info. If you're interested in keeping up to date with what the band's doing, let me know and I'll put you on our mailing list. Our site for now is our Myspace page at www.myspace.com/thebandaxemaster. And I'd like to give a shout out to all the fans of the band from over the years. You guys kick some serious ass, we wouldn't be anywhere without you and we will never forget that. You're definitely the best fans any band could have!!!!!! KEEP IT METAL!
MARCO: Thank you very very much for the interview !
Looking forward to hear new stuff of Axemaster !
Good Luck & Heavy Metal Is King !!!
|
BENEDICTUM - Veronica Freeman (Singer) ( 1 April 2006 )
(Interviewer: Wim van Grunsven, Veghel, The Netherlands)
WIM: Hello Veronica, how is everything been going since the last time we spoke?
VERONICA: It's not going so very good. I have just started a new job and am constantly running around, working 10 to 12 hours per day. That means I do not have enough time to relax, let alone for the band and that is very frustrating. The worst part of it I am creating a whole new store and it is not even for me. It that was the case, it wouldn't bother me to do so much work, but it's not, so I do! I would rather be working for myself and I certainly would rather be working on this music.
WIM: Getting to the music. You're coming over to Europe!
VERONICA: I know! We are so looking forward to coming and I do need some chocolate.
WIM: Well, you are in the right place when you get to Belgium!
VERONICA: I can't wait to come over. I am really overwhelmed, because on a personal basis, for me, this is what I wanted for at least ten years. I thought about it every day and it has been in my head every living minute. Finally it is happening and I am really scared and excited at the same time. I am very nervous about the Gods Of Metal show in Italy. We still have to work out a lot of stuff, as in travelling arrangements, lodgings and so forth. I am the only girl and I have to figure out how and where I am going to change, how I will do my hair. It is part of my image, so I need some space for all my gear to make sure I can maintain that image on stage. It sounds silly, but I got to have what I have to have. I also know how nervous I get, so I am hoping that we can get there a few days early, so we can get over the jetlag. Then I am sure I will be in top form. It is in June, so it will be hot and also outdoors. Especially the last bit is that over which I concern myself so much, because we have never done that before, at least not on a scale like this before. There is going to be a ton of people and I don't know what to expect. As to the club venues, I am really looking forward to that, but I have mixed feelings about it, because I have never done back to back shows like that. I know it is going to be tasking on me, especially if we have to travel far from one day to another.
WIM: Well, I am coming to see you in Eindhoven and Vosselaar, and those two are only about 50 kilometres apart.
VERONICA: Thank God. I don't know how everything is going to pan out. I mean, we have never been the headliner before. That means that it is all very different. Also exciting, but mainly different. I am just hoping that we get a sound check and I have enough time to get ready for the shows. I can't wait.
WIM: Back to the album. How have the reactions to "Uncreation" been so far?
VERONICA: I would say beyond my expectations. Part of me was actually hoping for it, but it has been fabulous. I am still behind on my written interviews. I still have a lot of them to finish, but not enough time to do so. I have also done loads of telephone interviews, and yours actually was the first one from Europe! I am now also staring to get the magazines over from Europe, so thank you everybody for sending them to me. It is very good to see everything in print. It looks so far so good. Also the American press has just started. My first phone interview was with someone from New Jersey, and that was kind of cool. It was for an online magazine or something like that. I am also receiving many requests via our American promotional company, and that is great. So it is all starting to happen and the reactions so far are very good, so I am thrilled. We all are! Through the website we are getting more and more fan mail and stuff, and that is totally incredible. When I see and read all those great reviews I get extremely humble and grateful. I can't speak for the rest of the band, but for me this is something that I have always dreamed about and it kind of funny when the reality hits home and I am very relieved. I really didn't expect all of this. Others, like our producer Jeff Pilson and Craig Goldy, our good friend and guest guitar player on the album, did predict all of this. They told us it would really take off and emphasised that we were certainly going to get noticed. My thoughts when they said those things was that I thought it would be nice, but I absolutely did not expect all to happen that is happening to us right now. We have never had so much feedback as we are getting now. I still get nervous when I read a new review and then I look at the rating. Sometimes I am disappointed, because it ts lower than I expected. But then again, I have been getting such high ratings that I am very privileged. It is incredible and I just shake my head, because I am blown away.
WIM: What you just said sounds a bit like a paradox. You guys created this sound, this music. Why are you then so humbled if the response is the same as what you yourself think of the music. Is it not a good thing to see that the people rate your music just as high as you do yourself?
VERONICA: That is because I have been doing this for quite a while now, and up and until "Uncreation" the recognition has only been local, without any further consequences. Or I get told that I have a very distinctive voice and it sounds very different from anything they have heard before. But that's how far it goes, not an inch further. Therefore it is really strange to finally see the reviews we are getting now. When this happens you can only hope you are going to get a good reaction. The reality of it is that this is really humbling for me. It is also really cool. Yeah, of course you always dream about it, but the reality is sometimes different than the way I see it. Now it is finally going the way we always hoped I am really anxious to get over to Europe and play for all of you. The reactions were and are so very positive that it makes you want to come over and play. Over here "Uncreation" was only released a couple of weeks ago, so now hopefully the same is going to happen on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. But for now we want to go out and support this thing and see how far we can push the envelope. That is what frustrates me, because I can't be there to help boost ourselves all the time. It makes me look at my regular day job and think: "I wish that I could quit this boring job and be there, spend all my time to the music." Also I don't know whenever these set of circumstances will come into my life again and I want to take full advantage of the momentum we have going at this moment in time. I am in the midst of making some other arrangements in my life so I can afford to take a lot more time to fully join the promotion of our album.
WIM: As you said yourself, you have a very distinctive voice. What do you do to train it?
VERONICA: Not a damn thing. Absolutely nothing.. I get asked that a lot and I think that when I first started singing metal it was suggested that I take some lessons as to train my voice. So I did and most of the vocal coaches I went to were like: "If you're going to sing this kind of music you're not going to last long. We have to totally change your technique." But by changing that it also changes that power I need for my metal voice. The most I learned is from a professional opera singer, who saw my voice as a wild animal that needed to be tamed. He is the one who taught me the most, but he was very expensive, so I couldn't afford him. Even he was like WOW when it came to my voice. You've got to remember that almost no one was into this kind of music, so they just were not ready for someone like me to come along. So I don't take a lot of care to my voice. On the other hand I do take a lot of care in my health over all, because the voice just does it's own thing. I know my voice can come over kind of rough and even male if you like. That is also why our producer and friend Jeff Pilson was very adamant to put some softer stuff on "Uncreation". That would give people the chance to hear that I really am a woman. "Valkyrie Rising" and "Mysogyny" do that, I mean, I definitely sound like a woman on the last one, don't I?
WIM: You definitely do.
VERONICA: You know, that comments of me sounding like a man used to upset me at first because I just didn't know how to take it. But then my band members would tell me to let them think that, because it is actually great to catch the people unaware when we come to play for them. It just makes it stand out that much more. I love the angelic voices that singers like Sharon and Tarja can put out, but it is not me. Although I must admit that I am actually contemplating putting just one little piece of my version of the high pitched voice on the next album, just to show people I can. Not much, just al little bit hahaha.
WIM: Last time we spoke there was the possibility of Craig Goldy coming along to Europe with you guys. Is that still going to happen?
VERONICA: I don't think so. He said that if we would do just festivals for the summer he would definitely come with us and play on stage, but on this tour we are doing club gigs and outdoor shows mixed, so I reckon he is not coming. Even more important for him, I have just been told that Dio has asked him to participate in some new material, so he should at least have some good work coming his way now. The same goes for Jeff Pilson, because not only is he a good friend of us, but we also want to find out if and when he will have time to produce our next album. I definitely want to stick with him. I know you think that the production of "Uncreation" was just on the edge of being overproduced, but I am sure that that is exactly the sound that Jeff wanted for us. We gave him a complete free hand to do the production and he came up with a sound that is so in your face that it makes it melt. And yes, you are right, if he had gone just that little bit further it would have been too much. Now it is just perfect. Now we can duplicate the feel that is on the record, if he had gone over the top that would have become impossible. That was always my concern in the back of my mind. As it stands now, we can do it. Let's put it this way: It was produced to the max, without going over the line. I am really happy with that.
WIM: How often do you rehearse?
VERONICA: That will always be three or four nights per week. I know I am in Phoenix now, but that is just for the weekend to be with my loved one. During the week we all are in San Diego. I am very grateful to have everything I have at the moment. I just get a little bit stressed out when things are not going as I want them to, but I know everything is going to pan out in the end. That's what I keep thinking of when the panic sets in. I am so worried to come over to Europe unprepared, and it freaks me out. That would be my worst nightmare, to come over without the right preparation and the feeling that we are ready to kick some European ass! I am already planning the packing of my suitcase, am trying to wrap stuff up at work and that sort of stuff. I just want to go with a nice and clear mind, because that is paramount for me. I want us all to maximise it and make the most of our time there. I want it to be a wonderful experience for us, because you never know if you're going to get this chance ever again. That goes for everybody individually and as a group. I hope we can give the fans all they are hoping for and then some more. I have no idea what it's going to be like but we're definitely going to make the most of it
WIM: Having only done one album, how are you going to fill a headlining spot? Does it mean we might hear some Malady stuff live?
VERONICA: How we are going to fill the spots depends on how long the sets are. We do not have a lot of stuff of our own, so we will be have to be going for the quality of the songs instead of the quantity. We don't have enough songs to fill two hours a night. That would be very awkward. We will not be playing Malady songs, because that was just guitar player Peter (Wells) and me. The rest of the band were not part of that, they are Benedictum, and that's what we will be playing. What I would like is for every individual musician to finally have the chance to do a proper solo during the tour, because that has never been possible up and until now. We are not the kind of band to improvise on stage as to prolong a set. Don't forget we don't have a lot of live experience under our belt with this line up. I can tell you that we will be playing a new song when we come over.
WIM: How many new songs have you got? When you recorded "Uncreation", you had to write fast, because the Locomotive deal came on so fast.
VERONICA: Well, we are still in the midst of the writing process. After we made the demo that got us the record deal Jeff Pilson went over all of our songs and pointed out what the strengths and weaknesses of them were. He rearranged them with us and told us what to look out for in the future. That is also why all the songs on the album are so strong. It is also the reason for us taking our time right now, because we want to do it right from the word go. Yes, we had to hurry with "Uncreation", because just three months after the demo we were asked to do a whole record. Who knows if this will happen again? It will depend on the schedule of Jeff and on our ability to write good songs. The lyrics will not be a problem, because they all come from my mind. They all are about things that concern me in one way or the other. They are my way of dealing with those issues. Some of them are personal, others are not. It is at least very therapeutic for me to write down my thoughts and through this medium get rid of any skeleton that might be hiding in my closet. But to get back to the question, it is going slow. We have some frameworks done, but only one of them is finished far enough to take out on the road with us. We are going to keep on writing in our own pace and make it sound like clockwork instead of trying to throw together a lot of ideas in a hurry. You will just have to wait for the result. We always look at the live set, because that has to be filled with good songs that have a certain quality and that can really wow the audience, rather than using some fillers to prolong the set. That just doesn't work.
WIM: Thank you to Veronica for taking the time on her day off to speak to us!
Metal Wim
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BEYOND FALLEN - Joe Karavis (Vocals) (10 August 2007 )
(Interviewer: Kostas Kounadinis, Athens, Greece)
KOSTAS: Congratulations on your new album.
JOE: Thank you!
KOSTAS: Please introduce the band to our readers and share some biography notes with us.
JOE: Well we got together in 2003, in the summer. I was not doing anything in a band, but perhaps looking to get involved in something. I had some songs that I
wanted to record and was strictly looking for guys for a studio project. Steve and Mike came after me to try to get me to try out - I did not take them very
serious because they were in my town and said they played real, or what is called true metal. I could not believe that. They were into stuff I was into. I was
worried at first that the material was not going to go over very well here, as not enough people here care about metal to support a band like ours. I went,
checked them out, and thought they were ok... saw some potential. They got me in, and we were banging away at some cover songs. We eventually did
our own stuff, a demo, and started this long journey to where we are now. It was not easy, but as time went on the band developed our style and we got
better gigs and once our stuff started getting heard in Europe things started to look much better. We kept at it, and got some good shows with bigger
bands. Then we got signed to Melissa Records and invited to play in Germany at the Headbanger's Open Air. So it kept moving along and now we are
considered one of the newer coming metal bands in the scene that play a classic true metal style. Europe, and in particular Germany, has been great for
us. It has been a long road but we keep moving forward, and every year gets better and better for Beyond Fallen. We think good things are in the future for
the band.
KOSTAS: Joe, I know that you have a rich musical background with participation in other bands. Please give us some info on your previous ventures and your band mates as well.
JOE: I was in many bands, but none really got of fthe ground like Beyond Fallen has. Anger Reign was one of the better ones, off and on in the 90's. We opened
for Over Kill, and Motley Crue to name a few. Did a few demos, but never got signed. Most of the early years the internet was not an option like it is today,
but had it been I think we could have done more with the band. I was in Unleashed Power, did a few demos and that was great stuff - but I wanted to be
able to put my own stamp on the band's music and have creative input - but I did not, so I eventually left. There were several bands that never did much
due to members not having teh head for what it takes to be in more serious metal band. The other guys don't have much past experience with bands, and
have done nothing very serious.
KOSTAS: How would you describe your sound to a man who has never listened to any of your material?
JOE: It's metal. There's no question when you hear it. We try to work hard at keeping the music getting better, and you can hear that when you listen. The
reviews have been very good. I think if you like classic or true metal, power metal, thrash, you will enjoy it. You can't please everyone. Some people only
like high-pitched singers, some only like screaming or growling style. So we just do what we do - and the response from the real metal fans has always
been positive.
KOSTAS: Are you completely satisfied with the result on the new album or is there something that you would like to change?
JOE: You always think you can do better. I think we can do better than Mindfire, but we are proud of it and the metal fans have loved not only the album, but
when they see us live too. I am happy so many people are getting into the album. Now our next one our intention is going to be to blow this one away.
We'd like work with a producer who really knows metal, we are open to that, and I think that might bring it to a whole new level. We'll see.
KOSTAS: What about the feedback on the new record and the band in general?
JOE: It has been great, and we are happy about that. I think we are accomplishing what we hoped for with this record. The fans especially in Germany really seemed to like us. I hope that we can get even more support to be able to come to Europe again soon and do a more extensive tour.
KOSTAS: You signed a contract with a record label for the first time. Why did it take you so long? Are you satisfied with the collaboration with Melissa Records?
Good question! We just did not get the chance until Melissa records came along, and let me tell you this label works hard and is everything a metal band wants. We are thrilled with this label, and I think they are indeed one of the big up and coming labels in the European metal scene. I'm really delighted to have them be our partner in this adventure, and we hope that our relationship continues.
KOSTAS: What are the differences between your new album and your previous works?
JOE: The music is the same style, but we upgraded the guitar sound a bit. The songs are very strong, and the lyrics forceful. This one also has the lyrics, which Lost In The Shadows did not. It's juts a better package all around. That's not taking anything away from Lost In The Shadows because we are very proud of that album as well.
KOSTAS: What do you think about heavy metal in the States? Any new bands worth checking out?
JOE: It's hard here. We play shows and sometimes nobody seems very excited out there. There are good bands, but they get disgusted because the music scene in teh USa is pretty poor right now. I did get to see some fantastic US bands who played the Headbanger's open air with us - Taunted, Wretch, Halloween to name a few. These bands are worth checking out. Our label has some good ones too - Seventh Calling and Ancient Creation - so there is some great talent. Seventh Calling will be coming to Germany next summer, so the fans will get another dose of the Melissa Records bands. I think all of us metal bands in the USA want to come to Europe.
KOSTAS: What are your plans for the future?
JOE: I think we have a lot left in us, and we hope to do some more dates in Europe. We are ready to book some more of the metal festivals so hopefully that will work out. Based on how well we did in Germany when we were there I think the fan base is growing by the day. There are people all over Europe that want to see the band and ask when we are coming back. We're going to finish up 2007 with a lot of gigs here in teh USA and then hopefully start writing the next album.
KOSTAS: I know that the band enjoys touring and entertaining live audiences. Any great bands you shared the stage with or would like to do so in the future?
JOE: Well all the great bands from all over the world we played with at the Headbanger's Open Air Festival. In the past here in the USA we got to play with Metal Church, Over Kill, WASP, and Joey Belladonna of Anthrax. We like meeting and playing with other bands. Again, we want to do more European festivals so that will be exciting to meet the other bands.
KOSTAS: Have you played any shows in Europe and if yes, please compare the European with the American audience.
JOE: Yes, again, we played with at the Headbanger's Open Air Festival and in Hamburg - the crowd was incredible both of these. Sometimes the USA crowds are good, but not as good as in Germany. I don't know how anyone could sit down during our set, or stand in the back. With all teh energy and power we put into playing live it is strange that people in teh USA can'r get more excited sometimes. European crowds just kill - they are the best!
KOSTAS: Who writes the band's lyrics and what are they about? Are you into politics and what do you think about your country's policy?
JOE: Well I write the lyrics and come up with the concepts. Sometimes the politics come into the lyrics. If you get the new album you can read all the words inside. My personal opinion of our country's policy - I am disgusted by most of what I see. It is a shame. There's a lot of propaganda and lies being forced on the people. We have many problems here, but our Government seems to care more about other places. I'm ashamed of what the government is doing... but I am proud to be an American because I believe we have many great and talented people here, and some wonderful things. We just need some major change, or we are going to be in more serious trouble.
KOSTAS: What are your main influences both as a person and a band?
JOE: I am influenced just by what happens around me... history, sci-fi. I grew up listening to Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden etc. The guys share these influences too... a little Iced Earth, Rush, Dream Theatre... even stuff liek Pink Floyd, Slayer, old school thrash... lots of stuff. We bring a lot of influences together and try to do our own thing.
KOSTAS: Would you disband Beyond Fallen if offered a spot in a band you always admired?
JOE: I think it would depend on the situation if I were to do anything outside of this band. It would have to be something really big that my heart was into. But no I would not disband Beyond Fallen. I worked hard the last 4 years on this band and it would not be fair to the fans to just quit. Beyond Fallen is going to be around for a long time!
KOSTAS: Thank you for this interview. The last words belong to you.
JOE: Well I thank you and everyone. Hopefully you all get the new album and let us know what you think. Also, tell everyone that you want to see Beyond Fallen back in Europe to play live! We can't wait to come back!
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BEYOND TWILIGHT - Kelly Carpenter (vocals) ( 10 April 2005 )
(Interviewer: Suzanne Smaling (www.rockpics.nl), Wamel, The Netherlands)
SUZANNE: Hello Kelly,
Thanks a lot for your time, how are you doing?
KELLY: Hi Suzanne, I'm fine...Hope you are well :-)
SUZANNE: How long are you busy in the fascinating world of music.
KELLY: I have been singing in bands since I was about 19...it's been a long road getting here...glad to be here!!!
SUZANNE: What are your plans for the future?
KELLY: In the immediate future I look forward to the release of Section X and playing for the fans.
SUZANNE: How did you came in contact with Beyond Twilight?
KELLY: That's sort of an interesting story...I was at ProgPower USA watching a band called Ark.I really liked their singer...I didn't know who he was at the time. I approached him and told him that I loved his voice and also asked him if he had done any really dark heavy music...he wrote down "Beyond Twilight" on a bar napkin. I got the disc and was blown away by everything on it...what a band, what an album!!! A while later My band Outworld signed up with Intromental Management which is also Beyond Twilight's management...Claus (Director at Intromental) told me that Finn really liked my voice and that he might ask me to do the album...I said "sign me up!!" I was really honored just to be considered for the job... it's the best thing that ever happened to me.
SUZANNE: Did they ask you to join the band or did you do an audition? How did it go?
KELLY: Finn asked me to write melodies and interpret the songs in my own way and to record some demos to see how everything would work out and luckily all the guys including Finn really liked what I came up with for some of the songs.
SUZANNE: Are you still active in the band Outworld and what are the future expectations of that band?
KELLY: Yes-We are recording our debut album in May...we hope that people will connect with what we are doing, we call it "extreme metal"... hopefully it will be out on Replica later this year and after that we have plans to do some touring in Europe.
SUZANNE: Jacob Hansen (ex-Invocator) is also new in the band. How were you two taken into the band?
KELLY: As far as being accepted into the band, I think we both got a really warm welcome from the rest of the guys...they all have a great sense of humor and are really easygoing.
SUZANNE: One can find in your biography that your favorite bands are "The Beatles", "Black Sabbath", "Dio" and "Iron Maiden". Which singer or band influences you the most and why?
KELLY: I guess The Beatles had the biggest influence on me...they opened up the door an really expanded the musical landscape for the world. Ronnie James Dio is really my favorite singer...he has it all...power, beauty, melody and great skill with language...he's the man!!!
SUZANNE: Finn Zierler is the founder of the band, does that mean that he decides everything that the band is going to do, what happens etc?
KELLY: It really isn't a dictatorship. Every member has a lot of input...Finn is the principal writer but it is really a band...not a project. For instance, I wrote quite a bit of the melodies and lyrics on Section X and the rest of the guys put a lot of themselves into this album.
SUZANNE: Who writes the most songs for Beyond Twilight? Do you contribute to the songwriting as well?
KELLY: See above...he he he :-)
SUZANNE: The new album (Section X) is a lot heavier then the first album, is this a wittingly choice?
KELLY: I think it was just a natural progression not really a mindful choice.
SUZANNE: Are there any plans for an European tour?
KELLY: Yes - Sometime in October...nothing solid yet but absolutely...we can't wait to play for the fans.
SUZANNE: Four years ago the first album (The Devil's Hall Of Fame) came out, why did it take so long before the second album was released?
KELLY: Finn really destroys himself mentally and physically during the writing and especially in the recording/production phase... this time his parents had to make him go to the hospital and get treated for exhaustion...he slaves over this music...so I think he needs time to rejuvenate himself...he's crazy man...one of a kind!!!
SUZANNE: What is your favorite Beyond Twilight song and why?
KELLY: I can't say I have a favorite song...but I really love "Sleeping Beauty" for many reasons...it's the oddball song... I also love it because I sang it with Truls from Circus Maximus, we do some soulful trade-off wailing...so cool!!!
SUZANNE: What do you think of your Beyond Twilight predecessor Jorn Lande?
KELLY: I think Jorn is one best singers who ever lived...he's truly one of the all time greats.
SUZANNE: Thanks for this interview and your time is there anything that you would like to say to your fans?
KELLY: I want to thank all the fans for the warm welcome and the overwhelming response to Section X...it's more than I or any of us in the band could ever hope for!!! You guys are the reason we're here...we can't wait to play for you on stage!!!
Thank You Suzanne :
Kelly Sundown Carpenter.
SUZANNE:
Stay heavy!
Greetings, Suzanne Smaling
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BITCH - Betsy (Singer) (25 March 2007 )
(Interviewer: Steve Gaines, USA)
It doesn't seem that long ago, but Los Angeles in the 1980's was a different time, and place. There were new bands finding their way into the underground metal scene – and for the first time, some of the harder edged metal bands featured women – who beyond their beauty proved that they belonged right along side their male counterparts. That it was okay to be a musician first and foremost. In Los Angeles, THE band to see was BITCH. Fronted by the controversial Betsy Weiss a.k.a. Betsy Bitch. The band's stage show is legendary – and in the early Reagan era – it scared the hell out of people. But, once the shock wore off – what you had was a really solid metal band with a vocalist who absolutely commanded every stage she stepped on – and a voice that is stronger than it ever got credit for.
I have known Betsy for 23 years now… and thought it was time that you got to know BETSY BITCH – the woman, the myth, the legend…
STEVE: Betsy, before we start… I want to know this – you're voice is still amazing. In fact it may be better in 2007 than ever. For all of the things you have been known for over the years, how important is it to be known as a vocalist?
BETSY: As the lead vocalist of BITCH, as much as I enjoy being flashy,
provocative, charismatic, sexy, attractive, etc. etc., I also want to back
that up with good vocals. It is extremely important for me to be taken
seriously as a vocalist, as well as a front-person. And yes, my vocals
have matured and improved throughout the years. My range and control have
improved and I'm very happy about that. Sometimes it's difficult to sing
through the Marshall stacks, but I've taken a technique that I was taught
some years ago by a vocal coach and have been able to apply it to our
music throughout the years.
STEVE: How do you maintain your voice? Did you ever fall victim to the rock and roll lifestyle?
BETSY: As I mentioned above, I maintain my voice by always keeping in mind
what my former vocal coach taught me, and by always trying to "sing
correctly". The singers who have longevity in this business are the ones
who are using their instruments right.
STEVE: Going back to the formative years of Bitch – you had a pretty steady lineup through the history of the band with yourself on lead vox, Robby Settles on Drums, and David Carruth on guitar. When the 3 of you decided to put together a band ( a 2 part question ) what was the impetus for the music – was your style a representation of where you were musically? And of course – the image. How much of it was planned, or was it something that developed over time?
BETSY: When BITCH first got together, it was sort of a mixed bag of each of
our musical influences. Guitarist, David Carruth, was freshly out of a
hard rock band called "BADAXE" (playing the bassist Dana Strum, currently
of SLAUGHTER) , Drummer Robby Settles had been in a southern-rock type
band called "THE EZRA BROOK BAND", and I (believe it or not) had just
fled, kicking and screaming, from a ska band called "THE BOXBOYS", but had
always been influenced musically by bands such as ALICE COOPER and CHEAP
TRICK). If I had to say that anyone brought the main hard rock musical
influence to the band, it would have been David. He already had a few
songs written, and we brainstormed on the rest the early songs. "Live For
The Whip" was the first song we all wrote as a group. As far as the image
goes, that just kind of evolved. When David and Robby first had the idea
to put this band together, they had it in mind to have a male singer. But
when the name of the band was thought-up, and after I "auditioned", they
thought, what better than to have a female singer fronting an otherwise
male musician band called "BITCH". At first we were just kind of, dare I
say, posers on stage...the image was not clearly defined. The S&M and
leather and studs image came from the fact that we just wanted to look
tough, and also to give the audience a visual, instead of us just coming
out and playing our songs.
STEVE: I first became aware of Bitch on Metal Massacre volumes 1 and 2. Back in 1982 Brian Slagel started his label Metal Blade with these records – and of course, you released all of your albums through Metal Blade. Before this, women in Metal or Hard Rock were still painted as demure and dainty. You pretty much said forget that… I wanna rock! Were you aware at the time of how groundbreaking it was?
BETSY: I was aware that I was doing something that few, if any, female singers
were doing at the time. Back then I heard myself referred to as "Rob
Halford's little sister"!
STEVE: Here we are in 2007 – and women in metal are doing some amazing music – and the road was paved by work that you, and the likes of Doro Pesch. What do you think of the current metal scene – both in the US and Europe? Is the next generation of women making you proud of all of the work you have done?
BETSY: Well, first let me say that I am thoroughly impressed by the metal
scene in Europe, evidenced by the time we played the Bang Your Head
Festival in Germany to an adoring crowd of about 15,000. We hung out at a
club the night before the gig, and let me tell ya, it's not just a "fad"
or a "scene" there....it's a way of life. They love their metal! As far as
the U.S. goes, I think there will always be a fan base for hard rock and
heavy metal, albeit not as enthusiastically as in Europe. In response to
the "next generation of women in metal", I don't know....I hear a lot of
"Cookie Monster" growling from some of these women. In my opinion, that's
not singing. I don't mean to sound reverse-discriminating , but my
favorite hard rock/metal singers are of the male persuasion (myself
excluded, of course).
STEVE: Your music has a timeless feel to it. From Damnation Alley, through Betsy, and onward – there was always a very good vibe to your music. The song 'Save you from the world" for example is a great powerful song with inspirational lyrics. Do you think that people sometimes 'listen with their eyes' to music? And as a result, do we sometimes miss what the writer is trying to say because we are so caught up in the image they portray?
BETSY: I think people are more apt to get the meaning of a song when they sit
down and listen to the actual recording. When playing live, even though
the vocals and vocal tones are audible, I think it's more difficult to
understand song lyrics with everything else going on musically on stage.
STEVE: There were some quiet years for Bitch – through the 90's. However you returned to live action with an appearance at the Bang Your Head festival. If I am correct, it was your first time to play in Europe. European metal fans are certainly different than fans in the USA. What did you expect going into it? And how much different was it when all was said and done? Your thoughts, memories of that show?
BETSY: The Bang Your Head Festival was the best and most gratifying performing
experience I, personally, have had in the history of BITCH. The promoters
flew us out there all expenses paid, set us up with hotel accommodations,
our own driver, backstage access to absolutely everything, fed us, (free
alcohol, too!), and the fan adoration was overwhelming. In between playing
our set and watching the other bands (we played with Dio, Twisted Sister,
Udo, Dokken, Y&T, Thin Lizzy, to name just a few), we were fully booked
with interviews, autograph sessions and photo sessions. We really felt
like V.I.P.'s! It was the first time we had the opportunity to play in
Europe so I was a bit apprehensive about going (the 11 and a half hour
flight was ominous to think about). But it was quite rewarding. I think I
was so awed by the whole thing that I even shed a tear or two
(awww....Betsy Bitch has a sensitive side...isn't that adorable?!)
STEVE: And now you have returned to full fledged action. You and Robby have a new lineup of BITCH. I notice that David Carruth is no longer there, but in place you have 2 stellar guitarists, and a bassist who is a veteran of the metal scene. These 3 have really kick started your return to action – and the band is sounding amazing. What can you tell us about the new lineup?
BETSY: The current line up is re-creating the old BITCH chestnuts in a new,
exciting and refreshing way. The songs have never sounded better and
tighter. They are an extremely decent and professional group of guys and
we all get along great. I'm proud of myself for putting it together. I
picked a great bunch of rockers! We've played several gigs together,
and the next phase will take us into the studio to record an E.P. (four or
five songs) of all new, rock solid material, which is currently in the
beginning-writing stages. We hope to release it by late summer/early
fall - ballpark.
STEVE: A lot of bands have reunited recently – and many of them are finding it hard to either live up to expectations, or live down the demons. You were groundbreakers, so you will be looked at very intently. Have you given this much thought? Will the music change? Will you record and or tour in the future?
BETSY: My main goal with this come-back is to impress our fans enough to make
the come-back valid and worthwhile. I don't want people thinking we should
have stayed on hiatus. With this new recording that I mentioned in the
last response, I do hope to get out and tour in support of it. We'll get
the release under our belts first and then take on the tour support issue.
STEVE: With groups like the Genitorturers, or Marilyn Manson, maybe shocking people doesn't have the same impact. The leather, the whip, and the sucker (on Skullcrusher) are all there, yet you are all laughing while doing it. Is it on a par with… say… Rob Halford and the Harley? Where it is something expected?
BETSY: We've always treated the BITCH image with a very tongue-in-cheek
attitude. We don't want the image to be taken too very seriously because,
after all, it is theater. I've always sort of modeled my character, Betsy
Bitch, after my main-man, Alice Cooper. It's flashy and entertaining, but
also done with a sense of humor. Also, it's very important to have good
music and good musicianship with which to back up that image.
STEVE: Today's metal scene – everything seems to be built on the internet. A far cry from the days of tape trading, and fanzines on 8.5 x 11 paper. You can record a song today, and it can be all over the world tomorrow. This interview originates in Holland, you in L.A. and will be posted probably within days of completion. How much will you be utilizing the net? If you record new songs, will they be on iTunes? In other words, where can we find you online?
BETSY: Well, first of all we finally have a website: www.bitchtheband.com -
designed by the very talented Dave Strong and his hard rock website design
company "The Wrecking Krew". The site is something we've never had before.
I know how important it is to be on the internet these days, so I'm sure
we will be utilizing all of those outlets available to us. Most
importantly, always check our website to hear the latest and the greatest
regarding BITCH.
STEVE: There are probably many preconceived notions that people may have made about the band over the years. Is there any issue that you ever wanted to set straight? Are there things about you that you have always wanted to let people know?
BETSY: The most asked question seems to be "are you really into S&M and
bondage"...and my answer is: Betsy Bitch is into S&M and bondage. Come to
our shows to be entertained, but don't expect me to hand-cuff you to my
four-poster bed after the gig. (Well...maybe a lucky few have had that
honor in the past....but that's a whole different interview!)
STEVE: Any final thoughts that you'd like to share with the readers of Mario's Metal Mania around the world?
BETSY: I'd like to wrap up this interview by relaying just how appreciative I
am that the fans are still interested in myself and my band BITCH after
all these years. It's nice to know we haven't been forgotten about and
that people are still up for what's new with us these days. There are a
lot of bands in the metal heap, and to be a cut above the pile is quite
gratifying. Once again, keep checking our website, www.bitchtheband.com.
for the latest BITCH developments. Thanks for your support!
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BULLDOZER - Andy Panigada (Guitarist) (17 December 2007)
(Interviewer: Tom de Jaeger & Marco van Empel
, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO & TOM: Hi guys, great to do this interview with you!
Bulldozer had a very hard carreer, the band was formed in 1980 but due to army services disbanded in 1981 and reformed in 1983. In 1988 Founding member Dario Carria committed suicide and in 1990 the band has split up till now. Could you tell me something more about the tragic background of the band and is there still the feeling & spirit to reunite someday?
ANDY: Well Dario Carria, after the exit from the band took a dangerous way to drugs, and the final time he was full of extasy, a mixed cocktail killed him!! No, Bulldozer never will reborn ever !!!! The times are changed, the 80' never returned, it is the end of an era!!
For the reunion of other bands, I don't like it a lot, It's better to remember them.
MARCO & TOM: Day Of Wrath ( 1985 ) is kind of an Evil album and Final Seperation ( 1986 ) has got more of that pure true metal feeling we all like. Could you tell me something about the background of these two records?
ANDY: In 1985 was the first time & we'll break all, Algy Ward was called for producing the record. It's a hard & rough sound like Venom & Motorhead, songs like Cut-throat, The Great Deceiver, Mad Man are in pure Venom style, others like Whiskey Time & Fallen Angel is similar like a Motorhead sound. In 1986 Roadrunner would save money for the producer and we mixed the tracks on The Final Separaiton LP. The sound remembers Hell Awaits, with the drums in evidence and the guitars are not very pump at the volume, but 2 month's later Slayer released Reign In Blood, for me the best record of Slayer, the guitars very high & pumped, the Contrary vs. The Final Separation, the future metal sound take another way to power. The songs for me are very great, like:Ride Hard,Die Fast, Don Andras, Never Relax and sex symbol bullshit. But the sound quality is not better than other productions at the same time....
MARCO & TOM: You never choose for a commercial way, haven't you ever got the feeling you might want to change your sound?
ANDY: No, Bulldozer was a classic group Black/Speed/Thrash, never changed the sound & the feeling for a commercial way, we didn't care, We needed passion & to amuse ourself..............No other ways!
MARCO & TOM: How important were/are Venom and Motorhead to you?
ANDY: Much more important, Motorhead "Ace Of Spades" changed my life, the sound is fuckin' great now too, all great songs, no more bullshit.....the best for the 1980's....and Eddie Fast, Lemmy, Philthy....a great era...
Venom sounded new for 1981, the power of the Welcome To Hell LP, and after Black Metal, another brick in the wall of the sound. A Carismatic Cronos, Mantas, Abbadon, me & AC Wild are going to Zurich to see the first of The Seven Dates Of Hell tour, with Metallica as support act. Great gig, I remember it now like yesterday, there was Tom Warrior in the mob.....
MARCO & TOM: You where also with three band members and sounded like the Italian version of it. Are you still having contact with some old Bulldozer members and how are they doing right now?
ANDY: Yes, I hear AC Wild 1 or 2 times a year, he works very much, and Rob K was Crashed the last month with his motorcycle, he was in hospital and now at home for the rehabilition....god bless him!!
MARCO & TOM: What's your connection with Poland and why did you choose to record a live album in Poland?
ANDY: The boss of Discomagic had some good contacts with Polish Managers and we thought: why not finish the Bulldozer time with a live CD? It was natural to take the occasion to recording "Alive In Poland".
MARCO & TOM: Did you like your gig in Scum Katwijk 1989 and what was/is your opinion about the Dutch Metal fans?
ANDY: I remember well. We played in the afternoon and Raven & Kreator in the night..
The Dutch metal fans are very attentive at our show, but didn't drive crazy. I think Italian fans are the best, warm, mad & crazy......
MARCO & TOM: How many shows did you do outside Italy and did you ever play in Belgium?
ANDY: If I remember good we played in Losanna, Katowice, Katwijk, but never in Belgium......... sorry !!!
MARCO & TOM: What do you think about the Italian Thrash Metal Scene nowadays?
ANDY: There are a lot of very great bands, like Death Mechanism, Hatred, Minkions, Brainless, Tsubo, National Suicide, Executitioners, Intoxicated, Warmong, who played with passion in the 80's sound but better production with the best technologies.
MARCO & TOM: Do you still follow the scene and what are your favorite bands today?
ANDY: I hear much more music, in all the directions , but for the Metal , I like & hear very loud now Slayer (old), Bathory (old- Under The Sign Of The Blackmark), Motorhead (with Fast Eddie), Venom (old), The Classic........Oldschool Rulezz!!!
MARCO & TOM: Some favorite bands in Holland and/or Belgium?
ANDY: I don't know.......................... sorry !!!
MARCO & TOM: What was the best show you ever played in the past?
ANDY: Maybe our last show in Italy, 1-12-1990. There is a dvd-video of the gig. Bulldozer is very fast, precise, a war-machine. Like a bulldozer!!
MARCO & TOM: Do you miss the good old Bulldozer groupies ;)
ANDY: ……
MARCO & TOM: What is your relation with Cicciolina (Ilona) the (ex-?) PornStar/Politician?
ANDY: We saw Cicciolina in the 1988/1989 in the sexy shows, with pissing, snakes and after a show we consigned IX & Neurodeliri albums with the 2 songs dedicated to her. I remember, I soak my hand in her piss on the foor, ahhhhhh good sensation…lol.
MARCO & TOM: Are you still in contact with her and what made you decide to write a song about this person?
ANDY: No, we never saw Cicciolina after these times………. AC Wild decide to write a songs for celebrating an old myth……..
It was a piece of the Italian story, and also a piece of my story, when in the 1976/77 I remember a lot of masturbations with the photo's & magazines….. very cunt and bastard bitch for my thoughts……. Ah, great times, I was very young………
MARCO & TOM: Are some of you guys still active in the metal scene and what are you doing nowadays?
ANDY: I go to same concerts but only to get drunk & convulse me , till'the end…….. I know AC Wild in December 2007 played with Labirynth (Italian powerband) during the Japan tour 2 songs, Minkions & Overkill (Motorheadcover).
MARCO & TOM: Would you like to share the stage with Venom and Motorhead someday?
ANDY: I would like to play directly in the Venom band, and in Motorhead (but only to replace fast Eddie, not with 2 guitar version) and also in Slayer with Kerry King but my eternal dream is to play a record or a liveshow with Bathory. Face to face with Quorthon (may he R.I.P. & sleep in the eternal fire & so light… the 13 candles……))))))
MARCO & TOM: Do you think a new Bulldozer Record would sound like the good old days of the 80's?
ANDY: ?????????????????? I don't know....................Maybe..........
MARCO & TOM: The price of the Day Of Wrath vinyl is extremely high, are you guys happy with these extreme prices?
ANDY: No, no, the music is for everyone so when you cannot fortune the cd & the new releases, download the music free from the net and listen all you want, no problem!!
MARCO & TOM: Would you like to play at the "Tilburg Headbangers Fest" someday?
ANDY: I know, Hyades played at last edition of your rock festival rock, and the band played "Minkions"-cover, but Bulldozer never, ever can play at any festival because these times are over.
MARCO & TOM: Any last words to all those readers of Marios Metal Mania?
ANDY: Living your fucking life to amuse & fuck & drunk… Work at minimum only for survive…… and all the be(a)st at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Metalheads and Keep It True!
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CAGE - Sean Peck (vocals) ( 10 April 2005 )
(Interviewer: Stan Efraimov, New York, USA)
STAN: Hello Sean, what's up and what's going on with Cage at the moment?
SEAN: We are keeping things quite on the downlow at the moment due to some ugly record business stuff that is happenning right now. So I am under strict orders not to say much as lame as that sounds.
STAN: How was the response to your performance at last year's Monterrey festival?
SEAN: It was fantastic! Mexico is so sweet and the fans are the best. We went sick and just had a ripping show. It was very emotional for me because my Father had just passed away the day before and I almost cancelled the show. But I dedicated it to him and it was very hard. The promoters appreciated it and the band was very supportive.
The stage and sound system was incredible as well as meeting all of the older legends. I hung out with Jamie Jasta for hours talking about metal.
STAN: You played a new song at that event, which was called "King Diamond." Why did you decide to write a song based on King Diamond?
SEAN: I am a big fan of the King's work and love all of the vocal harmonies and voices.
I will give more details on the song itself later on as things clear up.
STAN: The response to "Darker Than Black" gave great ratings and reviews. Did that put any pressure on you on what to do with your next album? (Before you started writing.)
SEAN: Tons of pressure! I cannot comment any further on the tremendous pressure to top such a magical album as that.
STAN: Every single track on "Darker Than Black" totally stands out. Black and Death vocals have become additional ingredients in making Cage's trademark sound. From all the great response you got from the album, are you confident that your next record can top "DTB"?
SEAN: See above, but yes.
STAN: There has been talk about a DVD you guys were planning. Is it ready for release yet?
SEAN: No but if and when we do one it will be found in the dictionary under the word SICK!!!
STAN: Europe has a great metal fanbase. Do you think the U.S. is catching up so far and are alot of the younger audiences listening to true heavy metal?
SEAN: Yes now here is a question I can actually answer. It is coming on strong and we have our own highschool contingency here in San Diego running around with CAGE shirts. Lots of kids were at the Maiden show when we played with them at Universal amphitheatre. That was a sick show! Metal will transend all trends and fads and is quite timeless I feel. Especialy our type of true, classic heavy metal sound. Some of this hardcore, screamo shit that all sounds the same that you see on headbangers ball will not even be remembered 5 years from now but the bands that are uniquiely identified by a signature sounding vocalist will live on forever like Priest, DIO, Saxon, WASP, KISS, Scorpions etc. The instant you hear them you know who it is.
That is one reason I am a little hesitant to do side projects because I feel that takes away from the magic of a bands new release.
STAN: Is a complete U.S. tour being in the works for Cage, and will you take your performance to Europe anytime soon?
SEAN: Our next attack will be swift, precise, merciless and overwhelming.....EARTHSHAKER FESTIVAL JULY 26 2005 (Germany)
STAN: Knowing you're a big Priest fan. Did you get "Angel of Retribution" yet? What do you think of it?
SEAN: I have to be careful here. Priest is my favorite band of all time first of all. I would give the cd about a 7/10. It covers a lot of bases and has some good songs but I still think of what could have been. I like all of the ballads and Loch Ness but worth fighting for I didnt like. I think Roy Z did a great job on the production but I selfishly wanted Painkiller 2 and even though that was one of their weakest selling records, the power of that cd was what I wanted to experience again. I am just glad they are back together and making records again.
STAN: Any last words for all the Cage maniacs?
SEAN: Sorry so evasive but the mystery will become clear very soon I hope and the truth will be revealed to the delight of all CAGE fans everywhere!!!!
STAN: Sean, thanks alot for doing this interview!
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CANDLEMASS - Leif Edling
(Bassguitar) ( 1 August 2005)
(Interviewer: Stan Efraimov, New York, USA)
STAN: Hi, what is going on with Candlemass at the present time?
LEIF: We are playing the big european festivals like Bang Your Head, Rockwave Athens, Wacken.
STAN: How was the response to the re-union shows so far?
LEIF: The re-union shows we did in 2002 - 2003 were fantastic. Met so many old and new fans. That's why we later decided to do an album. And this far we have received super response for the gigs.
STAN: Are you all satisfied with the results of the new album?
LEIF: Absolutely!! Album of the month in so many big european metal magazines. Haven't seen one bad review of it!! And they also tell me it sells.........
STAN: I think before, you wanted to have Andy Sneap produce the new album. (?)
What went wrong?
LEIF: Nothing went wrong. We just decided to do it ourselves with our sound engineer co-producing, and having Niklas Flyckt to mix it. To do it in Stockholm was easier than going to England I guess.
STAN: The lyrics on the new record are more based on real life situations than the usual
fantasy concepts you've done on your previous records. What was the reason you decided to focus more on the reality of things?
LEIF: Got sick and tired of fantasy after the "Chapter VI" album in 1992. Can't be stuck in the world of dungeons and dragons forever. Reality is a far more interesting concept.
STAN: So far, the feedback to ''Candlemass'' has been great, the album is very loud and has
a powerful production. Is this how Candlemass was intended to sound in the first place?
LEIF: I think both "Epicus.." and "Nightfall" came out pretty good and shows that Candlemass were heavy and loud even in 1987. I also love the production of the new album and it was very important to get a modern and fresh sound. To show people that were still hungry and up to date etc. People really praise the production which is great!!
STAN: You broke up, re-formed, broke up and re-formed again and have to this new album
recorded. Will Candlemass do another album again?
LEIF: Were tied to Nuclear Blast for at least another album and I'm pretty convinced we'll do it next year. Would be stupid to sign with such a good label and then disappear again.
STAN: Why did the band break up in the first place, where there things you found hard to
agree on together?
LEIF: We toured and recorded for 7 years. Most bands doesn't last that long. When you are fed up with the whole thing its not important who says what and when. It was time to say bye-bye......
STAN: Will you ever choose to re-record ''Battlecry'' for a future release?
LEIF: Can't see why.
STAN: Do you still keep in contact with the past members, like Johan who sang on Epicus?
LEIF: Nope. Haven't seen him for a long time.
STAN: Regarding touring, when are you guys coming to the USA?
LEIF: When somebody comes up with an offer that works for us. It might happen before christmas.
STAN: Is a new Krux album being planned?
LEIF: Yes, we are going to do a new Krux album in dec/jan.
STAN: What are your thoughts on the current metal scene, particularly in America?
LEIF: I haven't heard anything good from the US since the latest Clutch and Corrosion albums. In general I don't like american muscle/aggro/collage/rap/commercial metal. I just wait for the new Trouble album.
STAN: Hopefully, Candlemass will be able to tour with Black Sabbath in the future.
What do you think about that?
LEIF: We were almost on the Tyr tour. That was very close. If it happens sometime in the future it would be great but not very likely.
STAN: When you look back, are you satisfied with everything Candlemass has achieved?
Any regrets?
LEIF: I'm pretty satisfied with the carrere. We defined a genre and are in all the metal books. We're still on mag covers, we still sell alot of record, still pull alot of people to the gigs etc etc. Not many bands can say that.
STAN: Any final words to all the doomsters out there?
LEIF: See ya in the states soon!!
Thanks to Ole Bang for arranging the interview and of course, the guys in Candlemass!
Stan Efraimov for MMM
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CASTLE - Eric (Vocals) (4 November 2009)
(Interviewer: Dennis van Dommelen, Heesch, The Netherlands)
In the beginning of the nineties the doom metal scene kind of flourished. Mainly the bands from the area of Yorkshire, Great Britain (Ananthema, Paradise Lost ) set the scene on the map for the second time with their dreadful, heavy and of course slow doom metal with death grunt.
In the Netherlands there also was a band that, say it for a short period of time put their stamp upon the scene
Castle was together with Celestial Season the flagship of the Dutch doomsound of the early nineties.
After a long period of the time I finally found the debut album of Castle and after a reaction on the song "Travelling" on You Tube I got in contact with the former singer of the band: Eric. Eric was so kind to dig up the past with us and gave us the answer to why his band actually left the scene as quick as it came.
DENNIS: Where do we know you from?
ERIC: As the former singer of Castle of course.
DENNIS: Could you refresh our minds and gave a short biography about Castle?
ERIC: In 1987 Lucien and I started the band. We were at high school then. Guitarists and drummers were a problem the first few years until I met Ilja in the local record store. He would visit us together with his friend Richard and after a small period of time Jean-Marie joined us at drums. This is the Castle line-up that played on all the music we released and that did all the live shows. Erik:Vocals, Lucien: Bass, Richard: Rhythm Guitar and Piano/Keyboards, Ilja; Lead Guitar and Jean-Marie: Drums.
DENNIS: Listening to your music I can hear a lot of influences from the early nineties doom bands from Great Britain. Were those your main inspirations?
ERIC: Yes and No. Our roots were very diverse as to say so. Lucien came out of the punk scene which he witnessed very strong as a seven year old because of his brother.
Myself, I was a "classic metalhead" Ilja loved blues and Richard loved to listen to classical music. Jean-Marie liked all kinds of music. We all loved metal but I take notice of this I somewhat of educated the other band members with Infernal Majesty, Celtic Frost, Death , Candlemass, Mercyful Fate etc. Al in all I think we all listen to the bands you mentioned in your question. So you could say that our sources were the same.
DENNIS: What happened after your debut album Castle? It looked like the band petered out.
ERIC: Unfortunately it happened this way. A couple of months after the release of our debut album Ilja and Richard left the band due to musical indifferences. Our strength was that we all were such diverse and that we could all manage to create such a beautiful entity combining all these influences with each other. That same strength also became our downfall. Very "doom" of course! In that period I had to serve the army for a couple of years and from there I got a job in Great Britain where I worked and lived for nearly two years. When I got back to Holland I had no real connections anymore with the scene and Castle was a closed book.
DENNIS: What is your dearest memory concerning Castle?
ERIC: Our fourth concert at the Deventer Metal Attack festival. All Dutch bands that played there were up and coming. The Gathering, DeadHead, Gorefest 3 others and Castle of course. We only had done 3 shows in the past. One for the grindcore maniacs of Agathocles. The second time on a hardcore event in Maastricht, you can imagine that the people there weren't quite "into" our music *understatement*. And our third concert was with Delirious in Zon-Bodegraven for 13! paying visitors.
At the Deventer Metal Attack festival we played late in the afternoon as third or fourth band, I wasn't that really sober anymore. Halfway through the first song I looked at the crowd and saw literally hundreds of people moving at our music. People that actually liked our music. I kind of exploded. The rush that I felt at that moment I will never forget!
DENNIS: Are you still in some way active in the music scene?
ERIC: No , unless you count listening to music wit that?
DENNIS: Do you know what the other band members are doing at the moment?
ERIC: The last things I heard about them were that Lucien works in the city of Groningen as a cook. Ilja has completed this study as a psychologist, Richard does something with engineering and for myself, I work as public salesman (sounds nicer than it is!) As for Jean-Marie, I have no idea what he is doing.
DENNIS: Is it possible that there maybe sometime will be a reunion show with the original members?
ERIC: I would like to do that but I wouldn't hold my breath for it because I absolutely have no contact with the other guys.
DENNIS: The already mentioned debut album is "out of print" for a long time now. You can only buy it at public sale sites for usurious rates. Has there never been a label that contacted you for a re-release. The rights of this album are they in your hands or in the hands of your former label Malodorous Mangled Innards records?
ERIC: I honestly, really don't know! What I do know is that I am going to digitalise our demo's and than burn it on one cd together with the full- length for the fans. Especially two songs of our second demo are an eternal sin they never got a proper release. I am going to do this before the end of the year.
DENNIS: Do you still follow the metalscene closely? What do you think of for example the genre Funeral doom?
ERIC: Don't know what that is but it sounds good. I will search the internet for some bands that play that style. I am still listening to heavy music as said. Favourite bands are: Solitude Aeturnus, Dimmu Borgir, Sabaton and of course I still listen to old shit!
DENNIS: I got in contact with you via the site of YouTube what do you think of the medium internet towards music:
ERIC: I think it's fantastic!
DENNIS: Thanks for your time and please give our readers a piece of your mind!
ERIC: No thanks at all! I see it as a pleasant surprise that there are still people out there listening to our music. I wish I would be handy enough to make a website where I could place all our music on for free downloading. Provided that it will not be used for commercial ends. If there is somebody who is interest to contact me. Mail me on my fresh made address: eric.castle@xs4all.nl
CAULDRON BORN - Howie Bentley (Guitarist) (6 February 2008)
(Interviewer: Alex Avdeev
, Siberia, Russia)
ALEXANDER: Hello, Howie! I hear that your debut record "Born of The Cauldron", which had been released back in 1997, has been released again. Many people are interested where they can obtain this record.
HOWIE: They can order it directly from http://stormspell.com or try http://cdbaby.com or http://sentinelsteel.com. There are many online distributors carrying it.
ALEXANDER: How did you come up with such a timely idea to release an old album, which is considered to be the best record by many of your listeners?
HOWIE: The album has been out of print for a long time and there were a few guys wanting it. Stormspell Records contacted me through the http://www.forgotten-scroll.net message forum and asked if I would be interested in reissuing it. I really like Stormspell's attitude so I went with them.
ALEXANDER: Whom did you work with to remaster and distribute these CDs?
HOWIE: Stormspell Records from California, USA reissued the CD. Corbin King remastered it and did an exceptional job, I might add.
ALEXANDER: What's new on the rereleased CD? Are there any bonuses for a metal fan who obtains this record?
HOWIE: There are two versions of the Warlord cover, "Lucifer's Hammer". There were originally only 8 tracks on the CD. The better version of the Warlord song was included as a ninth bonus track. The 9th track is the better mix and, in my opinion, has the better guitar solo. The lesser version (in my opinion) of the song is included in the multimedia section of the CD. The differences in the two versions are that the ninth track has a better mix and a better guitar solo. The ninth track version was intended for a Warlord tribute album that never got released by Underground Symphony.
The multimedia track was a quick mix and had a one-take solo I improvised because we were in a hurry. The multimedia track was originally featured on a very limited two-song promo that we handed out at the 2000 Powermad Festival in Baltimore, Maryland
ALEXANDER: Let's speak about the Warlord cover: who is in the line-up on that song?
HOWIE: I played guitar. Bill Parsons played drums and Shawn Kascak played bass. David Louden, the singer from "... And Rome Shall Fall", sung the song. I just chose the song because I like it. Not to sound like a smart-ass but I don't know what else to say about it.
ALEXANDER: Apart from Warlord, what are your major influences and bands you enjoy listening to?
HOWIE: I wouldn't say that Warlord was a big influence on my music. I like Warlord but they aren't what I would consider an influential band as far as the music I have written. On my own time I listen to Heavy Metal music exclusively, so I listen to a lot of it. There are a lot of bands I enjoy who aren't what I would call an influence. For instance, I am listening to "Griffin - Flight Of The Griffin" as I am typing this. My main influences are Maiden, Sabbath, Priest, Mercyful Fate, early Fate's Warning and Venom. I was spinning stuff like Witchfinder General - Death Penalty and Venom - Black Metal on vinyl when they came out back in the early 80's. This kind of stuff will always be a part of who I am as a musician..
Nowdays I mostly listen to Doom stuff: Witchfinder General, Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Reverend Bizarre, Trouble etc.. Most of that stuff I have been into for years and years aside from Reverend Bizarre who I just got into a few years back. They got me going back and listening to my old Witchfinder General albums and appreciating their brilliance all over again.
ALEXANDER: What about your future plans for the band? Will there be any reunion, shows and new material coming?
HOWIE: Well, Cauldron Born is disbanded but at some point I would like to record another album as a project. I don't want to have Cauldron Born as a band that plays gigs anymore. That's too much of a hassle.
ALEXANDER: What other projects are you currently working on?
HOWIE: I am working on some traditional Doom stuff. I am not sure when I will ever get around to recording it but I hope to someday.
ALEXANDER: Looking back at your lyrical and musical content, are you quite satisfied with the work you have done on "Born of The Cauldron"?
HOWIE: Yeah. I really like that album.
ALEXANDER: What do you think about the current situation with the "mp3s" and "ipods" and the internet industry?
HOWIE: It will most likely be the death of the music business. Not the "music business as we know it" but I think it is probably the beginning of the end. Musicians aren't going to be able to afford to play music for free and make anything with any standard of quality if it just becomes an expensive hobby. A lot of internet goons will just say: "Oh well, I support the band. I buy tickets to their shows. That is really how they make a living." That is a common misconception with the internet age nerds. Where do they think the bands get the money to tour in the first place? If you aren't selling CDs you aren't going to be able to tour. At one time it was the record labels screwing the artists. Now it is the record labels AND the "fans" screwing the artists.
ALEXANDER: Many of your die-hard fans desire to get a vinyl release of any of the albums you have made so far, what do you think about it, would you ever release that?
HOWIE: Possibly. If a label contacts me and wants to do it I would be interested. As long as it doesn't interfere with what Stormspell is doing with the CDs.
ALEXANDER: What is your opinion on people who give up playing metal, their ideas and "Grow up" from such music?
HOWIE: I think they really never were into Metal in the first place. They must have been doing it for attention or some other superficial reason. From my own experience I can understand why someone would quit trying to play music for a living and there is really is no money to be made playing Pure Metal. But if you really love something how do you turn your back on it?
ALEXANDER: What were the best two moments you had while recording and remastering this album?
HOWIE: My favorite moment was when "The Sword's Lament" was finished and I listened back to the vocal tracks in the beginning. Other than that the only other great moment that I can remember was when it was finally finished.
ALEXANDER: Apart from musical influences there must be lyrical influences too. Who were they for you at the time of the release of the album?
HOWIE: Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Frank Belknap Long, Poul Anderson and Michael Moorcock immediately spring to mind.
ALEXANDER: Thank you, Howie for this interview, I hope many of your fans will just go and buy this record!
HOWIE: Thank you for the opportunity to do the interview, Alex. Send HAILS to our Metal Brothers in Russia.
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CHIMAERA - Pan (Singer) & Nico (Keyboards) (26 April 2007 )
(Interviewer: Marco van Empel, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO: Hey Chimaera ! First of all congratulations with your new album. It
really kicks ass!!!
NICO: Thank you very much. We hope so. ;o)
PAN: Thanks a lot! That was our intention! :)
MARCO: Are you all satisfied with the record and what are the reactions to it
so far?
NICO: In the whole we all are satisfied with the record. Of course there
are always some points you would like to change, when you hear the
finished product first. But I think it's not worth mentioning.
The reactions of the fans are completely positive. The view of the press
sadly is really forked. Some zines and authors love the album, other
scorn it.
PAN: The record is a killer! Sure, nobody's perfect. The next one will
be better again than that one. We still have lots to learn!
MARCO: Did you enjoy working with Volker and his Pure Steel Records?
NICO: Yes, it's always pleasant to work with Volker. And the other
PSR-guys are absolutely a good sort, too.
Of course here and there arised some differences during the
CD-production, the perspective of a musician and of a producer is often
another cup of tea. But this was no problem and we always found a
solution we all reconciled with.
PAN: Yeah! Volker really rules!
MARCO: How did your fans react on your latest record?
NICO: From our fans we got great responces only. Many guys appealed me
becouse they did not await an album sounding a bit different to the
"Myths and Legends". But there was no one who criticised those changes. uite the opposite.
PAN: Everybody gratulated us for this album. It is more powerful, better
arranged and with more aspects of metal than the other recordings we did
before. But till now I can not tell wich song is the „No 1 Hit" as the
opinions differ a lot!
MARCO: You guys started back in 1999, how many demo's and cd's/vinyl's did
you released before?
PAN: Sadly no Vinyls. As a schoolband we recorded in 1994 a small demo
with a horrible sound. My voice was still that of a child. This are the
bonus tracks on M&L. In 2001 we released the Demo MC „Kinights of the
Dragon", 2002 came the „Blade Master" Demo. 2004 was the online Demo (no
CD-opies, shared online for the fans) „Metalians" and 2005 the „Myths &
Legends" CD.
MARCO: Who is your songwriter in the band and where did he gets his
inspiration from?
NICO: I think Pan is the man to answer this question.
PAN: The main songwriter is me. My inspirations come from my life. I
tell the tale of my life, painted in a picture of a fantasy realm in
which I play, as „the Warlord", the main role. Okay, some songs escape
from that but most are written in that style. The melodies I write come
from deep inside. When writing lyrics I have an idea what they should
sound like. And as I also play guitar I can handle it writing these
ideas down. Afterwards everybody shares his own fantasies, ideas and style into the
songs. So that's the secret!
MARCO: Your band had many line-up changes and "Pan Vogiatzis" is the only
official bandmember who survived , tell me why there was no stabel
line-up in the past 8 years?
PAN: Because I am a veeeeeery difficult person.
NICO: That's fucking right! ;)
PAN: I have my own mind, not to tame, sometimes a bit too strict and it isn't easy working with a
person like me. Other reasons were illnesses or lack of time and money
as CHIMAERA consumes both in masses.
MARCO: How can you describe your style of heavy metal, mostly I call it true
heavy metal, sounds that okay for you?
NICO: Hmmm...maybe this is the right word, maybe not. I think the style
we do can not be explained with one term. There are many different
metal-styles we involve in our songs. So "Heavy Metal" may be the right
word. If it is true, everybody has got to decide for himself, because
there is no definition for this word.
MARCO: I heard many influences from bands as Running Wild and Grave Digger do
you like them and do you agree?
PAN: Uh, well... I like both of them but I wouldn't call myself
influenced by them. Perhaps in some small points but mainly there are
other bands I heard much more often and I would name as influences.
Iron Maiden, Helloween (Kiske times), Blind Guardian, Pretty Maids, etc
would suit better!
MARCO: Are you touring a lot in Germany and do you have many fans in your own
region ( Saarlanden )?
NICO: At first a little correction: The band moved some years ago from
the Saarland to Düsseldorf, what we would call "our own region" now.
In Düsseldorf we of course have got a lot of great fans and I think there also
remained some in Saarbrücken.
PAN: Sure there are also some in Saarbrücken. But mainly we play here in
our region Rhein-Ruhr. Driving to Saarbrücken is very far and we cannot
predict how many people will come there...
MARCO: Did you allready played with some big bands and how was it like?
NICO: I think the biggst band I played with was "Rebellion", we were on
tour with. Although I sometimes felt like a bloody greenhorn, it was really a
great feeling to play the concerts with guys like Uwe Lulis and Tomy
Göttlich.
PAN: We also played with other Bands. Testament, Wizard, Majesty, Napalm
Death... Chuck Billy is a nice guy!
MARCO: Did anyone of you ever played in another band before Chimaera?
NICO: I think all members played in other bands, before they joined
Chimaera. All them played Heavy Metal or had got Heavy Metal - Roots.
Me, as the misfit, only had got a kind of schoolboy-punk-rock-project
when I was about 13, where I played bass. But it was more a kind of
trial and error than an identification with the music.
PAN: Hmmm... Not really. The first band I played was the school band
from wich arose CHIMAERA. I was 13 years old by that time and we
(thought ...hehehe... that we) kicked ass! But the Rock'n'Roll attitude was
the same as today!
MARCO: Are you visiting many gigs by your self and what are your favorite
bands and influences?
NICO: I always try to visit as many gigs as possible. But the missing
time forces me mostly to keep away from concerts, I would like to visit.
I think many underground-people do not like to hear, but the band I
visited the most gigs and I see my largest influences of is Hammerfall.
My favorite band at the moment is Sabaton, which I also saw a lot of times.
The last concert I visited was Manowar. You can say about them, what you
want, but their show is really sensational.
PAN: I also try to go to as many concerts possible. My last one was Keep
it True Festival. But I don't go to big concerts normally. I prefer the
underground stuff... It's a more familiar atmosphere.
MARCO: Are there any plans for the future and what do you want to achieve
with Chimaera?
NICO: At first Pan and me have to rebuild the band, because Dan, Ümit
and Steffen sadly left Chimaera some weeks ago. But by now we have some
good musicians up our's sleeve, so most of the work is done.
What we want to achieve is a good question. Of course we want to play a
lot of great shows, be with a lot of fans and have many, many beers.
The thing I really dream of is to go on tour again. At best as
headliner. But I think to make this dream come true, we have got a lot
of work before us.
PAN: Well noticed... At the moment I am already working on the next
Album. So I have got double work to do. But as Nico already said, I want
to play lots of shows, drink lots of beers (and other stuff... Hehehe)
and „meet" lots of girls. Hahaha! And, of course, get to the point of
having the possibility to release another album.
MARCO: Thank you very much for your time! Do you have any last words for the MMM readers and fans?
NICO: You're welcome!
I send big steely greetings to all the brothers and sisters in The
Netherlands and I hope to have one or two concerts in holland in the
near future, so that we can have a big party and a lot of beer with the
great Dutch heavy-metal-people!
PAN: Thanks to our fans, you and all Metalheads on this fucking planet!
Again, I have to say that we are only a few. So we shouldn't waste our
time in discussing what's „metal" and what's not. No one can see in
another Metalhead's heart and say, just by hearing music or the musical
preferences, that this person lives the spirit. There are too many
intrigues in the scene. We aren't gothics, we're Metalheads! Keep that
in mind and heart. And to all motherfuckers who believe in their
self-created supremacy: „Up yours! Fuck you! We don't need you!"
I had to say that again. And I won't get tired of doing that as long as
there are people like that.
Cheers, Metalheads!
MARCO: We wish you all the best for the future and I really hope I can see you
live onstage very very soon.
NICO: Thanks a lot! Rock on!
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CIRCLE II CIRCLE - Zak Stevens (vocals) ( 10 April 2005 )
(Interviewer: Suzanne Smaling (www.rockpics.nl), Wamel, The Netherlands)
Circle II Circle interview with Zak Stevens 28 March 2005
On 28 March 2005 Circle II Circle, with a new line-up, played in "de Bosuil" in Weert. At this moment they are touring with Pure Inc, Rob Rock and Masterplan. The release of the second Circle II Circle CD (The Middle Of Nowhere) is 29 March. These are enough reasons to go there and interview singer Zak Stevens after the show. I talked with him about the new album, his band, Savatage, the show and some other stuff.
SUZANNE: In 2003 the first C II C CD (Watching In Silence) was released and tomorrow (29 march) is the release of the new CD "The Middle Of Nowhere". What can you tell me about this new album?
ZAK: Well, we are pretty excited about it. I came together with Jon Oliva (Savatage), Chris Caffery (Savatage) and Bernd Aufferman. We played running wild and it was like let the songs breathe and let them go where they want to go. And make it a real European record.
SUZANNE: On the first CD Jon Olivia helped you with writing songs, Is he also involved during the writing process of this new album? And did the other Savatage members help you with the new album?
ZAK: Yeah, Jon and I collaborate of 7 songs. Chris Caffery and I came together on 3 songs. And after that Bernd Aufferman and I collaborate on 2 other songs. His songs are the first song and the last song on the CD … interesting enough. His songs are like book ends, they start the record of and end it. And everything else is in between. So it's very interesting.
SUZANNE: "Watching in Silence", "Into The Wind" and "Forgiven" are my some of my favorite songs of the CD, were do you find your inspiration?
ZAK: You know it's like the thing that's between me and Jon, the magic. Me and Jon wrote Watching In Silence together. Because we have so much diverse musical upbringing and very different influences, something special is happening then. We come from very different places and it's brining in the most crazy ideas. And "Watching In Silence" is an example of that kind of writing process.
SUZANNE: Why didn't you play "Watching In Silence" this evening?
ZAK: We wanted to do some more up tempo from the first record. For the live scenario we want to show more stuff from the new record as we could. For the time we wanted to have a show with quiet a lot of songs from the new record which you can go and buy after the show on by the merchandise table. You can hear and say then, wow I've heard 6 or 7 songs during the show. There are 12 tracks total, because 2 songs are on the 5-track maxi single that's called "All That Remains".
SUZANNE: What is your favorite C II C song and why?
ZAK: I don't know, there are a lot of good songs. I kinda like … I think "Face To Face". Yeah, I like "Face To Face" of the first record. And then I think, maybe … "Middle Of Nowhere" has something special to. The song, the title track "Middle Of Nowhere" If I look to all of them now. I took of a month of listening to any of it, because I needed to clear my head. And after that I went listening to it again and I started picking up on different perspective. But I think that probably "Middle Of Nowhere" and … "Faces In The Dark" is very cool. I don't know. That's what I have to choose now, if you ask me next week it might be different.
SUZANNE: At this moment C II C is touring with Masterplan, Rob Rock & Pure Inc. How is that?
ZAK: It's great!! I'm very familiar with Masterplan. Not that familiar with Pure Inc. And Rob Rock, you know, he has a long history and all that. It's very interesting I think and I have a great time listening to every band. The vocals go to a boozy type like Soundgarden type by Pure Inc. And then you have Rob Rock with the traditional high metal vocals. I don't even go that high! I come in there with more power vocal! SCHOOL OF POWERVOCAL ROCK! SIGN UP NOW, SCHOOL OF POWERVOCAL! And then you know of course, with Jorn (Masterplan) doing awesome, combining heavy rock/metal with blues touch. This is amazing for me! I'm loving it! Every guy from every band is great! And I have a really good time. I like this tour a lot!
SUZANNE: Do you have enough time to see the other bands?
ZAK: Yeah! Oh yeah. Sometimes I very busy with interviews and stuff, but most of the time I'm going to sit Stage Left or Stage Right, wherever the monitor guy is sitting. That's most of the time the place where I go and see the other bands.
SUZANNE: How is it possible that C II C changed the line-up several times? And with which musicians are your touring now?
ZAK: Oh men, sometimes you have a line-up and you think, okay let's give it a try, and than it doesn't work at all! And then I need to get away from that. I need to put a million miles between me and those guys. And that's what we did. And we have got a great situation now, I will never stop until I found the best musicians, I don't care. I don't mind changing line-up, if that takes to get great than I'll do it every time. I don't give a shit!
The musicians of Circle II Circle are:
Zak Stevens: Vocals
Andy Lee: Guitars
Evan Christopher: Guitars
Paul M. Stewart: Bass guitar/keyboards/vocals
Tom Drennan: Drums/vocals
SUZANNE: Do you have the best line-up now?
ZAK: Oh yeah! This is it! This has to be, this is the one. I finally got it, it took me a couple of years but I found it.
SUZANNE: What do you think of the fact that your first line-up from C II C now is the band of Jon Oliva's Pain and how is the relationship with the band and with Jon?
ZAK: I don't know, it's their decision. The decided to do that. It was good, they are a good fit for Jon. They are just a better fit for Jon. Because Jon needed a band at the time and I'm glad that they could help him out. We get along fine. Mat La Porte played on my record, he played a bit on the new record. We're fine, we're friends. It turned better out for everybody and I think that they are happy playing with Jon, so good! That's great. My relationship is still good, especially with Mat La Porte, he is always been a good friend.
SUZANNE: What can you tell me over the metalscene in the States? Is C II C there as famous there as you are in here in Europe? Or are you more famous here in Europe.
ZAK: We are probably more famous in Europe as in the States. But we have got a contingent in America, we're kinda fit right in there. It's very interesting. With the next album or possible with this one we can get a deal and we will be released on American radio. I will be able to do show with Dee Snider (Twister Sister) and Alice Cooper. The Radio Rock show, were we will be lined-up. And lot of more radio shows. When the time is right I will do all that radio shows. And then I think we will see a big difference.
SUZANNE: Name 1 highlight from your career
ZAK: Wow … every night playing with Oliva was a highlight. I mean, he is like a dad to me, Jon Oliva. Every time we see each other I get a big bear hug, because you know he is a bear of a man. And if I see him I know that I will get a big bear hug from daddy. We are just friends helping each other out. That's all. What's good for me, is good for Jon. If the album is doing good, it's good for Jon too, because he helped me writing the songs. It's good for everybody.
SUZANNE: But can you give me 1 highlight?
ZAK: Oh, 1 highlight, I tried to avoid that question (he laughs). But that doesn't work. Well I will say Wacken 1998 with Savatage. That was a pretty good highlight, I liked it. Big crowd, over 50.000 people that night. That was great. Playing al the Savatage songs. That brought Savatage back together.
SUZANNE: Is it possible that Savatage will come back together?
ZAK: Oh sure, absolutely!
SUZANNE: And will you sing there again?
ZAK: Yeah, of course, sure I will sing there! If they want me, I'm there!
SUZANNE: Name 1 non-highlight from your career.
ZAK: I think the fact that I have to change line-up one time. But nobody likes to go get through it. You get all the questions. What happened to the line-up etc? But everyone wanted to go it's own direction.
SUZANNE: How was is to play on the Criss Oliva Memorial Concert, with C II C and Savatage and how was the atmosphere under the musicians? A friend of mine went to that Memorial concert and he told me that is was a heavy and emotionally charged concert.
ZAK: It was great! I mean the first thing John Lee Middleton said when we came of stage was: "Dude, I looked over at you and it was just like old times". That went very deep. I didn't want to go old times, I want to be present times. I'm sure that we want to get together and we should do that. I mean go for it. I can easily do Circle II Circle and Savatage in one year! That doesn't matter. But I don't how it's going to work out.
It was indeed a heavy and emotional charged concert because we were all Criss' best friends, and he had a lot. I only played with him for a year-and-a-half, I came there in August 1992 and the record was out in following April, and that October he got killed. I only had the chance to work over a year with him. But wow … it felt like a lifetime. It was great, he was so sure and wow we just keep going. That was the big one ... that was the big one. At that moment Savatage was breaking huge. No one wanted to step aside and wanted to give up. We made a lot of great music after that, but … I wanted him to be there for all of that.
SUZANNE: Will you sing in the future op on a new album from Transsiberian Orchestra??
ZAK: Sure, I like to. I think that they are about finished recording that. The new one. But I'm not sure. I mean I would love to and when there is enough time, I would like to tour with the Christmas Company, in America we have 2 Christmas Companies, the east side and the west side. So I probably will stick in the East coast. I was there for writing almost all of the songs, so I'm familiar with them.
SUZANNE: Is there anything that you would to add before we end? Or would you like to say something to your fans?
ZAK: I just want to say thanks to everybody in the Netherlands, Holland because we are best friends for many, many years. A lot of great fans of Savatage and Circle II Circle. I appreciate that everyone is coming to the shows. We always have a great time here and hopefully we soon have more great times when we play here more and more times.
So we would like to say thanks to everybody and ROCK ON!!!!!
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CONQUEST OF STEEL - Daniel Durrant (Vocals) (21 August 2007 )
(Interviewer: Marco van Empel, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO: Hi mates, do you want a pint from me…..?
DANIEL: Hi Marco, a pint is no good for the Conquest boys we need an entire brewery.
MARCO: Your new album sounds very very well, Are you all satisfied with the record and what are the reactions so far?
DANIEL: Thanks, we were really pleased with the way the album turned out. A lot of criticism was aimed at the debut regarding the production and we feel with the new album we took a big step forward with this. We also feel our songwriting has come on in leaps and bounds. Reviews so far have been really positive with people saying we bring a fresh feel to the NWOBHM genre.
MARCO: Guys, when and were did you Metalheads start and what was the very first line up of the band?
DANIEL: We formed in Birmingham, the birth place of heavy metal before moving to Yorkshire. CONQUEST OF STEEL formed to bring about the true wave of British heavy metal. Due to our demand for nothing less than a true metal warrior to be part of our ranks 7 early guitarists quickly went by the wayside. Finally DD Danger and Diesel Dave proved their worth and easily rose above the rest. After Diesel Dave's departure we found in James Claymore Clarke a more than worthy successor.
MARCO: Why did you choose to start a True Heavy Metal band those days ( late 90's )?
DANIEL: I think the late 90's was a key time to start a true heavy metal band due to the amount of manufactured nu-metal souless pap that was around at that time. Today this can also be applied to emo and metalcore bands. As far as we're concerned these bands are nothing to do with heavy metal, they're simply boy bands with guitars. The masses needed to be reminded True Metal is played with passion, sweat and blood. We continue the fight for true heavy metal.
MARCO: How was the Yorkshire Scene like those days and was there still a market for this kind of real Heavy Metal ?
DANIEL: Yorkshire at the time was one of the best places in the UK for true metal. We had some of the best metal venues about. Unfortunately the good venues around our local town have closed and the scene has died. However there is still a market for our kind of metal and thankfully there are some great venues that we are able to play just a little further afield.
MARCO: Was there a cool Metal Pub in Town and did you have many support from your friends in England ?
DANIEL: There was a cool metal venue near us called The Empress, which sadly closed down leaving the local scene devastated. The local rock pubs now do not match up to The Empress at all. We do have a very strong fan base around England which we hope will continue to grow in the rest of europe.
MARCO: What was the very first gig you ever played and how was it like?
DANIEL: It was at Birmingham University, at the time we had not rehearsed as a full band. Instead demo tapes had been passed back and forth between members and I recall being introduced to the guitarists about half an hour before we went on stage! Despite this we put on a fine metal performance paving the way for future greatness.
MARCO: Did you enjoy the gig in my Home Town Tilburg and what was/is your opinion about the Tilburg Metal Scene?
DANIEL: Hell Yeah! it was a great gig, fantastic metal crowd and it was a particular highlight of the tour to see you headbanging to our soundcheck...
MARCO: Dan are you always walking without shoes onstage and why?
Yes it's to be at one with the stage.
MARCO: Your new album Hammer & Fist sounds a lot more grown up, do you agree ?
DANIEL: We feel we have naturally progressed from the last album and it continues the themes of the debut, however for us the fun factor in heavy metal is essential and we bring it to everything we do.
MARCO: What are the main influences of Conquest Of Steel ?
DANIEL: 80's Heavy Metal, Band's like Manowar, Dio, Twisted Sister, Maiden and Priest.
MARCO: Can you tell me something about the lyrics of Conquest Of Steel?
DANIEL: The lyrics are all about the glorification of Heavy Metal. They are tales of War, Battle and Honour - these are used as metaphors for how we feel about Metal. We use our lyrics to preach the word of Metal to the unconverted. we are the Priests of Metal!
MARCO: What is to your opinion the best Heavy Metal Record ever made?
DANIEL: It is impossible to answer this question - there are too many great Metal records. Of course our favourite albums all come from the 80's and we worship the sound of True Heavy Metal.
MARCO: What was the very best gig you ever played and how was it like?
DANIEL: We have played so many gigs it is very difficult to name just one. We play some fantastic gigs in the UK, but we have also played some brilliant gigs in mainland Europe. We have particularly enjoyed the undergound festivals in Europe - Heavy Metal Maniacs was a highlight of 2006 and Zorofest in Germany was great - the beer was flowing, the sun was out, we were served shots on stage and we got exceedingly wasted after the show - that is the way to play a heavy Metal show!!
MARCO: Are there any moments you like to forget?
DANIEL: We have many great moments with this band, but occasionally there are times we would like to forget. We recently went to play a gig in the UK and the promoter had not provided us with the equipment that she had promised. We were therefore unable to play the gig. We gave free CD's to all the fans that had turned up and told them to demand their money back. The upside of this was that we were able to get very drunk due to not having to perform. Thankfully this was a one off and most of the promoters we deal with are well organised and know their arse from their elbow!
MARCO: Do you like all these new Heavy Metal bands from nowadays and what is your opinion about the comeback of Heavy Metal and Thrash Metal.
DANIEL: It has got to be a good thing that Metal is becoming more popular. However this only applies to theTrue Metal warriors and not just those who are into it because it is a new trend. Heavy Metal is a way of life not a fashion trend!
We are fully supportive of the underground Metal and Thrash bands that are rising up and have the privilege of playing with many of these great Metal bands.
MARCO: Do you like to play at our "Tilburg Headbangers Fest" and do you like Holland?
DANIEL: Of course! We would love to come over and play this fest. It is great to see another underground True Heavy Metal festival in Holland - hopefully one day soon we will come and play. We have really enjoyed all our trips to Holland and we hope to come back soon, play some Metal and enjoy some fine Dutch beers with you headbangers!
MARCO: What are your plans for the future?
DANIEL: World domination! We will continue to Play True Heavy Metal long into the future. We will write new music and play as many gigs as we can in as many places as possible. We hope to have a 7" out next year, followed by our 3rd album. A European tour will be planned for early next year and we will continue to gig up and down the UK. The Conquest goes on........................
MARCO: Do you think Conquest Of Steel will ever change their sound or mind?
DANIEL: No and no again. We are true metal warriors 'til the day we die. As I said earlier, Metal is a way of life and we therefore think, live and bleed Heavy Metal. We will never change.
MARCO: Any last words for the readers?
DANIEL: Cheers for all the support from our great Dutch fans- we hope to be back in Holland soon to play some True British Metal. Check out the new album - you will not be dissapointed.
For more info go to www.myspace.com/conquestofsteel and www.conquestofsteel.co.uk
MARCO: Guys thank you for your time and my name in your booklet/thank-list, you guys Rock !!!
Cheers Marco - we hope to see you soon. Keep on supporting and promoting Metal!!
Marco van Empel.
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DAWN OF TEARS - J. Alonso (Vocals) (26 August 2009)
(Interviewer: Robin van Tilburg, Lepelstraat, The Netherlands)
ROBIN: First of all, thank you to for taking the time to do this interview with MMM.
J. ALONSO: We are happy to answer it for you, thanks!
ROBIN: 'Dark Chamber Litanies' was my first acquaintance with the band. For the people who do not know you, how would you describe Dawn of Tears?
J. ALONSO: It's hard for us to describe the music, because… its better if you listen to it yourself. Maybe our style rides between "Sweden death metal", "melodic black metal", "German power metal", "Gothic metal", "dark metal"… We usually say that D.O.T. are a mix between Dark Tranquility, In Flames, Cradle Of Filth, Blind Guardian, Sentenced… you can find a lot of metal styles inside our music.
ROBIN: 'Dark Chamber Litanies' is out for a few months now. How have the reactions been so far?
J. ALONSO: Taking into account that our album is self-financed and we don't have a label contract, the response has been incredible outside our country. In Spain there's no a good metal culture, unlike in other countries, so the satisfaction is double for us.
ROBIN: Promotion is a must nowadays to get noticed. Maybe more than ever. Are you satisfied with the attention 'Dark Chamber Litanies' is getting?
J. ALONSO: We are working with 2 promo agencies, "Laballo comunicación" in Spain and outside with "Lugga Music". They are professionals and the response has been great. Its thanks to them that interviews like this are possible…
ROBIN: Anyway, a copy of this E.P. reached me and I've got to say: I'm glad it did. I was especially very fond of the spherical melody lines. Who is responsible for the music?
J. ALONSO: J.L. Trébol is the guitar player and composer of all the basic melody lines of each instrument, until now. He brings us the new song, we take it to make the arrangements, everyone gives their opinion and a new song is born. We've got a new line up also, so we're anxious to hear their contributions too.
ROBIN: Let's talk lyrics. What kind of lyrical themes do you use in your songs?
J. ALONSO: We use gothic fantasy themes, vampiric stories, esoteric and oniric elements. We also use stories of our own creation or mixed with classical tales…
ROBIN: Where do you get your inspiration?
J. ALONSO: First of all, from the music. We get our influences too from terror movies and literature…, all mixed with personal feelings, love, rage, despair, sorrow… we wanna tell a different story inside of a poem in every song.
ROBIN: Although you are around for a decade now, your debut album 'Descent' was released in 2007. Did you write new material for this record, or does it contain songs that were written over the years?
J. ALONSO: In "Descent" you can find old themes that suffered a transformation with the evolution of the own band, songs that we have played since the beginning. Other songs from "Descent" were newly composed for the album, so "Descent" is a compilation from the beginning to the release date.
ROBIN: 'Descent' got great reviews and even was nominated for the Metal Storm Awards alongside Arch Enemy and Dark Tranquility. How did it feel to get this kind of recognition with your first full length?
J. ALONSO: Well, for an underground metal band…?, from Spain…?, first album…?, without a label…? Oh, so truly fucking great!
ROBIN: Now the E.P. is out and this year you will also start recording the second album. do you feel some kind of pressure since 'Descent' was received so well?
J. ALONSO: Of course, we felt the responsibility of keeping the level high and making the best of ourselves, and I think we did it.
ROBIN: In my opinion, you take good care of your releases. Better take some extra time than to rush it and record a mediocre record. Sometimes the pressure of a record company is not very good for the artistic side of things. Is that part of the reason that you're still unsigned? I mean, 'Dark Chamber Litanies' is one of my favorite new releases in the genre at this moment. I figure that I'm not the only one. Did some labels already shown interest in you?
J. ALONSO: Not really. We want to sign with a serious label which can support us to spread our metal all around the fucking world, make our dream come true and give to the metal world the best that we can, because we don´t have resources to make it on our own. We don´t have any serious offer, actually. (By the way... thanks for your comment.) I hope that the offers come to us soon.
ROBIN: Ok, let's talk about another aspect over the band. Playing live! Is Dawn of Tears a live band?
J. ALONSO: Live band to the bone! To make live shows keeps us alive. The crowd is great with us everywhere. We got fans that travel long distances to see us in a gig, so we've got a responsibility to them, we must give it our all in every show.
ROBIN: Which performance of touring anecdote makes you smile from time to time?
J. ALONSO: A lot…., but it´s better for us not tell, maybe in private…
ROBIN: On your website I am able to find some tour dates in Spain. Are there also plans for touring outside your home country?
J. ALONSO: We just played three weeks ago in Portugal, in "Vagos Open Air", with great bands like "Dark tranquility", "Amon Amarth", "Epica"… We've always wanted to play all around the world. We are searching for it, so I hope I can announce tour dates outside of our country to you soon …
ROBIN: What can we expect from the band in the near future?
J. ALONSO: Tour dates, new album… "Uncertain Life"…
ROBIN: Thank you very much for this interview. I wish you all the best with recording the new album and I'm really looking forward to it. Perhaps you have anything you would like to share with our readers?
J. ALONSO: Thanks to you again for the interview and support. Headbangers from MMM, I'm J. Alonso from DAWN OF TEARS, please, give us a chance… and stay always metal!
ROBIN: Thanks again and keep up the good work! Dawn of Tears has great potential!
DEBAUCHERY - Thomas (Vocals, Guitars, Bass) (29 May 2008)
(Interviewer: Sammy de Maere
, Beveren, Belgium)
SAMMY: How did it all start for Debauchery?
THOMAS: I started in 2002 with the recording of the first Debauchery record "Kill
Maim Burn". Since then I recorded another album every year and Debauchery
toured several times through Europe, with bands like Napalm Death, Six Feet
Under, Dismember and others. Our last tour brought us to China, together
with the band Raunchy. The latest instalment is the "Continue To Kill" record.
SAMMY: As we look at the previous albums we see a lot of changes during the
years, to me the new album is a combination of the previous one's: brutal
yet groovy.Is this the direction you guys are looking for in the end?
THOMAS: I don't think there is a real masterplan or something like that. I allways
do what I like.Sometimes it's a little bit more brutal, sometimes a little
bit more Rock'n'Roll. But the intention behind all the records is the same:
Good songs, heavy groove sound, brutal, no progressive shit, that's it. The
newer records are just better then the older ones, that's for me the main
difference.
SAMMY: Last album was almost pure death 'n roll while the new one, while groovy
doesn't have a lot of those sounds. Does this mean you were a bit
dissapointed with 'Back in Blood'?
THOMAS: I do not think like that, the last record's got some fast songs too. This
time the fast songs are only much faster and the groove songs are more
Rock'n'Roll. That brings more diversity. And I used a deeper guitar tuning
too, it worked out really well. I like the new record more, but I allways
like my newest most. "Continue To Kill" is the natural development, it's a new
and better "Back In Blood".
SAMMY: This is probably your hardest and most brutal album yet. Why did you go
back to your early sound, or even more brutal?
THOMAS: I don't know, perhaps because of all the hate. The new record is no step
back, the old Debauchery records are all in all very slow and "Continue to
Kill" has some 50% fast and brutal songs on it. But that was not really
intentionally. The songwriting goes as it goes, I do not try to control it,
if all the songs are fast then so be it.
SAMMY: For the new record you worked together with Denis Ward. He mostly does
the producing for heavy metal bands, as a death metal band why did you chose to work with him?
THOMAS: I worked with him for "Torture Pit" and "Back In Blood" as well. He is a very
good producer and sound engineer. He creates a very brutal and modern
Debauchery sound. I don't want a sound like all the other Death Metal bands,
so Dennis is a perfect choice, he is no Death Metal producer, he is more of
a Rock'n'Roller.
SAMMY: You did an excellent Slayer cover on "Continue to Kill". Why did you choose
to cover that song? Isn't it extremely difficult to live up to the expectations when you're covering a song that is practically worshipped
around the globe?
THOMAS: We did this cover for a Slayer tribute sampler. I like it very much so I
just put it on the record too. And I covered it in the first place because it's the best one from Slayer.
SAMMY: Besides the fast and agressive stuff there is still some 'rock & roll' in
the new album, and there was a lot of it in the previous one. Which bands are your main influences?
THOMAS: I think the biggest influence is AC/DC, they have the perfect groove and I
use their "Ballbreaker" and "Stiff Upper Lip" records as sound reference in the
studio. Other big influences are Judas Priest and Manowar, time and time
again they try something new. And they have ballads, slow songs, fast songs,
modern stuff, old school, just like Debauchery. That are my roots.
SAMMY: Did you enjoy working with the guest musicians on this record (Tom Naumann (ex-Primal Fear), Schmier (Destruction & Headhunter) and Tomasz (ex-Belphegor))?
THOMAS: Yes of course. They bring in their own spirit. I like that. And they are all
great musicians too, they make Debauchery a bigger thing.
SAMMY: Debauchery is often compared to Six Feet Under, what do you think about
that yourself?
THOMAS: The first time I heard it, it was very cool for me, but nowadays I hate it.
I do not even know why we are allways compared to them, they have no
keyboards, no samples, no accoustic guitars, no blast beat, actually they
sound very different to me, the only thing is that they rock too.
SAMMY: Are there any plans to tour Europe? If so are you touring headliner or
will you be supporting a death metal legend? Any chances of seeing you guys
live in Holland or Belgium this year?
THOMAS: I hope so, but nothing for sure.
SAMMY: Thanks for the interview!
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DECADENCE - Kitty Saric (Vocals) (3 October 2007)
(Interviewer: Alexander Avdeev, Siberia, Russia)
Today we have an interview with Kitty Saric, the lead singer of Decadence, the band that has released three albums and one demo so far, peaking with the last record, "3rd Stage of Decay" which was released on HTI records in 2006. Today's line-up consists of Kitty Saric on vocals; Kenneth Lantz on lead guitars; Joakim Antman on bass; Erik Röjås on drums and Simon Galle on guitars.
ALEXANDER: Hello, Kitty, I have recently listened to your three last records, which are rare jewels for those who appreciate Thrash Metal in the vein of Kreator. Is the business of sales expanding, and how are these sales?
KITTY: Hello Alex, it is a pleasure for us in Decadence to hear that you enjoyed our albums. Up until this point, the sales have gradually been rising and still are, which is really great. We want to thank all of our loyal fans for making it possible for us to continue doing what we love doing the most!
ALEXANDER: What are your influences?
KITTY: To mention some of the bands that have been inspiring to me I could say: Metallica, Death, Vader, Kreator, Testament, Children of Bodom, Megadeth, Slayer, Pantera and so on. As you can see, the list mostly consists of various Thrash Metal bands with some exceptions. I find both vocal and instrumental inspiration in acts such as mentioned above which constantly makes me what to express myself in Decadence. To mention some musicians in particular (with focus on vocals) I would say James Hetfield (Metallica), both as a guitarist, vocalist and song/lyrical writer, same with Chuck Shuldiner (Death), Mille Petrozza (Kreator), Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom), Piotr Wiwczarek (Vader) and the like.
ALEXANDER: You've been playing in Sweden, Italy, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands and planning to play a show in Belgium in March. Are you going to negotiate to play at Wacken anytime soon? Also, I think people would like to know if your CDs are available in their area, so what countries are your CDs being sold in currently?
KITTY: We have been traveling some every year and, as you said, Belgium is one of the countries on the bill for next year, and we look forwards to that a lot. Wacken is not scheduled but it is definitely in the plans so with a little more patience we can hope for the best. Our albums are currently distributed by Universal Music Japan, which focuses on the Asian territory. That is of course a problem for people living in other parts of the world. But, up until this point, our sales have worked excellently with fans contacting us directly and purchasing albums through our website.
ALEXANDER: You are able to remain very productive, you always have material for a new album and the next one to come, you seem to never lose the inspirational seed of riffs, vocal parts, philosophy of songs and solos - the zest peculiar to exquisite metal records like yours. What have you sacrified to make these four records in three years since 2003 while planning to release another highly anticipated full-length soon?
KITTY: That is an interesting question. I think that the main answer to that is time. The time being put into making all of this work is the sacrifice. Many things in life had to be put aside and making Decadence the priority. But, one thing must be remembered here, first of all it is a passion, and working for a passion is not that hard. Also, it's not impossible to do many things at a time. For instance, I study, work and work with the band. Of course, that demands some very tough scheduling and focus but like I always say: if there's a will there's a way.
You bring up the word sacrifice, of course it's some hard work being put into this to making it work, but one thing that is the driving force in this is our passion to do this. Due to that fact, it feels like we can do almost anything. That's what we feel when it comes to making music.
ALEXANDER: Your last three records symbolize your gradual shift from Death Metal towards Thrash Metal, showing your devotion to the music, not the sales, since Thrash metal and the absence of keyboards are less popular these days; you also have mentioned that the current Swedish Metal scene is filled with Death Metal. Is there any discrimination in Sweden for bands making it to the international market? For example, I've seen that some festivals descriminate bands by some specific trait, like by genres (not accepting Heavy Metal at all), by friendship or by the the presence of female musicians in a band, not the music and lyrics themselves though. So that in the end producers notice only these bands of inferior quality.
KITTY: It's so great to hear your appreciation of our work, thank you. Sweden nowadays is holding on quite tightly on the growing "Swedish Death Metal" scene. Pretty much all the bands around here are, in one way or another, working on that particular genre. Also, because this genre is getting bigger and bigger, it's only bands playing that type of music that usually makes it big in other countries as well. Sweden has not shown a good support to bands in the old Thrash Metal spirit (or other subgenres for that matter) because of the high and isolated interest of Swedish Death Metal. That has lead to Decadence growing bigger cross borders where the support to our particular music has been overwhelming.
ALEXANDER: Your lyrics remind me of Megadeth, Kreator and early Annihilator, touching technical, humane, emotional and psychological spheres multiplied by the intensity and sentiments of your vocal capabilities, what topics or literary inspirations do you plan to encompass in your next songs?
KITTY: Those are some great bands that you mentioned, thank you. I cannot however reveal my next lyrical themes and inspirations at this time. The main reason to that is that the lyrics will be adapted many times until I feel that they fit the theme of the new album and I wouldn't want to comment anything that is half finished.
ALEXANDER: "The Creature" record turns out to show the aftermath of violence, the inner side of the rage and passion, as it gradually rills from aggressive and intense to the yielding and melancholic side of our lives, while "3rd Stage of Decay" manifests your consolidation with the band, showing traces of the stronger part of you, dipping the listener in the atmosphere of the 80s and early 90s Thrash Metal. What are your inspirations in lyricism on these albums?
KITTY: "The Creature" was written during a more depressive and melancholic period and the lyrics are apparently reflecting that as well. The words are inspired by various happenings and even dreams and nightmares. "3rd Stage of Decay" was the way to express the new turn. There were lyrical references to such authors as Samuel Beckett and Alexandre Dumas which focused on payback, strength, power and the will to make a change.
ALEXANDER: Are there any active old school thrash metal bands from your country or from any other country you are aware of?
KITTY: Among other bands cross borders, there is one Swedish underground, 80's inspired Thrash band from around our area who we have gigged with some times and that we support by going to their shows and so on. They are called Chainsaw and definitely worth checking out.
ALEXANDER: As living in Europe, where everything is packed tightly together, you must be recognized very well in the everyday life and all the time you are attracting a lot of unnecessary attention, how do you cope with the onset of this imposing threat? Many people become reserved, reticent and aggressive to outward irritations as they gain popularity, but you keep on contacting fans and listeners, uphold the status of a live band and staying amiable towards anyone.
KITTY: Indeed, I do get recognized on the street and so on. But, at the time, the more extreme cases are cross borders where Decadence is far more recognized as mentioned before. I think it's only natural to get slightly more reserved as you don't know people's true intentions at times like that. However, I appreciate all the fans very much and I always take the time to reply to their mails or talk a bit on the street. I believe that is the very least thing I can do to show my appreciation.
ALEXANDER: You are often being compared to female fronted bands like Holy Moses, Ice Age, Meanstreak, what are your feelings when you are compared to a male-fronted band such as Kreator or Artillery?
KITTY: When I'm compared to, for instance, Kreator which is one of my favorite bands, I of course get very flattered. My vocal inspirations have always come from male fronted bands so for me it's only an honor.
ALEXANDER: What do you think about the female musicianship in metal music?
KITTY: The female musicianship in Metal music is certainly a step forward in a way. For me it seems like women are expressing themselves more in all kinds of fields nowadays, and I think this world of Metal is only a part of it. You even see more and more females in politics, business, CEO posts etc. so Metal seems to be one in the flow. It is however still too new to me with female clean voices in Metal and I haven't been able to listen to such female fronted bands yet. I guess I'm still to old school for that! *laughs*
ALEXANDER: I want to ask a couple of questions from your other musicians, since they have put their one hundred percent effort in the music. A question for the solo guitarist, Kenneth. How do you usually come up with those amazing riffs for the songs? As we all know that in 80s James Hetfield could wake up, drink half of bottle of whiskey and write something as metal as "Master of Puppets", do you follow his steps or you have your own approach to the music?
KENNETH: I mostly just sit down alone with no idea for a song. Alcohol or not, I just play until I find some riff catchy enough, even if it takes 2 or 5 hours. The lead riff becomes the guideline and therefore all new riffs have to be worked on with respect to the lead riff. That way, I believe that the song's entirety becomes more satisfying. I write most of the music at the night or in early morning hours.
ALEXANDER: Now questions for the drummer, Erik. How and when did you start to learn drumming? Are you feeling yourself progressing with the time spent with the band?
ERIK: The first time I wanted to play drums was when I heard a ZZ Top album when I was about 3 years old. Time went by and I got to play the drums for the first time through a music school we were attending with my class in 2nd or 3rd grade, which only lasted for about one or two terms. After that there was a gap drumwise for me, and I started again for real in 8-9th grade. Right now in total I've been playing for approximately 5 years. Of course you're progressing as a musician all the time and during these 2 years I've been in the band I want to think that I have done just that. If this is my peak then there is no point in continuing playing. You can never stop learning your instrument, therefore I think it's essential to keep on going and never stop rocking!
ALEXANDER: A question to Joakim, the bass player. How do you feel when a metal band lets the bass player play a high-speed, technical solo, Joakim?
JOAKIM: Well, I personally really like when the bass is more in focus with the guitars and not just in the background. I like to challenge myself and my sound, and high-speed technical shit helps me doing that. It's always nice to hear good bass players!
ALEXANDER: Now back to Kitty. Could you tell us about your latest addition, a new guitar player, Simon Galle?
KITTY: Certainly, Simon Galle – 2nd guitar, entered the band as a session guitarist in late October of 2006. He is 21 years old, around the same age as the rest of us, and it felt good already from the beginning. The plan from the start was to make him a permanent member. We have however had some bad experiences with our previous 2nd guitarists and we wanted to be careful this time before taking the new person in. So, we played some shows, we did some touring and hung out together and got to know Simon. In July of 2007, after our summer touring was over, we decided that Simon was the perfect person to join. He was as thrilled as we were and since then, things have worked out excellently.
ALEXANDER: What are your religious views? Do you believe that we are all marionettes in our lives and we follow the whim of a puppet master, a fate, something predestined as it is sung in the "Theater of The Absurd"? I even find it esoteric and mystical when I see the words on the "The Creature" artwork as they repeat the lyrics of the similar song on the album, as if revealing your true nature, scattered across the landscape of whatever is associated and affiliated with crimson: blood, aggression, prohibition, demons.
KITTY: I believe, as our fans have probably listened themselves tired to already, that if there's a will, there's a way. Nothing is impossible unless you find the strength to make a change, and there are many solutions to one problem. Also, sometimes you don't know what you're looking for until you find it. To find the solution, the answer or the right way, many hurdles must be passed. Sometimes, that way can be very dark and make you fall straight into the deepest ditch, which is the mystery behind "The Creature". Falling sometimes makes you realize, and also gives you the strength to hit back.
ALEXANDER: How do you combine everyday jobs, education and music? Do they go along well?
KITTY: Well, I study at University, and I'm there a couple of times a week. When I'm not studying, I'm working with Decadence and my label HTI Records. And then again, when I have some moments off from that, I earn some extra cash by IT work. It all works out fine if the planning of all is good. Life certainly gets way too scheduled this way but it works, and the hope and will is to make Decadence continue to grow and thrive.
ALEXANDER: A lot of bands in Russia, Urkaine, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Finland, France, Slovakia play at international festivals for free, they even pay for their tickets to the place of where the festival is held, have you ever been in such a situation before and how did you deal with it?
KITTY: No, we have not been in such a situation. I believe this is one of the worst parts with the musical industry. The bands get through all of this trouble to come to a place, carry their equipment pay the flights and all, and then they perform and don't even get a dime for it. Pay-To-Play is not the way this industry should work.
ALEXANDER: Are you planning to shoot a video clip to any of your songs or release a live DVD?
KITTY: Yes we are, we always have something in the plans! Both a video and a live DVD is something we want to do in the nearest future.
ALEXANDER: I heard a rumour that you were signed to a less successful label prior to HTI, is that true?
KITTY: We have not been signed to another label other than my own label HTI Records, so those rumors are not true – luckily. The work with HTI Records has worked out excellently and we are happy with it so far. But, we always seek to develop and grow so we will see what the future will bring!
ALEXANDER: Thank you, Kitty, I hope everything goes better day by day with your band while you astound your audience with your thrashing headbanging and musician skills! Stay as metal as you are!
KITTY: Thank you for this interview Alex. I must compliment you here since this was the most interesting interview to reply to ever! I hope the readers will enjoy it as much as I did. All the best to you, all of us in Decadence appreciate your work too.
If there's a will there's a way – Metallic Kitty of Decadence.
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DIE SO FLUID - All bandmembers (6 June 2009)
(Interviewer: Frans Neelen, Stampersgat, The Netherlands)
I saw Die So Fluid for the first time when they supported Girlschool at "The Garage" in London.
Well, they blew me away with their combination of musical beauty and raw aggression.
Since then they have brought out two brilliant albums called "Spawn of Dysfunction" and "Not Everybody gets a Happy Ending".
Last year they visited Holland for the first time in a short tour with Pimpersticker and now they're back, opening up for Prong. Now, that's a fine opportunity to have a talk with this awesome three piece consisting of Grog – Vocals and Bass, Mr. Drew – Guitar and Al Fletcher – Drums and Backing vocals. A very relaxed and, by times, hilarious talk about past, present and future of the band ending up with discussions of haircuts and tattooing pigs .........
FRANS: Hello guys, enjoying the tour so far?
GROG: Yes we are, we get along pretty good with the guys from Prong and we are pleased to perform in new places in Europe.
FRANS: Have you always been "infected" by music?
GROG: Well yeah, I always loved music and it has always been a part of my life since I was born. I learned to play lots of different instruments, but I really started to play in bands after I left school.
AL: I started playing drums when I was about 10 and my parents were musicians as well, so it runs in the family I guess. I'd rather say it choose me, instead of the other way around.
DREW: In my younger days, it always had a real powerful imagination to me, but my folks couldn't effort music lessons, so I always thought it was something I couldn't do. After some time I realised you can teach yourself by getting a guitar and learn yourself to play, so that is what I did.
FRANS: The name "Die So Fluid", can anyone explain to me where it came from, does it refer to something?
AL: Well, it's my fault actually.
FRANS: It is original.
AL: That was the main reason of takin'it. We somehow got attached to it during the years.
DREW: It's a poetic way of saying "live well, so you can leave a peaceful legacy behind you". There are a lot of people who put ugliness and negative things into the world. Many people think that being an artist isn't a responsible job, but I think that all artists should put peaceful things into the world. People who do important jobs should take care of an enjoyable world that's worth to live in.
FRANS: You guys are together for quite some time now. Before Die So Fluid you played together in another band called Feline. Would you say this was a softer version of Die So Fluid?
GROG: Yeah, but in a different way. We used to write more "Torch" songs, so in a way it was a softer version. The first band I was in was called Flinch and that was a three piece with a sparky sound and playing with three sounded like a "full circle". Die So Fluid is a combination of those two with a much better sound and we are very tight together.
FRANS: Your music is very alternated. I think this is one of the strong points of Die So Fluid. But it is also hard to describe because it has so much influences like rock/wave/gothic/powerpop/metal. To my opinion you have succeeded in, while combining all this, making something original; how would you describe it yourself?
GROG: Well, the best description someone did was that we sounded like Suzy Q meets Slayer which we quite like. Basically it's very difficult because there are several bands we like but for each of us it's in a different direction/style. The individuality comes out of the character and out of this comes our strong point, the originality of it.
FRANS: Between Feline and Die So Fluid is a "gap" of 2 years; what did you do in between?
GROG: We just experimented and did a lot of demo songs. We tried different directions; even poppiër, so basically we were just finding out what we loved doing. It's confusing when a band stops and you start questioning yourself "what are you doing and why are you doing it". But I think we ended up much stronger because we now are doing exactly what we wanted to do; so it came out very natural.
DREW: To be honest I am going slightly back to your earlier question, because in my opinion I don't really see any connection between this band ad the previous ones. That is because Feline is very much like prog rock and everything and was based more in an organisational way. Al just came with us at the end, so he was playing parts that already were written by another drummer. In this band it's more that we have all three our share in the music and so we care much more for it. It's much more an even thing, so it represents what the three of us do.
FRANS: So now it's more a "bandthing".
DREW: That's right.
GROG: Yeah, because we have been to different experiences we know have found what represents our passion and our lives.
FRANS: How does the songwriting take place; by jamming, during tour or at home?
GROG: Well, we just finished recording the next album, so we aren't in a writing process at this time. It's going to be mixed right know.
DREW: Actually, know I am having some ideas right know, and I will work them out, so I am already thinking of the fourth album, even the third hasn't come out yet.
GROG: It's just thinking one step ahead right now, especially because we do a lot more touring, it would be to demanding for us so we keep our writing up the background.
FRANS: Your first album "Spawn of Dysfunction" was a pretty heavy and dark album; was it a statement; did you had to let go all the energy/frustration etc. Or was it exactly what you had in mind?
GROG: Well it was; certainly about the lyrics who are inspired by the state of the music business and commerciality like that music labels aren't in for the long goal.
FRANS: The second album "Not Everybody gets a Happy Ending" starts with a song called "Gang of One". According to your bio, this song almost caused a crises in the band because with this song you, at that moment, had achieved what you wanted to with the band.
GROG: There is a parallel between that and me getting very ill from drinking too much alcohol. It was a really heavy experience because I nearly died of pancreatitis and had to go to the hospital. So I had to give up drinking completely. So that is reflecting the feeling of being a "Gang of One" and being strong enough to deal with that and also doing the right thing in the band, just having that conviction to carry on.
DREW: Crisis is a bit strong but there was definitely a "low" because we worked on it a very long time and suddenly all the parts fitted together and I myself ran to the others and said "Great, all the rest of you give up, I've written the best song I have ever ... ", you know and after that I thought about it and asked myself " what am I going to do know ? ". But then, there are always other things that you want to do. The album just recorded contains by far the best set of songs we've ever done. So it proves you always can do better; or not especially saying "better" but there are always "other" things that you can do. Just explore the "space" in music.
FRANS: Is the new album recorded with the same producer?
GROG: With Mark Williams yes. He is like a fourth member of the band. He threatens this album like a kind of masterpiece and he is taking real care of doing it. He is a real perfectionist.
FRANS: What can we expect of the new album?
DREW: This one is going to sound richer; more three-dimensional. We took a lot of care of the sounds and we have never been able to spend this long on a recording before. The first album was done in about two weeks and the second one was more like two days here, three days there. For this one we took five weeks and I think it really helped for the sound.
FRANS: You finally have a management now in form of George Jackson; can you tell me more about it.
GROG: Well, we are definitely on our way up and achieving a lot, especially since we joined forces with Tiefdruk Musik in Germany. They have been a great label and helped us a lot elevating our status in Germany and they brought also a lot more potential to the band in Europe.
FRANS: Germany is a good country to start.
GROG: Germany has a big music scene so that is, and we don't want to defend our home territory or something like that, we just see the whole world as potential fans so we go where people like us.
FRANS: Well, you already made it to become on a post stamp in Finland !
GROG: Yeah, that is a big mystery of the way how that happened. I think George knew some important mafia people or something like that .......
FRANS: The thirst thing you brought out was "Operation Hypocrit", is this one still available
?
GROG: I think it is actually, if you start looking on e-bay.
DREW: That's kind of.. well, we released that with Sanctuary as label management. That's the problem with the music industry. We paid the recordings but they own this record. Since then we kind of changed things. Everything we record know, we own. When I want to sell a copy, I can go and press one up myself, it is in my control, but Operation Hypocrit isn't really.
FRANS: The album covers, do you design them yourself?
DREW: No. The original artwork was done by Vania, the lay-outs were done by different people. We are going to do something different on the new album. The sound on the album is more three dimensional and real and so we want to reflect that on the cover.
FRANS: A lot of bands keep doing covers in the same style.
GROG: I think it's better to keep things fresh, than saying "o yeah, that's the guy we used, let's use him again". So, yes we got a different kind of angle on the new one.
FRANS: About the famous "Rock'n Roll lifestyle", I guess electrocution isn't really part of the game. (Grog nearly got electrocuted while doing a gig, supporting Ill Nino) Did it make you more careful in, for example, checking the equipment.
GROG: Yeah, because of that, I bought a wireless system for my bass. So that's a life saver. It also makes it more easy to run around on stage without being limited by a cable.
FRANS: What will be next step after you have finished this tour. Will you focus on bringing out the new album or are there plans to visit for example Australia.
DREW: First we have a couple of dates for festivals and maybe we visit America again. But after that we first finish the record before coming back here and going to Japan. It also depends on what comes on our way. A few months ago, we didn't even knew we were going to be on this tour and if it's something good, we will do it.
GROG: It's kind of a case where each thing we do brings new tension to the band and we get off with new things and we are meeting new people all the time, so you never know what comes out of that.
FRANS: I think the combination with Prong is pretty good.
GROG: Well it's interesting because their crowd seems to like us however most of them never heard of us before. We've got down really well with them so far.
FRANS: Are you satisfied with you're playing time, is it long enough to represent yourself.
GROG: We get 40 minutes on this tour, which is okay. It's difficult, because everyone wants to do different songs and we have to pick the ones we want to do, but I think we have a good set now.
FRANS: Will your next tour be a headliner tour or will that depend on the success of the new album.
GROG: Yeah, it will really depend on that and we will judge it as it comes along. What we like to do is touring with a big band so we can reach more people. But let's see how the record goes.
FRANS: What's your favourite track to play?
GROG: "Gang of One", because it is a very personal song for me.
AL: I would say "Kiss the Floor"
DREW: "Gang of One", I really love the riffs. One song I love to play that we don't play during this tour is "Everybody gets a Happy Ending", because it is a very simple song to play. It's one of those situations when you play music to sort of really "draw" people in or to communicate with people and you can really see that working.
FRANS: Can you already live from the music?
DREW: Well, we can live from it ... half the year, so we have to do a bit of work sometimes.
FRANS: Who is responsible for writing the lyrics?
DREW: Grog writes the lyrics and the music we do all together. On the new album I have experimented writing some lyrics, but that's unusual.
GROG: The way it works in the band is that mostly Drew comes up with a lot of riffs and sometimes with words or an idea. After that I let my imagination go over it. Then we give the riffs a melody line and turn it into a song.
FRANS: If you shouldn't be in the music, what would you be probably be doing right now?
GROG: Gods knows ! Wow, let's see.... I certainly would be a bohemian artist, I must do something creative.
DREW: Be a barber, have a shop, cut peoples hair. I'll have three kinds of haircuts; one of them is this (Drew has a Mohawk) and I probably could do yours (thanks Drew, I am bold !) ....
FRANS: Okay, okay, it's creative too.
DREW: Apparently some people sorted out the question "How happy you are at work" and hairdressers and barbers always come at the top. They are always in contact with people and they have the possibility to work with their hands and create something that people like, so they mostly have friendly and satisfied people around them.
GROG: I also do a lot of drawing in my spare time and I wish to learn tattoo, but it is very time consuming.
AL: How would you learn to do that?
GROG: You have to be actually a friend of a tattooist and then they let you practice the style of drawing. You can actually practice on synthetic flesh.
AL: O, I thought you were gonna say animals.
DREW: Well, I know someone who used a pig to practice on.
GROG: Tattooing a pig!
DREW: Yeah, that's how he learned it, by practicing on a dead pig. He has become a really popular artist right now so.
GROG: I would love to do it, but not on a pig, maybe I should practice on you ....
DREW: Well, you can't rub it off when you are doing it wrong ...........
FRANS: Well guys, thank you very much for this interview. Do you have any last words for the MMM readers?
GROG: It is good to be back!
AL: Cheers!
DREW: Well, I guess the interview is not gonna come out before our next shows , but I hope to see some more people than last time on our shows in Holland, so you are all very welcome and I hope to see you!
DOOM: VS - Johan Ericson
(All instruments) (26 January 2009)
(Interviewer: Dennis van Dommelen, Heesch, The Netherlands)
"Dead Words Speak" was one of the highlights of 2008 if you ask me. If you like the typical British sound of the early nineties than Doom:VS something you must check out. It took a while before Johan answered my questions which is not weird because he is active in 2 other bands besides Doom:VS.
DENNIS: The title made me think about the movie "White Noise" where people contact the dead by using radio signals. Do you actually believe this kind of stories or are you just fascinated by the concept: "death"?
JOHAN: There's a completely different meaning behind the title. "Dead Words" are referring to the past. Things that should have been dead a long forgotten but keeps haunting you. Very personal stuff that I just can't let go of. This was for me some kind of closure.
DENNIS: Could you please tell me the main differences between your debut album "Aeturnum Vale" and "Dead Words Speak"?
JOHAN: This one is a lot more on the heavy side and a bit more monotone with less melody. The production is a lot better as well.
DENNIS: In some of the songs on the new album I think your vocals sound a lot like Aaron Stainthorpe from My Dying Bride. Could you say that he is one of your biggest influences? Are there any other musicians, writers or maybe visual artists that inspired you?
JOHAN: No, MDB is a great band but Aaron isn't an influence so to speak. I don't know what my influences are these days.
DENNIS: Is there a chance that Doom:VS will become a real band in the near future and will play live shows?
JOHAN: No, it will not happen. It will take to much time putting a band together, I'm very busy with other bands and projects.
DENNIS: How was the energy that inspired you to form Doom:VS in 2004. Was it different from any other energy you once felt?
JOHAN: More of an idea and inspiration to write some more doom oriented stuff than DRACONIAN, rather than energy. The idea for DOOM:VS was to make some good songs from the first riff I come up with. I write the music for DOOM:VS very quickly compared to DRACONIAN.
DENNIS: Are emotions part of the logical process of the mind in your opinion or; are they of the mind?
JOHAN: Haven't thought about really. I'm just an easy going bastard from Sweden.
DENNIS: I once read in an interview with Sigur Ros (Iceland) that Icelandic people think that there country is so ugly that it becomes beautiful. And that perhaps sometimes a foreign eye is needed in order to see that beauty. How does that count for your opinion about Sweden?
JOHAN: Sweden is great country to live in. I have no complaints.
DENNIS: What do you think of ambient music? Nowadays more and more (black,doom) metal bands use this style of music besides their original sound.
JOHAN: I listened to a lot of ambient stuff earlier in my life, not so much these days. Bands like Arcana, Ordo Equilibrium, a lot of stuff from the Cold Meat Industry label. Also early Delerium and even Jean Michel Jarre.
DENNIS: What kind of instruments do/can you play? Are you a multi instrumentalist?
JOHAN: I can play the guitar, drums, bass and keys mainly. I'm not that good but I have always written music after my own playing ability. I'm considering the guitar my main instrument these days.
DENNIS: Do you think that drugs etc. help to create emotional art like yours?
JOHAN: No, I can't imagine how it would. Drugs make you sloppy and not in touch with your real emotions.
DENNIS: What about the future plans for your other bands: Draconian and Shadowgarden?
JOHAN: Start writing for the next Draconian album is the plan for now. Shadowgarden's future is very uncertain at the moment.
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DORO - Doro Pesch (vocals) ( 10 April 2005 )
(Interviewer: Suzanne Smaling (www.rockpics.nl), Wamel, The Netherlands)
Her first CD came out in 1985 when she sang at Warlock, now she's solo under the name Doro. Recently she played some shows with the "Metal Classic Night Orchestra". In this interview we go back to her past and she will tell what the plans are for the future.
DORO: "Hallo this is Doro and here are the answers. ROCK ON you guys!"
SUZANNE: How long are you in the music business?
DORO: For over 20 years.
SUZANNE: Your first album, "Burning The Witches", was released in 1985, how long will you stay in the music business?
DORO: I always wanted to do music and sing for the rest of my life, since I was a little girl, so I'm very glad that everything somehow worked out and I hope I will make records for a long time and keep going 'till I die.
SUZANNE: Name 1 highlight from you career
DORO: The legendary Monsters of Rock festival in England 1986 and than the following tour 1986 tour with my favorite band Judas Priest.
SUZANNE: Name 1 non-highlight from your career
DORO: The nineties were a really hard time for all of us metal bands. So I would say the whole time wasn't so great.
SUZANNE: Will there ever be another Warlock reunion?
DORO: I don't know, we have some legal problems right now. But I can't talk about it 'till everything is solved.
SUZANNE: What are the developments at this moment?
DORO: I'm working on a new record and we are just doing the summer festivals this year, not really a tour.
SUZANNE: What are your plans for the future?
DORO: The new record will come out early 2006 and than a big tour will follow … At the end of this year I'm doing a part in a movie and do some music for the soundtrack of this movie as well. So there's lots of stuff going on, and I'm really exited about it.
The songwriting for the new CD is coming out very good and it sounds really, really heavy at the moment. I think I would like to make a heavy record with good anthems and some surprises. Maybe like the "Triumph and Agony" record. We'll see …
SUZANNE: Your latest CD, "Classic Diamonds", is with the "Metal Classic Night Orchestra", and it contains old hits and some new songs, why did you make that choice?
DORO: I wanted to do a record with the Symphony Orchestra for a long time. And we had many great live concerts with this Metal classic Night Orchestra. First it started out as a Benefit concert and than we all thought we have to continue because it went so well and the fans who seen it live, really liked it. Then after a while we all wanted to do a real album and a DVD because it felt so great.
The right people at the right time and lots of fun too. We picked our favorites songs old and new and I wrote some new songs for the album as well. It was all a team effort, and we really had a great time.
SUZANNE: You've toured in autumn 2004 in Germany and Switzerland, how was it to tour and do shows with the orchestra?
DORO: It was really, really fantastic. So many people on tour but it all worked out great. We all had a wonderful time and I think the fans really liked it too. When you look at the reaction in Wacken Open Air 2004 which is on the "Classic Diamond DVD" than you know. Sometimes I could not hear my vocals because the fans were singing along so loud, it was amazing!! Very, very exciting!!
SUZANNE: You're very popular in Germany, but why aren't you that popular in the Netherlands?
DORO: Yes, that is true but I tell you, we have extremely strong and loyal fans in the Netherlands and I love to play there. That is always a good feeling and when you feel that the fans are 100% behind you that means more to me than anything else. This summer we're going to play some festivals in the Netherlands as well, and I'm really looking forward to that.
SUZANNE: How is it to be a Metal woman standing in front of a crowd of mostly wild and crazy men?
DORO: Oh this is al great feeling … I love the fans and I'm very happy when the audience is wild and crazy, then I know we're doing something right! This is what I call a great show ... wild and crazy. And everybody has a great time.
SUZANNE: You have done a duet with Blaze Bayley and Udo Dirkschneider this last one is audible on the last CD, with who would you like to do a duet now?
DORO: Oh … I think with Ronnie James Dio or Coco Robincheaut.
SUZANNE: And which song would you like to do, one of your own, a cover or a new song?
DORO: It all depends. I could not tell you right now. Whatever would feel right for this situation and for the person.
SUZANNE: Which famous song would you like to be yours?
DORO: "Radar Love" for Golden Earring for example.
SUZANNE: Is there anything you would like to say for the end of the interview?
DORO: Yes, I wanna thank all the fans for their great strong support in all these years. And I hope I see them all alive in the near future, on tour or maybe at the summer festivals.
ROCK ON guys
With Love
Doro
SUZANNE: I would like to thank you for this interview and wish you al the best and al the luck in the future. Take care.
DORO: I hope we have many, many years to come and you guys are always "deep inside my heart"
"Fur Immer" you can count on that!!!
Lots of love
Stay heavy & see you soon
Doro
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DORO -
Doro Pesch (singer) (27 December 2008)
(Interviewer: Kees Schijven & Frans Neelen, Roosendaal & Stampersgat, The Netherlands)
DORO just celebrated her 25th. Anniversary at the ISS Dome in Dusseldorf, and with a new album "Fear No Evil", this is the right time to do an interview with the queen of metal!
KEES & FRANS: First of all, congratulations with your 25th. Anniversary, did everything worked out the way you wanted to?
DORO: Well everything was ok, but when we came back from England a few days ago, we had to ride 20 hours in the tourbus, and our guitarist got sick, and when somebody gets sick in the band, I know I am gonna be sick too, actually I'm always sick on tour; (she laughed). It is hard to eat well and rest during touring. You eat what you get, mostly not healthy. I stopped smoking a few years ago and I don't drink when I have to perform.
I just try to keep my head together.
KEES & FRANS: Do you work out a lot to keep in shape, being on stage for almost 4 hours?
DORO: I used to but when you are on the road it is quite difficult. But the body and the voice is always there when I need it to.
After the show I was completely exhausted and my feet where bleeding, I had blisters and I got an eye infection which made me go to the hospital a few hours later. It was highly contagious so I wasn't able to be with my friends who where staying over for a couple of days, so that was very pity. Anyway everybody had a good time partying. But the anniversary was very good and was a gift for me as well. Some people who came where really a surprise like Jean Beauvoir (Plasmatics) booked just 1 day before and the Scorpions a couple of days before. I got my first gold DVD for "Fur Immer" and this was given to me by SPV. And some nice gifts from the fans as well.
KEES & FRANS: About the stage Warlock; did they build it especially for this show?
DORO: Yes, i think we probably cannot use it anymore because it is to big. Maybe for some festivals but then you have to headline.
KEES & FRANS: It was very impressive.
DORO: Well, it took 8 months to build it and it was that day it got finished. So we did not had the time to rehearse with it. The main problem was to lift the whole Warlock but in the end it all worked out fine.
KEES & FRANS: Well, the result was there.
DORO: We where very happy that everything went well, and that it didn't fall down, hahaha. I couldn't sleep for 5 days before because you have to think of so many things.
KEES & FRANS: Did you invite the guests yourself or had the record company something to do with it?
DORO: I invited them myself and Duke our booker/manager settled the things.
I contacted Rudolf from the Scorpions and he said they had plans for touring South America but when it would be possible they would be there. So I thought that there was just a slight chance, but 5 days before the show he called me up and said "we're coming" so that just made me very happy.
KEES & FRANS: It was a highlight of the evening.
DORO: Yes it was, it was so good to rock with these guys. We met them at the Monsters of Rock Festival in Donnington in 1986 so we where friends since then and it is always a great honour to play with them. Warrel Dane we knew from our first American tour in 1988 with Sanctuary and Megadeth, and all the girls on the full metal female version of celebrate I knew, by example the Girlschool girls I know them since 1982.
KEES & FRANS: How did you get in touch with Tarja?
DORO: We met some times briefly and then we saw each other at the last fight of Regina Halmich and we both did a song, We spoke together and said to each other that it would be so nice to do something together. I wanted to write a song about Angel Power and I thought it would be great to do it with Tarja, so I called her up. She said; well I have a song called "The Seer" do you want to sing on it, so it all came together.
KEES & FRANS: Are you still in contact with you old Warlock mates?
DORO: With Michael, the drummer, I always stayed good friends. Frank the bass player has given up music and he is already a long time out of the business and he didn't want to much stress because that was just the reason he stopped so Nick felt in for him.
We had a lot of fun while rehearsing. For a long time we could not use the name Warlock because of some legal problems, but a few years back I got the rights, so there is no problem anymore.
KEES & FRANS: Is there any change for a reunion tour with the guys?
DORO: We have no plans for that. First we wanted to do this 25th Anniversary show. It was great to do it, but I have my own band now, maybe something for in the future if it will all work out.
KEES & FRANS: What can you tell about the new album, and who produced it?
DORO: Well unfortunately I couldn't get it finished before the 25th. Anniversary. I always have a good team around me, like Andreas Bruhn (ex-guitarplayer Sisters of Mercy), Torsten Sickert with whom I worked on the Classic Diamonds album also, so I don't really have a producer, not since '95 anymore actually. I like to make decisions on my own.
KEES & FRANS: To my opinion the album is very good and it breaths the same atmosphere as the "Triumph and Agony" album, is this what you had in mind?
DORO: If you feel that way I'm so happy, from superhard like "Caught in a Battle", to super soft like "Herzblut", the whole spectrum. It always feels as if it's your first record! I wanted songs that sums up all the 25 years, old school song writing to newer modern sound songs. I can imagine that a song like "Night of the Warlock" always finds a place in the set.
KEES & FRANS: Also the cover is back to the early days, like "Triumph";
DORO: Yeah, it's done by Jeffrey Gillespie, who did like all the other painted covers. It's in a different colour, not blue like the others but more red.
KEES & FRANS: You have so much classics, you could keep playing all night long;
DORO: Yeah, the fans always ask, why didn't you play this and this song, well now with the 25th Anniversary show I had about 30 songs on the setlist. While my guitarplayer asks me how to remember over 30 songs, are you crazy? We rehearsed even more songs like "Rock On" from the album which Gene Simmons produced, the band I think they hated me, the setlist was never ending. But in the end everybody was happy. Once every five years you gotta do it!
KEES & FRANS: Did I see you have a new guitar player?
DORO: His name is Luca Princiotta, he's 24 and from Italy, he plays some times for Olly (Oliver Palotai) because he is sometimes on the road with Kamelot, if Olly can't play Luca plays for him. He is now also learning to play keyboards, he is in the Italian band The Clairvoyants. I heard he is going on tour now with them, but it's always between Olly or Luca, Luca did the America tour and the China tour. He's also a guitar teacher now, so he's a busy guy.
KEES & FRANS: Are you already planning the tour for the new album?
DORO: We want to start in April do some gigs in China, and then some summerfestivals, and then a tour in September.
KEES & FRANS: And you don't forget Holland right?
DORO: Offcourse not, this is where it all started, we were always playing in the Dynamo. At that time there was a bigger metal scene in Belgium and Holland, than it was in Germany, that came later and made it really big. But here it was the start for us.
KEES & FRANS: How did you get involved in the Christmas Metal Symphony?
DORO: Well we became really good friends with After Forever, after we did a South American tour together, so when the plan came up they asked me to be part of it, and do a few songs. Are you guys gonna be there too tomorrow?
KEES & FRANS: Sure, we will be there, we wouldn't want to miss it.
Unfortunately time was up, so thanx very much to DORO for her time, and after wishing her success for the next night, she promised to go on for another 25 years!
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E-FORCE - Eric Forrest (Vocals & Bass) ( 10 April 2005 )
(Interviewer: Mario van Dooren, Berkel Enschot, The Netherlands)
MARIO: Hello Eric, how are you doing lately?
ERIC: O.K.....Just relaxing in the South of France, recharging the
batteries....etc.
Getting ready for pre-production and another record out
later this year...."Evil Forces" was released October 2003, finally did a tour
with a new line up a few months ago.....so now it is time to get back to the
drawing board and create something very unique.....and see what happens.
MARIO: What was the main reason you left Voivod a few years ago?
ERIC: Despite what you may have heard, I did not quit VOIVOD....We had a band
meeting March 2001 and the guys told me that VOIVOD was
over....period.
Meaning no more VOIVOD for anyone.
Well, I did not believe it for a minute... I had a feeling Snake was on his
way back.....Basically the Ferrari ran out of gas...and the guys refueled
the Lamghorgini (whatever) and kept going....
But honestly, it was an honour
and priviledge to be there from day 1! I feel very fortunent and lucky to
work with those guys in the first place. I lived and learned a lot and really
everyone is still rockin....ya know what I mean? There playin...etc...and so
am I with E-FORCE, Project: Failing Flesh and other projects. So it seems every one is happy. I also believe that Snake is the real voice of Voivod so it makes sense in
alot of ways for him to be back with his old friends from the early 80's....and doing what they do best.
MARIO: You had a car accident years ago while you drove to the Wacken
Festival. What happened & did it had some influence on your Voivod career?
ERIC: We were driving down the highway and the van rolled about 6, 7 times
or something like that...major fucking accident!! I was injured and spent
about a week in an coma, and months in hospitals.Though able to make a return
to life and make the most of it. I am not 100 percent physically as I suffer
from problems in my lower spine but able to still GIVE ER....!! Meaning still
rock and roll........etc.
MARIO: What do you think of the fact that Jason Newsted (ex-Flotsam & Jetsam,
ex-Metallica) is your substitute in Voivod these days? I know he wrote some
incredible songs for Flotsam in the past but will he get the chance to do
that for Voivod also??
ERIC: Mr .Newsted is a very disiplined professional!!!!!!....Away and Piggy have
been freinds with Jason for a while. I think that when they met, they probably
thought 1 day we will do some work together...and now is there time. I am
very happy for those guys and Snake...... I had an amazing time but now it is
there turn...NO hard feelings. I feel Jason will have an influence to some
point, but I think really that is a question that only they could answer.
MARIO: If Voivod would ask you to do a tour with them as a support act, would
you take that chance? Or is there any particular other band you would love
to do a tour with?
ERIC: For sure!!!! If it could be possible....
These days I find that you do not
have alot of choice unless your record has made some sales etc... Just being
able to play is cool. Those that know the financial reality of this music
business know what I am talking about...... But a show, tour with VOIVOD?? Are
fucking kidding me? Absolute......!!
MARIO: Why did you lately left the Carpathian Forrest tour? Had it to do with
the other bands or with the promotor (Metallysee)?
ERIC: The other bands were very cool!!! Everyone had a certain respect for one
another to keep it together and tour day by day as a team. Everyone wanted to
play...etc....lets just say that due to personal and business reasons we had
to leave. Certain issues were not handled professionally therefore is was
time to go.......................
MARIO: Will there soon be another tour in (especially) Europe with E-Force?
ERIC: Not until the next record is released...date??? T.B.A.
MARIO: Will there also be a tour with Project: Failing Flesh in the near
future?
ERIC: NO...It is just really a recording project..... As I intend to sing on
another 1 later this year....But who knows?? Perhaps a festival or 1 off some
day!!!!
MARIO: What or who are your main influences in music?
ERIC: Metal from the 80's..... AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas
Priest, Motorhead, even Deep Purple....all the way to the Banzai days of
Slayer, early Mettallica etc.....Though I really dig all kinds of music
...like some 70's shit, blues, classical, flamenco...........
MARIO: Why did you move from Canada to France?
ERIC: Due to personal and business reasons.......I got married to Nathalie
Denaclara (from France), and prefer the European way of life more than Amercia..It is
better for business and personal reasons.....
MARIO: Do you have any musical goals in the near future?
ERIC: Another E-FORCE record, P:FF record, going to sing a track on Jack Frost's
next solo record, other projects here in town (TOULOUSE) etc......
MARIO: Are there any questions/things left that you would like to say to the
MMM readers?
ERIC: Thanks for your support through the years...and hope to see you guys
soon 1 day on tour!!!!!
check out www.evil-forces.org for some cool shit (live video, mp3, etc.) if you
got the time......
Thanks Mario,all the best EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHEERS
ERIC
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ELIS - Sandra Schleret (Vocals), Pete Streit (Guitars) & Tom Saxer (Bass and additional vocals) (20 November 2009)
(Interviewers: Frans Neelen & Kees Schijven, Stampersgat & Roosendaal, The Netherlands)
As a member of the awesome "Beauty and the Beast" package, the proud of Liechtenstein's metal scene named Elis is touring Europe. With a great new album coming out at the end of November this is a fine opportunity to talk to them after their show in Biebob.
We even get the chance to start with Sandra, Pete and Tom. Luxury's don't last long so unfortunately after a while Tom has to leave for a live radio interview and Sandra has to excuse herself because she has to enter the stage with Atrocity, replacing Liv Kristine who is to sick to fulfil two shows on one evening this tour. No big deal, because Tom shows himself capable enough to deliver us some answers and all three of them are very enthusiastic about their new album and the tour.
FRANS & KEES: After the tragic death of leadsinger Sabine Dunser, the remaining members of Elis chose to move on and find themselves a new frontwoman. So the first question is for you Sandra. What made you decide to audition Elis? Where you familiar with the band?
SANDRA: Well I wasn't. I only knew the song "Der Letzte Tag" because it was often shown on television. A friend of my informed me that their singer past away tragically and that they were looking for a new one. I listened to "Griefshire" and concluded that this was heavier than the former one. I liked it and it made me decide to give it a try.
FRANS & KEES: Sabine was like "the driving force" of the band. Did the band ever thought of quitting?
TOM: Sure we thought about that. It was a very difficult time for us and we took our time to get ourselves together again. After a few weeks we came back together and everybody agreed that we wanted to continue making music as Elis. We were convinced that Sabine would have wanted that too. Also the vocals for "Griefshire" were just finished so we definitely wanted to finish the album and bring it out as a homage to Sabine. Sabine certainly was important for the band in an organisational way and she wrote all the lyrics that's true, but the music is for a great deal written by Pete, so musically there was no "gap".
FRANS & KEES: Sandra, was it hard for you to fulfil the shoes of Sabine; what were the expectations of the other members?
SANDRA: Well, Sabine was indeed the one who took care of the interviews, promotional stuff etc. so they were expecting that from me too. First it took some time to get used to this and getting to know everybody but know I'm feeling comfortable with the situation. It's fun writing the lyrics by myself, it stimulates my creativity.
FRANS & KEES: Speaking of the lyrics, "Warrior's Tale" is a more epic song and even contains a duet with Michelle Darkness of End of Green. How did you get in contact with him?
At this moment the live radio interview had to start and Sandra askes Tom or Pete who wants to do that one. Pete certainly not (hey, I need some back up !), so Tom is the "lucky one" and after thanking him very much for his time, he has to leave us, fulfilling his duty.
SANDRA: When I was busy writing the vocal lines for this number it was clear for me that we should need a guest vocalist who has a dark, sad but also strong voice because the main character in the song is a warrior. Someone like Peter Steele (Type O Negative) but that was no option. Alexander (producer) came up with Michelle and gladly he said yes. It turned out great and it was very nice working with him.
FRANS & KEES: I'm very fond of tracks like "Twinkling Shadow" and "The Dark Bridge" because of their "heaviness" and Tom's grunting parts in the middle of the tracks, which sound awesome and they contrast brilliant with your voice.
SANDRA: Thank you, Tom's voice certainly has grown and we are very satisfied with that.
Pete: Yeah, we really like this kind of stuff, heavy with thrashy riffs and the alternation between a beautiful female voice and a rough male grunt. That's the way we want it.
Sandra tells us that she has to enter the stage soon to perform with Atrocity, replacing Liv so we go on asking the "Sandra" questions first.
FRANS & KEES: Sandra, you are also a member of Siegfried, a band whose lyrics are based on the Nibelung Saga. Their new album "Nibelung" comes out on the 30th of November. Well, bringing out 2 albums in 3 days with 2 bands is quite unusual!
SANDRA: That is ! It's pure a coincidence that this happens. The former album dates from 2003, so it was finally time to finish the next episode.
FRANS & KEES: In Siegfried you only sing in German; do you have a preference of singing in English or German?
SANDRA: No, I really don't mind. Sometimes lyrically it works out better in German or in English, it just depends. From the beginning it was clear that in Siegfried we would sing in German because we find it fits better lyrically.
FRANS & KEES: Will there be some touring with Siegfried?
SANDRA: O no, I don't think so. In all these years we only did two or three shows. It's just too difficult to get the seven of us together and perform. It's one of the reasons I joined Elis, to be more on stage and performing live.
Sandra excuses herself because she has to hit the stage with Atrocity and we thank the charming young lady very much for her time and enthusiasm. Leaving Pete behind without his "back up" ….
FRANS & KEES: Well Pete, you are on your own now, are you a bit uncomfortable with that?
PETE: Well, a bit, you see, my English isn't that good. That's why Sandra and Tom mostly do the interviews.
FRANS & KEES: Okay Pete, our English isn't that brilliant either so we certainly don't mind. So, back to the German/English stuff. Elis has an certain trademark. On every album there are a few songs that are sung in German. Why's that?
PETE: It's something we did on our first album and our fans liked it. We like doing both and indeed it has become a sort of a trademark. Most of the fans keep asking for the "English" and the "German" songs as well, so we probably keep on doing this.
FRANS & KEES: As said by Tom earlier, you are the main "music" composer of the band. Can you tell us more about your influences?
PETE: Oh man, I just love music. I listen to almost everything I can lent my ear to. By far the most of it is metal, but in a very broad perspective. Just all kinds of stuff. From rock, progressive, trash, just name it, I like to listen all day widening my horizons. My heart lies with writing music, not lyrics ! How Sandra writes lyrics, man I really don't know, that's just not for me, deep respect for her and I'm glad she is very capable doing that.
FRANS & KEES: Okay, so were talking to a real metal head ! According to the thrashy, angular riffs you write, I guess we have to look for your favourites in the more heavier genre?
PETE: Indeed, that is. Bands like In Flames and Machine Head for example, but also the more progressive ones like Evergrey.
FRANS & KEES: Catharsis is darker and heavier, was that what you had in mind?
PETE: Yeah, I wanted it to be heavier, that it has become darker has also to do with the difficult times we went through. But hey, I am very satisfied with it.
FRANS & KEES: Sandra lives in Innsbruck; does it give a problem rehearsing?
PETE: It's a two hour drive, so it's feasible, but yeah, driving two hours, rehearse two hours and then driving two hours back is pretty tough. So when she is with us we do our best not to waste time.
FRANS & KEES: Do you work on songs while touring?
PETE: Normally not, because it's just too difficult to take some recording stuff with us. On this tour we share a bus with three bands including all of our gear, so there is really no place left for something like that. By the way, we are getting along pretty good with Stream of Passion and Sirenia, so it's a lot of fun, and man, those Norwegians can drink!
FRANS & KEES: This tour is indeed a fine opportunity to promote Elis in Europe. It's a very strong line up.
The only thing missing is your new album on the merchandise table. Is it because it's not officially out yet?
PETE: Oh man, that is so frustrating ! Every evening people ask for the new album and we have to say no. You can't imagine how horrible this is. We asked our label to bring it out just a few weeks earlier, but that couldn't be done. The fact is, first there was the release date, second there was this opportunity to get on tour. But it really sucks, it's a missed opportunity for selling the record and promoting ourselves even better.
FRANS & KEES: As a bonus with the digi pack there is a DVD from the MFVF 2007. Was this filmed especially to come along with this album?
PETE: Not that I know. The show of Leaves' Eyes was filmed that day and so everything was there to make live recordings. Our show was filmed also and because the recordings turned out pretty well we thought it was a good idea to bring out a digi pack with this stuff as a bonus.
FRANS & KEES: Elis has very close bonds with Alexander Krull (Leaves' Eyes/Atrocity) in the way he has produced all their albums and getting them on this tour. Isn't it a becoming a bit too familiar?
PETE: No, I don't think so. Alex is, besides a very good friend, a real professional and because we know each other so well, he knows what we want and what we are capable off. That works great and very smooth. We aren't afraid that we become too depending of him or something like that. It just works fine. And getting us on tour, well that's just a bonus for us and we are very glad with that.
FRANS & KEES: You only have half an hour showtime; is it difficult to pick the numbers for the setlist?
PETE: It's always a hard nut to crack. Because our new album isn't officially out, we don't put to many new songs in it. But we have a fine set that is quite representative for Elis.
FRANS & KEES: Any plans of coming back with a headliner tour so we can enjoy a full set of Elis songs?
PETE: I wish that would be true but for the moment I think that we are not big enough to do our own tour so probably it will be as support. We will see, maybe some festivals would be cool either. Playing the MFVF for example would be great. They have been very nice to us and their "in memoriam" of Sabine was something we won't forget.
FRANS & KEES: Well Pete, we want to thank you for this fine interview and you have shown yourself more than capable of doing this stuff on your own! Any last words for our readers?
PETE: Thanks a lot and I certainly hope to see you on this tour or the next. Cheers!
FAITH FACTOR - Norman "Ski" Kiersznowski (Singer) (13 May 2009)
(Interviewer: Mario van Dooren, Berkel Enschot, The Netherlands)
MARIO: Hi Ski, how are you doing lately?
SKI: I am blessed brother and very busy praise god.
MARIO: How did you get your nickname "Ski"?
SKI: I didn't think Norman was a cool name for a lead singer, so my last name is Kiersznowski, hence the name Ski.
MARIO: What happened with you after your departure from the legendary Deadly Blessing? You told me that you didn't departure on free will? They kind of kicked you out of the band? For what reason?
SKI: Back in the 80's you had to have long hair to be a singer of a heavy metal band, I shaved my head and was pushed out of the band. Years later I found out the truth, Tony Kerr aka Tony Sgro said I was acting like a rock star, and he wasn't getting any attenion, so I had to go, really never knew I was a rock star, but I will say this I do want to be a godstar that's the only kind of star I wanna be.
MARIO: Are you still willing to rejoin Deadly Blessing if they would ask you (or beg you)?
You recorded some incredible stuff with Deadly Blessing in the past and I know that a lot of old fans wants you back in the band.
SKI: If they asked me back to do a DB reunion and an show, yes I would do it, but as far as writing new songs, we tried that already, it didn't work, the songs were not in the same vein as "Ascend from the Cauldron" and I will not sing any type of new metal crap!!! I am an old metal head, I don't change with times, that's just not me, and what fans I do still have, wouldn't like it either.
MARIO: You formed a new band, FAITH FACTOR, can you tell us a bit more about the band? Who are the bandmembers and do they all have played in other bands in the past?
SKI: Faith Factor formed in 2006, signed with MetalicArchangel Records in 2007, on 7/7/07 released its first EP.
In 2008 signed with Retro Active Records and released our first full length cd "Against a Darkened Sky" released on november 11th 2008.
NORM "Ski" KIERSZNOWSKI-VOCALS *
BLAINE "PRIEST" BOOTH-LEAD WEAPON *
CHRIS "Moe" MATUSIESKI-LEAD WEAPON AND KEYBOARDS *
JOE "Slayer of Darkness" MANGHAN-BASS *
DAN "Karaoke Kid" JEFFERSON-DRUMS*
And Faith Factor is currently writing the next cd titled "THE WRATH THAT IS TO COME".
MARIO: I know you are a very religious person; how did this develop? Have you always been into religion or did you, just like a lot of other people, discover christianity lately?
SKI: I am not a religious person, I am a spritual one, its not about relgion its about relationship with the one who created you. But I became saved in april of 2000. I was born an baptized roman catholic, but didn't pactice it. I gave my life to god then.
MARIO: What's your opinion about people, just like myself, that don't believe in anything at all?
Does it bother you? And whats your idea about satanistic people in common?
SKI: We all have a faith factor, what do you believe in, and at what level in that belief are you, its all about faith, you either have it, or you don't. It doesn't bother me, cause in the end, we have some one to answer to for it, I do feel sorry for all who don't believe, and will just pray that one day the unsaved will see the light cause the wrath that is to come will be.
MARIO: Are the other Faith Factor members also as religious as you are and are they selected about that before they joined Faith Factor?
SKI: Spiritual yes, religious no, we are all saved but one, and that one person is well on his way, and we know it will happen in gods time, not ours. Religion devides gods people, just look at all the holy wars throught the history of life, and look at the world today.
MARIO: I really loved your "7/7/7" MCD a few years ago but I was a bit disappointed about the follow up full length album "Against a Darkened Sky". How are the reactions to the album so far? And why has the album such a weak production; is there a special reason for?
SKI: Hey txs for the kind words about the ep, about the full length, we had to pay for all the recordings, we didn't have much money, the record company mastered it, we mixed and recorded it, we just ran out of money. Hopefully they will get behind us for the next one, we just cant afford an over the top production at this time, we did the best we could, and we hear that a lot, but most of the reviews have been good, im sorry you dint like the songs, will try harder on the next one.
MARIO: How did you get in contact with RetroActive Records? Had it to do also with the religious background of that label?
SKI: We shopped the ep around all lables, but no one offered the kind of deal we got from them, it was a double blessing that it was a christian lable for us, we all felt the lord had brought this lable to us.
MARIO: Is there any chance to see Faith Factor back in Europe in the near future? And if so; what can we expect? I saw you guys last year at the Keep it True festival in Germany and live Faith Factor is awesome!!
SKI: Wow txs a lot, we try, right now were coming back to Czech republic with Saxon, Anthrax and Kryeson on Saturday June 27th at the Night of Stars festival. We love KIT, but they wont have us back for awhile, I have been talking with Headbangers Open Air for next year so will see, it all comes down to money and if we can afford to fly out, no one wants to pay your airfare. And we don't have a booking agent or manager, we do it all our selves.
MARIO: Any last news to the MMM readers so far?
SKI: Just know that we will take our time with the next one " THE WRATH THAT IS TO COME". Plan to write for a year starting January 2009, start recording in 2010 or sooner, still play festivals while all this going on, and hopefully Mario's Metal Meeting one day.
In metal for christ
Ski
Thanks for time & friendship; its much appreciated!
Txs for your support an interest metal forever untill he brings me home!!!!!!!!
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FISCHEL'S BEAST / SENTINEL BEAST - Barry Fischel (Guitar) & Mike Spencer (Bass) (7 June 2009)
(Interviewer: Mario van Dooren, Berkel Enschot, The Netherlands)
MARIO: Hi Barry, how are you doing lately?
BARRY: I'm doing really well, thanks. The band's new CD has been getting a lot of postive feedback and we're working on new material.
MARIO: A few months ago I reviewed your mini album "COMMENCEMENT". Did you like my review and did you get more positive reviews of the album?
BARRY: YES - I liked it very much! In your review you mentioned that you hoped we would get a record deal. Well, we did just sign a distribution deal with Stormspell Records (more on that later) so perhaps you brought us some luck!
The CD had been getting other positive reviews as well, and if you don't mind us plugging some other Metal publications, we'll mention a few of the ones that stand out... Metal Temple E-zine, Sea Of Tranquility, Holger Andrae of PowerMetal.de and we also got an out 8 out of 10 review at Pavillion 666 which we thinks means they liked it, but the review is in French so we can't read it! If any of your readers would like to translate it for us, we'd be grateful... heck, I'd probably even send them a FREE CD!
MARIO: Can you tell the MMM readers a bit more about your musical career? When did it all start for you and did you play in more "well known underground" bands before or after SENTINEL BEAST?
BARRY: I got my first guitar when I was 11 years old - it was a nylon string guitar. My grandmother had bought it for my sister but she had no interest in it. I started taking lessons on that and knew I loved it, so I convinced my parents to buy me a steel string guitar (still an acoustic at that point). I started playing the 'popular songs of the day' (Cat Stevens, The Eagles, and even John Denver!). I didn't get my first electric guitar until I was 14 years old. It was a banana colored Fender Telecaster copy. With that in hand I started playing the 'popular rock songs of the day' (Led Zeppelin, Boston, Foghat and Pat Travers).
Soon after that, when I was a sophmore in high school I hooked up with Scott Awes (the drummer of Sentinel Beast). While we did put several bands together (mostly cover bands) none of them are really worth mentioning.
AFTER Sentinel Beast I basically took a 'break' from the music scene for a while. I sold all my METAL gear - and bought a Guild acoustic guitar which I still have, to return to my 'roots'.
Around 2000, I decided it was time for me to get back into the music scene and I decided I would put a blues band together. I started out shedding on my own learning the licks of Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughn note for note.
The bass player in that band was Eric Mauriello, and truth be told... he may be the one that is responsible for my returning to Metal. He came over for a rehearsal one day and I was playing some of my old Sentinel Beast riffs. He said 'man, if you can play like that, why are we playing the blues?' That was enough of a push for me, and I returned to Metal, the music that I always loved. It wasn't easy to get my chops back to where they were. It required a lot of hard work and determination. Anyone that thinks Metal music is 'just three chords' is wrong!
MARIO: Sentinel Beast played the 'Keep It True' festival in 2008 but with a nearly complete new line up; I heard that Debbie Gunn was the only original member?? Why did she not ask some, or all, of the original members? Did Sentinel Beast not disband as friends?
BARRY: Yes, Debbie was the ONLY original member that was part of the Sentinel Beast that performed at the 'Keep It True' festival.
She actually did ask Scott Awes, Michael Spencer and Greg Williams (who all live is Sacramento) to take part. Michael and Greg both thought about it but in the end they declined. Scott Awes agreed to do it. He ended up cancelling or not showing up to some of the early rehearsals, and when he DID show up it was clear that his playing level was not what it was back in the heyday of Sentinel Beast. So, at that point Debbie replaced him.
Debbie didn't contact me because I was living on the East Coast. What she didn't know was that around that same time I was putting MY project 'Fischel's Beast' together.
When the band broke up there was some 'bad feelings' about what was going down, but we did remain friends, and over the years - especially with the internet, most of us have been in contact with each other.
MARIO: How long had you been in Sentinel Beast and are you willing to join the band if they would ask you again for some reunion shows?
BARRY: The timeline may be a little different depending on who you talk to, but I was a founding and original member of Sentinel Beast and I was with them thru the release of their first and ONLY record; 'The Depths of Death' on Metal Blade Records which came out in 1986. I stayed with them until about 1989, when I left the band. They stayed together for about another year before finally disbanding.
I wouldn't necesarily want to be part of Debbie's new line up, but I would definitely be willing to do some shows, recording or even touring with Debbie. We've even spoken about the possibility of doing 'something' together.
I can say with almost certainty that there would never be a FULL Sentinel Beast reunion. Scott as we mentioned, just doesn't have the playing chops anymore, Greg Williams still does play, but is no longer playing metal music and Michael Spencer has found God and and now plays bass for the Lord and would not want to return to metal.
MARIO: Why did you call your new band Fischel's Beast? Is there a special reason for this (revenge)?
BARRY: We were looking for names anywhere and everywhere (as all band do!) and it was actually Michael Spencer that suggested the name Fischel's Beast. He pointed out that there were the same number of letters in Sentinel and Fischel's. Since the first goal of Fischel's Beast was to record the songs that would have been the second Sentinel Beast record, he thought using that name might spark recognition for those that may have been fans of the original Sentinel Beast. He even suggest we used the logo.
Now that we've done that, we will continue to use the name, but any future art work, etc., will be our own.
MARIO: You lived for a while in my homeland, The Netherlands; why?? Did you play in bands over here also or was there another reason you immigrated?
BARRY: I wasn't playing music during my time there, I was persuing another passion; a passion that is very easy to follow there (if you know what I'm saying!)
One of the things I liked the most there was the liberal society. People are free to be who they are even if their lifestyles are 'different'. I wish we had more of that tolerance and acceptance here in the U.S.
MARIO: What happened with original bass player Mike Spencer after he left Sentinel Beast to join Flotsam & Jetsam (Mike Spencer filled the open spot of Jason Newsted who joined Metallica after the death of Cliff Burton)? Was he replaced and what is Mike doing these days? Are you still in contact with some of the other band members?
BARRY: Michael Spencer toured the U.S and Europe with Flotsam & Jetsam but never recorded an album with them. He does have good memories and speaks fondly of his time with them. After he left F&J - he became a fan of 'country line-dancing' (I'm not kidding!). He did that for a couple of years, then found Jesus and a couple of years later started playing bass again, playing in his church ensemble. I also heard that he had a funk band together and that he even wrote and sold a commercial for Smirnoff Ice. Yes, we've all stayed in touch over the years. Michael, Debbie and myself had been in contact quite a bit as I was putting my new project together and, we're also in touch because Stormspell Records is interested in trying to release some of Sentinel Beasts early demos (from before the 'Depths Of Death' album).
AT THIS PART OF THE INTERVIEW BARRY CONTACTED MIKE SPENCER TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS PERSONALLY:
BARRY: Can I mention you sold a song to an add, and how much money you made from the add. Who was the add for, and tell me something about it so I can share that.
MICHAEL: Sure, here's what my answer would be: An advertisement agency for Smirnoff Ice picked up a song (Doing The Next) written by Michael Spencer, for thier don't drink and drive campaign. The commercial ran in the USA, South America, Bermuda and Mauritius. The royalites and contract rights to the song, earned a little over $200k for Michael and the co-writer of the song.
BARRY: You did how many tours in Flotsum, US and European?
MICHAEL: Three tours in 1987. A 15 city tour of the East Coast of the USA opening for Megadeth, a 13 city tour, sharing a tourbus with and opening for Megadeth on their first European tour, and a 25 city headlining tour of the USA in the fall of 1987, before 'No Place For Disgrace' was recorded.
BARRY: Can I mention you found your souls calling?
MICHAEL: Sure: I became a Christian in 1997, plays bass on the worship team at his church, playing stuff like Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, etc. sounding black gospel music, and still does occasional studio work and gigs.
BARRY: And what kind of business do you own and run? Industrial machine sales?
MICHAEL: I've owned a mechcanical contracting company since 2004 that specializes in building automation systems, for A/C, heating, lighting, power manager control of commercial sites.
MARIO: What made you decide to record some of the original songs that were written for the second Sentinel Beast album (which was never released till now)?
BARRY: I think the main reason was that I thought the songs were FRICKIN' AWESOME!! Seriously, the songs stayed with me for TWENTY years. When I got back in to Metal, I started working on those songs. I felt bad that those songs never saw the light of day, and I figured with my new group, we could FINALLY get those songe recorded and it would be a good spring board to get the new group on to the Metal scene.
MARIO: Who are the mebers of the new band these days and what are their musical backgrounds? Is there a chance you wll be playing Europe someday?
BARRY: The Fischel's Beast line-up (other than myself) is:
Eric Mauriello - bass
Ed Klinger - drums
Anthony Cross - vocals
The musical backgrounds and experience these guys have is quite diverse and extensive; much too extensive to get into here. They've done lots of high profile projects and are definitely seasoned pros. The important thing is that when we come together as Fischel's Beast, we all compliment each other and create something I think is really special.
If the opportunity to play Europe were to arise - we would absolutely welcome it... in fact we are looking into some possiblities of some local and international touring. I'm sure we'll be playing shows in your neck of the woods, so we expect to see you there! Feel free to call your local radio stations and ask them to play our tunes - and if you know some of the festival promoters... tell them where to find us!
MARIO: I heard you signed with Stormspell Records lately? Very good label!! Are they re-releasing the "Commencement" MCD or are you gonna release a full length album?
BARRY: We are VERY pleased with the deal we signed with Stormspell. Iordan is a great guy to work with, he is very professional, detail oriented and it's easy to see that he really loves Metal music.
Stormspell will be repackaging the 'Commencement' CD with all new art work and doing distribution of it. We are in the process of writing NEW material for a full length album, but talking about a deal for that would be a bit premature.
MARIO: Any other things you want to share with the MMM readers?
BARRY: Just that we're working on new material and hope to be recording at least some 'real, rough demos', soon so people can hear the new material. We're really liking it and we think that that the fans will too.
MARIO: Thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity to interview you my friend! And ofcourse also lots of thanks to Mike Spencer for taking the time to reply Barry's answers!!! Its much appreciated!!
BARRY: No, thank you for giving us the opprtunity to BE interviewed. We'll look forward to talking with you again when the FULL LENGTH album is in the works.
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FORCE OF EVIL / MERCYFUL FATE - Hank Sherman (guitar) ( 8 May 2005 )
(Interviewer: Warlock a.k.a. Peter de Kok (www.coven.infinitequest.net/), Tilburg, The Netherlands)
On Sunday, April 10th 2005 I went to Landgraaf to do an interview with Hank Shermann of Mercyful Fate. I have been a big fan of the band, ever since the beginning and still follow whatever Hank or King do in their career, so when Mario asked me I didn't have second thoughts. The interview actually should have lasted for a bit more than half an hour, but took nearly a full one. I never met Hank before and I must say it was more like a chat between two friends than an interview in my opinion. He was very open and honest about most things I asked him. I just want to thank him for being such a nice guy and making me feel at ease, because this was my first interview ever. I'd also like to thank Mario and Theo for giving me the opportunity.
WARLOCK: I'm a fan since about '83/'84. How did Mercyful Fate's career start back then?
HANK: We started our career in about '81. The first gig we had outside Denmark was at the Dynamo club in Eindhoven in 1982. We played there many times….We never played in Germany in that time. They were kind of reserved towards us, like with King's performance and so on. So we went straight to Holland after playing some gigs in Denmark. Holland has always been good to us, so if we'll go on tour with Force of Evil we will certainly try to play there.
WARLOCK: Of course it's inevitable to talk about MF. But in 1985 you split. What was the real reason?
HANK: It was more a decision that King took. He wanted to do the concepts and that kind of stuff and he felt I was going in a different direction so…. You know… There was no drama. So after a show in Copenhagen, he just called me and said "I'm quitting the band"……So I said……euh yeah…Okee………..Within a week I formed another band, called Fate….Maybe it was needed that we did what we did back then. I didn't feel sad or anything it just felt right at that time. And there was a new stream of music coming up back then like Europe and Bon Jovi and Fate kind of followed in that direction.
WARLOCK: You had more projects after that like Virus 7, Gutrix and Zoser Mez. How did that develop?
HANK: Yeah…With Fate I left the band in the middle of a recording. It was kind of sad for the other guys, but I was in a fight with the producer and decided to leave everything. So I contacted Micheal Denner and he was in another band at that time. I formed my own project but I didn't have my mind quite to it. And when Micheal left that other band we got back together again and formed Zoser Mez (1991) which kind of lead to the reunion of Mercyful Fate. For me it was an effort to get back into the heavy music again after Fate. That's when things got a little serious again. We made a demo of which one of the song eventually came on the new Mercyful Fate album. We did a demo and King heard it and he took it home with him to Dallas, where he was living at that time (he actually still is). And after a few days he called me and said: "Wow….That sound like Mercyful fate all over again…..What about a reunion?"
I was in for it because Zoser Mez was going to waste at that moment. The singer of the band won some kind of singing contest in Denmark and he got booked for all kind of things and he didn't have the time anymore to play with us. So it was a perfect timing and I said to King: "OK we're in for it." And we were all like kids again: like going on tour and all. It felt all like in the old days. We were being a family again you know and we had so much fun going on tour and doing recordings. Yeah…it was good. And then there were some periods in between: when King went on tour again with his own band . That was when bands like Gutrix and Virus 7 emerged, when me, as a musician had too much time on my hands and I needed to write songs and stuff.
For Mercyful Fate it wasn't obviously a good thing. It's best for a band to stay together and play as a team, recording and touring, but it was hard to get our schedules together so in the end it took a little of the 'magic' off. With King on the other side of the world and us back here (in Denmark) it was kind of difficult to get our act together.
WARLOCK: With the new technology it's not that difficult anymore to play together. What about the use of that in recordings?
HANK: Ah…yeah. That's great nowadays. For the Force of Evil album (The Dark Empire) I had some guitar tracks I wanted to add and the other recordings were already in Chicago (where Neil Kernon was doing the mix). So I recorded those tracks at home and uploaded them to my server, where Neil took them off (after giving him my passwords of course) and he added them in the studio on the other end of the planet. That's great. In the old days you had to book a studio and record the tracks, send them over with a courier (like Fed-Ex or UPS) and it took a few days before you could mix it over the other tracks in the process. Now you can get a cup of coffee in between the upload and within a few minutes they can be added in the mix of the recordings. It's faster and a lot cheaper that way. You can now even play in real time with a guy in, let's say Los Angeles and you can jam together (like a video conference thing). That's amazing.
WARLOCK: Talking about modern and the music business: You are in the metal scene for over twenty years now. In those days, metal was kind of 'underground' (no airplay, and certainly not popular like nowadays). The major labels are now also interested in metal as such. What do you think about the NU-metal, with bands like Marilyn Manson and Slipknot?
HANK: (laughs) Well,….you know….being a heavy metal freak from the eighties, From a musicians point of view I can understand where that's coming from. Like a few years back I heard Pantera and I was like: "Wow…..okee!" It was really powerful and aggressive. I can understand it from a musicians view where that came from. And then there was Death metal and it goes on and on. What impresses me is that bands like that (Pantera and Slipknot) go platinum and sell millions of records, and that's great of course.
(WARLOCK: states: Just what I meant by this question. I believe it has nothing to do with musicianship and everything with commerce. It's more about image, than music)
HANK: Yeah. I think there are major record companies who invest millions of dollars in bands like Marilyn Manson and Slipknot, making professional videos and things like that. Those record companies get rewarded for their investment of course and it pays off. It's just that they were released at the right time and then with the 'shock effect' and the theatrics, people picked it up and those bands became huge. But they were all pre-produced by clever business men and marketers. With Force of Evil we go for honest musicianship. We don't go for any image. We just try to write good songs and entertain people who like good music. That's what we stand for. We are really comfortable with this record and also proud of it. We always try to do our best.
WARLOCK: Yes. I agree. You can hear it if you listen to the record. It's got a certain drive and energy which is lacked nowadays by many bands.
HANK: Thanks, but as you know we are in the business for over twenty years now. And I hope we know when something's good or not. Like me and Michael have known each other even a lot longer and we have played in several bands together.
WARLOCK: I must add that hearing you two play together always gives a certain magic and energy which I particularly like very much.
HANK: Yeah. Like I said before we have played together for a long time and Michael is a very skilled and talented guitar player. He always plays the parts that are too difficult for me and vice versa. Yeah…..I think we really compliment each other. Maybe that's the magic you're talking about. And of course we've always been the best of friend for all these years, so yeah…I think it comes natural for us.
WARLOCK: Speaking of band members. How did Bjarne and Hal get involved? I read the part about how Martin Steen got involved on your website: http://www.forceofevil.net, so that's clear to me. You tend to play with the same musicians in nearly every project. Can you explain?
HANK: Well. Bjarne has been a part of Mercyful Fate for since about the last ten years and he's a good friend of mine, so it was obvious I called him to be in Force of Evil, and Hal: I also know him for nearly twenty years now. We meet in the clubs and go party or to gigs from time to time (just like with the other guys of course) and we meet up. We always talked about working together, but somehow it never came to that, until Force of Evil emerged. It was an obvious choice. Why I play with those guys isn't that difficult. First of all it feels very good to play with them. It feels kinda like an old jacket. You know? It feels comfortable. And then there's the fact that they're all very skilled musicians and we're all good friends, so why not?
WARLOCK: Yes. I can imagine. So, how are the sales on Force of Evil? Are they going alright?
HANK: The album was released only a few weeks ago, so I don't have the figures yet. And then we are on a new and small record label which has made the mistakes which anybody makes when they're new to the business: Taking the wrong distributors and so on and that has hurt the sales from the first album, but they have learned about their mistakes and we feel they will go a long way from here. They look at things differently than we were used from other record companies. They have some fresh and new ideas and they have a good distributing channel over in the U.S. of A. so…you know time will tell. I have faith in them. We had to learn the hard way, but they are willing to try different things, like advertising in different magazines and not only in the most important ones. Eventually we maybe need a record label like Nuclear Blast. We feel we have the potential to sell a lot of records with Force of Evil. You can't get around it; you have to look at it as a business nowadays. Well making music is our business and if this record label can help us sell many records…then yeah.. It's a team effort so both from us as a band as the record label it needs some input. In the old days it was like: "Yeah….cool…we've got a record contract……" and we were happy, until you discover that you also have to pay for the sleeves, and the prints and the artwork and even the distribution and in the end you have put in all the work and you were screwed and left with nothing (well, hardly). We have learned over the years and we luckily have more experience now (laughs). Musicians tend to block the business side of things, but if you really want to make it serious you also have to know about the business side things.
WARLOCK: So in the old days you needed a manager, and nowadays a lawyer?
HANK: Yeah, exactly. In the United States we have a lawyer for Mercyful fate to handle the contracts and whatever. In America they only accept a contract from a lawyer, so he also handles our legal things for Force of Evil. We hope we can make a breakthrough in the United States and we think we might have more chance with Force of Evil than with Mercyful Fate over there. Musically the songs are more open and the vocals are less distinct than with Mercyful Fate, so I think we have a bit more potential over there.
WARLOCK: There are some songs on the album which are very potent for that market in my opinion. Like "Back to Hell" for instance. A great song with a lot of airplay potential.
HANK: Well, kinda funny you mention that song. We just released a video for it, which will hopefully get played by MTV and we just released that song as a single over there, so let's hope for the best.
WARLOCK: Talking about songs and things, Listening to your album, there's less drama in the songs. I mean less tempo changes and different melodies, stuff like that. I believe it's more basic, old skool Heavy Metal, a bit more simple song structures in comparison to Mercyful Fate. One of my favourite (newer = from after the first split) Mercyful Fate song is 'Dead Again'. There are no songs like that on the FOE album. Are you planning to write songs like that for FOE or you keep them just for Mercyful Fate?
HANK: Funny that you mention that song: Dead Again. There's a silly story about it (laughs). So like in 1983, while writing 'Satan's Fall', and it was never intended for being this long,
I was sitting there in my living room and composing riff after riff and added them together and it ended up as what you know as being 'Satan's Fall', with all the melodies and things going on in there. With 'Dead Again' I had a totally different approach. When I was writing that particular song, I just thought to myself: "Wow, can I write a song longer than Satan's Fall?" (which was our longest song at that point) and it became that song. It was a silly approach, but it was also a challenge. There were different elements, like from Priest (Judas Priest), and Sabbath (Black Sabbath) and different influences I kind of merged in that song.
As you can hear on the "Nine" album, there aren't that many long songs on it. I think the longest is about four and a half minute (or something like that). And the reason for this was mainly because I got tired of composing those long songs. I remember after the "Dead Again" album, we were touring the United States and we decided to play 'Dead Again' live on the stage. And there's a classical piece in the middle (WARLOCK: the Orchestra part?), Yeah! And we were performing it live (and there's a big difference between performing live or doing a piece like that in the studio). And I remember we had been drinking a little (Bacardi and Cola) just before we went on, not too much you know, just a little to get in the mood so we weren't drunk or anything, and we were there on stage, when that part came in the song I was playing the guitar parts and I totally fumbled. So I thought "Oh my god!" and I had to start all over. That wouldn't have been so bad, but as you know, King is doing his part over the guitar part, singing, and it went….well totally wrong actually. It wouldn't be that bad if only the guitar fucked up, but King went with me. And Mike Wead was standing there on the other side of the stage and he just looked at me, like: "Hey!! I have no part in this." Well since then, I was really focused when that part came in the song, and that's pretty tense. I mean, I can compose a piece like that and play it in the studio, but live it's a whole different ballgame. You have to be really focused to do it. And then I kind of abandoned writing those long and complicated songs.
WARLOCK: On the new Force of Evil album, there are mainly songs inspired by classic horror movies, like Friday the thirteenth, The omen and so on. Is that another passion for you?
HANK: Well, not for me. It's more Martin's thing. He wrote the lyrics and I'm not into writing lyrics, so…. It's more a lyrical concept that goes well with the music. It's one of his passions and it ended up like this. I mean, it's been done before, it's nothing new. And the record company liked the concept, so that's why most songs are inspired by those movies. Maybe in the future I will try to write some lyrics or at least give it some attention, because there are so many people into the meaning of the lyrics and things like that. I mean, I don't even know what Rob Halford from Judas Priest was singing about in the late seventies, but I liked the music. But like you there are a lot of people into lyrics, so who knows? Maybe I have something to say to the world in future? (laughs).
WARLOCK: So with Mercyful Fate in the early days; the satanic lyrics and concepts were all King's Idea?
HANK: Yeah. Actually it was. Like I told before, I'm not into writing lyrics, so I have no part in it. And we were all so into the music back then, so I didn't even care what the lyrics were about. On the other hand, in the early eighties it was kind of new to write stuff about those things as Satanism and it gave us (although sometimes negatively) all kinds of attention by the media and church groups, which actually wasn't a bad thing I must add (laughs). It helped us to sell more records and to get known to the world.
WARLOCK: You also have another passion. I have seen your website: http://www.hankshermann.com and I see all kinds of photo's of glamorous woman, very artful I must add. Is that just a hobby or another source to pay the bills?
HANK: Oh. Yeah…definitely a passion. I have always loved to make pictures, you know. Making a good picture is also like composing. You try to get the setting right and with the light and the model you try to make a good effort. I have always had an eye for detail.
It all happened kind of coincidental. I had made some photo's of my ex-girlfriend and made a portfolio of it. And one day there was a journalist of a Danish men's magazine visiting me and saw that portfolio lying around on the coffee table and he asked me who that photographer was, and I said "Euhm…that's me?" And then he asked me if I'd be interested to do some more with that and it kind of developed from there. It was a great learning process for me and I'm glad I got the opportunity do develop myself in that area. I got more and better offers to make all sorts of shoots and travelled the world with these beautiful models and…well…you know…I had a blast. And it also helped me to pay the bills. That was really nice. I had three cover shoots and some centerfolds…..So yeah…I did ok. I will do more of them in the future.
WARLOCK: Force of Evil already has a live DVD out. How did that happen? I mean Mercyful Fate hasn't come around to make one in all those years. Is it going to happen? And how much are you involved in the project?
HANK: The FOE DVD was just an opportunity we had when we played our first gig. The record company (Escapi Music) were shooting the shows of Candlemass and Trouble, who were playing there also, and we just got the opportunity to shoot our DVD for not too much costs, because the equipment was already there. So that's why we have our video out so soon. If you look close, you can see the audience is kind of anticipating and rather quiet, because they didn't know most of the songs mainly because it was our second gig and the album wasn't out that yet officially. Only with the old MF songs like 'Evil' and 'Curse of the Pharaohs' they came loose and of course there's always the fanatic metal heads (smiles) who go out of their skull, regardless who's playing on stage.
As for the Mercyful Fate DVD, we have taped about 30 to 40 live shows during the years and backstage. From everywhere: The United States, Italy, Holland, France, everywhere we played over the years. King has got them now at home and he's going through all of them. And I will do some art directing and I have some photo's and things like that, that will be on there. So we're pretty busy with it and hopefully we can release it by the end of this year. I think it's going to be mainly about the early days or the whole era including the nineties. That hasn't been decided yet. And the record company Massacre is also involved and they watch this project very closely. Like Mind you, only when it's done, not before. We're not trying to make a big buck here. So no after parties taped in Amsterdam or wherever. We would never do that to our fans. So if it's going to be out later, the only reason will be that we don't think it will be good enough for our fans. We're not trying to cheat anybody with it. Quality over quantity. So no official bootleg.
WARLOCK: I wouldn't expect anything less from you guys. I know there's a lot of demand for it, following the forums on the internet and so, points this out. And then there's the fact that Mercyful Fate has been quite an influence on later bands.
HANK: Yeah, exactly. Of course there will be some funny parts on that DVD like our first gig ever in Kopenhagen (which was a 8mm version actually), so there's going to be some very rare stuff on it.
WARLOCK: Is there going to be a tour to support the Black Empire album?
HANK: As far as things are now, we're just playing on the Sweden Rock Festival in June. And for the rest we have to wait and see. There are no gigs planned at the moment (this interview was taken April 10th 2005), but the management is working on it, so… Maybe?
WARLOCK: Your guest appearance on: "The wait of the Pyramids" from Witchery. Was it a one time effort or are you going to appear on their new album as well? I know their in the studio right now, so can you tell me more?
HANK: Jens called me and asked me to be the guest musician again for their new album, and I flew over to Sweden and did a solo part on their forthcoming album. So yeah…I'm kind of like their permanent guest musician (laughs). And it's already recorded. Is their new album out already?
WARLOCK: I honestly don't know. Might be by now.
HANK: Oh…Ok.. Better call Jens then to see if it already came out.
WARLOCK: Can we expect some new Mercyful Fate material, since I know you have a record contract with Massacre for at least one more MF album?
HANK: Ahhh.. I was already awaiting that question, and there it is (smiles). You must know that having a contract and really putting out an album are two different things. On the other hand, Mercyful Fate has actually never split as a band, so we still exist. It's just hard, with all the things going on, like King with his band, and the rest of us with our own project, to get our agendas straight. King is touring with his band in the States for the coming months and then there's going to be a new King Diamond record, so maybe after that we will get together and start working on new Mercy material, Yeah. If we feel good about it and it doesn't interfere with Force of Evil or the King Diamond band, it will certainly happen. You know, it's been about five years since the nine album so it's about time. Certainly on demand of the fans, it is. So I hope maybe late next year. I have to phone King later today, so I will certainly mention it. It's been a big part of our lives, and King really has developed so much over the last years. I heard his last album and his voice has grown so much. Yeah it would be cool to do another Mercyful Fate album. But nothing has been planned, and it will surface naturally like it did over the years. We all have good contact with each other and see each other from time to time and we talk about it when we meet. We still have the energy and drive to do another Mercyful Fate album, so maybe after the next King Diamond album? We'll see.
I think it would be really interesting, looking at the experiences we have over the years and with the musical development and maturity I think it would become something great. Yeah…I'm actually looking very forward to it.
WARLOCK: I for one will be really looking forward to it. Now to conclude, one of the best concerts I ever saw, was the double bill with Mercyful Fate and King Diamond (band). It is still very vivid in my mind. I mean, being a fan of both bands and seeing them perform live on one and the same bill. What are the odds? How did that come to happen?
(While stating this question, Hank really gets excited. It was a great experience for him too I guess).
HANK: Oh. Yes …I remember….in 1997 that was a real great tour, but especially for King it was hell. It actually was King's Idea. We played only for 1 ½ hour and then King went back to the dressing room and changed his makeup and put on his other costume. Most of those dressing rooms were all cold and damp and he sat there doing his makeup with a scarf or a towel around his neck to keep warm and to protect his voice.
HANK: Where did you see it?
WARLOCK: Well that was in Noorderligt in Tilburg, The Netherlands. It's actually my hometown, so you were playing in my backyard so to speak. I really enjoyed that concert.
HANK: I can imagine. It actually was one of the best tours we did back then. I still have the posters and things like that at home. We always like to play over in Holland. They've always been very good for us in Holland. Maybe we can pull a stunt like that again? That would be real fun.
Then the organiser entered the room for the second time and tapped his watch to indicate we had to wrap things up. I look at my watch and realise it's been nearly an hour since we started the interview. How time flies when you're having a good time.
WARLOCK: Well Hank, thank you very much for the interview and good luck with the new Force of Evil/Black empire album. I will keep following you and hope to see you play live with FOE or MF very soon.
HANK: Well, thank you very much. It's been fun. See you around.
Links:
http://www.forceofevil.net
http://www.hankshermann.com
http://www.escapimusic.com
http://www.covenworldwide.org
http://kdmf.dragon-nights.com/phpBB2/index.php
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GAMMA RAY - Daniel Zimmermann (Drums) ( 1 October 2005 )
(Interviewer: Stan Efraimov & Jeff Pouring , New York, USA)
STAN & JEFF: Hi Dan, what is going on with Gamma Ray at the moment?
DANIEL: Well, at the moment we are rehearsing like hell for the up coming
"Majestic" World Tour starting at September 26th at Plzen / CzechRepublic.
STAN & JEFF: What made you want to start playing drums?
DANIEL: It was an older cousin of mine. When I first watched him playing at the
age of 10 a desire grew within me to also buy a drumkit one day!
STAN & JEFF: Who are some of your influences?
DANIEL: Clive Burr, Tommy Aldridge, Simon Phillips and Ingo Schwichtenberg
STAN & JEFF: How do you compare your drumming technique from Gamma Ray to your other band Freedom Call?
DANIEL: It depends a lot on the different styles of the two bands. Gamma Ray has
way more progressiv arrangements than Freedom Call. I have more freedom in what I'm doing in Gamma Ray. FC's arrangements are more simple and straight.
STAN & JEFF: Can you tell us a little about the recording process of ''Majestic''?
DANIEL: Yeah, well, all in all it took us one year to record this album, from
the first day of song writing on. We rehearsed a lot, as much as never before during summer 2004 and pressed the recording button in October 2004. We have 10 Songs on the album. Song writers are Kai, Henjo and me.
STAN & JEFF: Is there a concept involved in ''Majestic''?
DANIEL: Well it is no real or planed concept. When we had the lyrics together,
we figured, that there is kind of a red line regarding the topics of the lyrics. They are very dark this time and they are basically about the presence of all evil in this world, which you can find everywhere on this planet nowadays.
STAN & JEFF: What is your favorite track of ''Majestic'' and why?
DANIEL: My favorite track is 'Carry On', a high energy speed track with great
melody lines. It forces me up to my limit everytime.
STAN & JEFF: Any hopes for a U.S. tour?
DANIEL: I heard rumors that we are supposed to do some US shows in February
2006.
STAN & JEFF: Any European dates you have confirmed so far?
DANIEL: Well, they are too many to mention here. If anybody wants to get
informed please check out the Gamma Ray homepage (see LINKS)
STAN & JEFF: What are your favorite Gamma Ray songs to play live?
DANIEL: There are many songs like Armageddon, Heart of the Unicorn, Rebellion in
Dreamland, One with the world.....
STAN & JEFF: Are their any bands you'd like to tour with?
DANIEL: Judas Priest, I think that both bands would fit together very well. a
powerful package!!!
STAN & JEFF: Do you have any plans in store after touring?
DANIEL: Writing new songs and making a new album. The fans should not wait
another 4 years until a new G-Ray album.
STAN & JEFF: Do you have any advice on up and coming metal bands who are
struggling to make it?
DANIEL: Patience, patience and again patience. You have to believe in yourself
and you have to have an aim and a strong will to reach this aim.
STAN & JEFF: What are your thoughts on the new metal bands, mainly from
America?
DANIEL: Shame on me. I don't know many new American Metal bands because I don't
follow the scene in the states too much. But I will do in the future!
STAN & JEFF: Anything final to say to the fans?
DANIEL: Yeah, I hope you all like our new album Majestic and I hope we can
present the new material to you as soon as possible! CU on tour!
Cheerz Daniel
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GIRLSCHOOL - Jackie Chambers (Lead Guitar) & Denise Dufort (Drums)
( 1 August 2005 )
(Interviewer: Ruud Fleskens, The Netherlands)
RUUD: Hi Jackie & Denise! How are you ladies doing?
JACKIE: We're all doing great thanks!
RUUD: How was the gig at the Motorhead's 30th Anniversary show?
JACKIE: It was all over far too quickly which was a shame but we had a fun day hanging out together before and after. The atmosphere there was amazing and the crowd were really enthusiastic. I think everyone who went enjoyed the whole evening, three bands from the NWOBHM all on the same stage for one night, it doesn't happen often enough.
RUUD: How were the responses at the live gigs you did in europe last year?
JACKIE: Europe is the place for us, we love the enthusiasm and always have a great time. It was fun to try out a few new songs too, which went down really well.
DENISE: Can't wait to get back there. I enjoyed all the European dates.
RUUD: I liked your recent album "Believe"! what do you think of the album?
JACKIE: We're all very pleased with it, we loved the production that Tim Hammil did, he produced the 'Not that Innocent' album before Believe and we knew that he'd the man for the job, he did us proud. I think we have a much more modern sound this time but have still captured the Girlschool sound.
DENISE: I love this album and it seems to be getting great reviews everywhere.
RUUD: Do you have any plans for a new album yet, or maybe a Live DVD?
JACKIE: At the moment we're sorting out a new distribution deal and are planning to do a Live DVD and follow that up with a new album possibly next year.
DENISE: Hope so.
RUUD: Are there plans for live gigs outside of the UK?
JACKIE: Always, we have a couple of gigs this month with Alice Cooper in Spain which I'm really looking forward to, in August we're playing a Harley festival in France and we hope to be confirming a few more shows soon which we'll announce on the website.
RUUD: Who are in the band these days? Where are they from and do any of them play in other bands too?
JACKIE: Well this line up has been together now since 2000,
Kim McAuliffe ,rhythm guitar and vocals from London
Denise Dufort on drums from London
Enid Williams on bass and lead vocals from London
Jackie Chambers on lead guitar and backing vocals from Yorkshire
At the moment none of us have time to be playing in other bands.
RUUD: Is there any special band you would love to tour with?
JACKIE: I have always wanted to tour with Alice Cooper so I'm just about to get my wish this month.
DENISE: We've played with almost everyone over the years, maybe playing with Rammstein would be fun, they're a great live band.
RUUD: What is your opinion of the NWOBHM/heavy metal scene these days?
JACKIE: I think the whole Rock scene is a healthy one, lot's of new upcoming bands. I'm not sure which bands would be included in that category these days. I guess the New Wave of British Heavy Metal these days would be bands like The Darkness who are kind of old school anyway.
RUUD: Any other things we can expect from girlschool in te future?
JACKIE: Well we have no intentions of going away so there'll be a lot more gigs this year and next year hopefully promoting a live DVD and a new album.
RUUD:Thanks for the interview & hope to see you girls playing in holland again soon! Cheers!
JACKIE: Hope so too
Cheers
Jackie & Denise
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GUN BARREL - Rolf Tanzius (Guitarist) (18 January 2007 )
(Interviewer: Marco van Empel, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO: Hey Gun Barrel ! First of all congratulations with your new album "Bombard Your Soul". It sounds really great and tight!
ROLF: That`s music in my ears. Here is Rolf, the GUN BARREL guitar player.
MARCO: Are you all satisfied with the record and what are the reactions to it so far?
ROLF: We are very satisfied with our new release and we got the best reviews in all rock magazines and webzines.We are very proud of it.
MARCO: How did your fans react to the new record ?
ROLF: We got a lot of fan mails worldwide. All reacts were very ,very good and show us that we are on the right way with our music. Also our new singer got a lot of compliments. GUN BARREL shot straighter than ever. All fans wrote that we are without compromise, great headbanger music, great lyris and that they want to see us live as soon as possible.
MARCO: 12 songs on this record, who is your songwriter in the band and where did he gets his inspiration from ?
ROLF: Well, I bring the ideas, the riffs, some titles and than all in the band put their ideas to the song and so we have later a complete GUN BARREL killer.
MARCO: You guys started in 2000 and made 5 records, is that right?
ROLF: In the end of 1999 we started with a demo "Bomb Attack", after this we produce a mini album called "Back to Suicide", than we got the deal with LMP and we released our first full lenth CD "Power-Dive" in 2001, followed with "Battle-Tested" in 2003 and now "Bombard your soul" in the end of 2005.
MARCO: How can you describe your style of hardrock, mostly I call it hardrock 'n roll is that okay?
ROLF: Oh yes,I think so. Hardrock 'n roll with some drops of metal and some jokes of rock 'n roll and some tears from the blues.
MARCO: I heard many influences from a dutch band called Vengeance from my hometown Tilburg, do you know that band and do you like them?
ROLF: Toss-up??? HeHe....great... we had played with VENGEANCE at the Metalforeverfestival at the 30.12.06 in Böblingen. A great band. Also straight rockers like we are. Very great guys. We had told with the guitar player at the other morning in our hotel. We hope to play more gigs with VENGEANCE.
MARCO: In Germany your popularity is growing very fast, you even played a very big metal festival like Wacken. Did you enjoy playing such a big festival ?
ROLF: OH YES!!! The band like to play in a great big audience and festival are always a big adventure. You can rage at the stage caus it`s big enough for your energy, you see a lot of hands in the air, you hear that they like your music (or not,hehe...) and you have more girls like in a small location,hehe.....
MARCO: Did you allready played with some big bands and how was it like?
ROLF: Oh yes, we had played with MOLLY HATCHET, ROSE TATTOO, UDO, SKEW SISKIN, ZELTINGER BAND and some more and in the end of march we play with JON OLIVAS PAIN. All of the band were great guys and we had a lot of fun.
MARCO: Did anyone of you ever played in another band before Gun Barrel?
ROLF: Yes, all of us had played in other bands. I had played with THUNDERSTRUCK, SPECIAL GUESTS, Toni (the drummer) with DREAMHUNTER and WICKED, Tomcat (bassplayer) with UNDERDOG and Xaver (singer) with STS8 MISSION and PUMP.
MARCO: You are coming from Köln in Germany, do you have a big scene overthere ? I saw Def Leppard there some years ago at the Palladium, but it seemed a city like Bochum is much more rock 'n roll, am I right ?
ROLF: That`s right. Here in Cologne you can see some big rock bands at the Live Music Hall, E-werk, Palladium, Underground and Prime Club. You can see a lot of bands here in our town, but the own scene must look, where they can play. It`s not easy to present our music here.
MARCO: 29 September 2007 you will play at our own Tilburg Headbangers Fest (organised by Marco & Mario), are you looking forward to it and what can we expect ?
ROLF: Yes,we are very intent for the gig and you can expect a heavy GUN BARREL party and we try that all the metalheads like us and our music.
MARCO: In Holland we don't have such a big hardrock scene like Germany, hopefully you will bring some great hardrockin' fans with you ?
ROLF: We will make promo for your festival here in Germany on our website and also by mail and so on and we hope that a german tide comes to the show.
MARCO: Are you visiting many gigs by your self and what are your favorite bands and influences?
ROLF: For myself I visit a lot of shows and I take a look what is new, what is great, is the band so great like the newspaper are writing. I like IN FLAMES, CHROME DIVISION, TURBONEGRO, MOTORHEAD at the moment and also your great bands GOLDEN EARRING and VENGENACE - great hard rock bands.
MARCO: Are there any plans for the future and what do you want to achieve with Gun Barrel?
ROLF: We are working for a new CD, we got the first gig orders, also festivals and we live like ever - writing songs, playing loud, paying debts, making gigs, visiting studios, find new friends and make our GUN BARREL party. That`s rock n roll.
MARCO: Thank you very much for your time! Do you have any last words for the readers and fans?
ROLF: HI MetalMania readers, come to the Tilburg show at the 29.september 07 and watch us and the other bands and let`s make a big party together. Salute - GUN BARREL
MARCO: We wish you all the best and hope to see you 29 september at our festival in Tilburg The Netherlands! Rock 'n' Roll!
Marco van Empel
ROLF: Thanks a lot and thanks for the interview - see you, rock you
Rolf-GUN BARREL
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HAMMERFALL - Magnus Rosen (bassguitar) ( 8 May 2005 )
(Interviewer: Stan Efraimov, New York, USA)
STAN: Hi Magnus, tell us what's going on with HammerFall at the moment?
MAGNUS: We are ready to start the big show's in Prattein (Schweiz) in a few days (April 19). We will arrive there the day before and do the show with all the lights and pyro for the empty hall. So we'll make sure it will be good when the public will come the next 2 days. Then it's many km [?] we have to travel on this world tour!
STAN: How was the response to your new album, "Chapter V"? Are you satisfied with the results?
MAGNUS: So far the response has been very good, I think! We almost sold gold in Sweden in a few weeks! That's very good. I think it's always fun when it's a new album, so right now I think it's the best album! Ask me in a few months when I got just to it. :)
STAN: Who's idea was it to have Cronos from Venom appear on "Knights of the 21st Century"?
MAGNUS: It was Joacim and Oscar's idea. Stefan agreed about that too! Me and Anders didn't know about that, so it was a surprise for us!
STAN: Charlie Bauernfeind also produced your previous record, "Crimson Thunder." How was it like working with him on this new one?
MAGNUS: He is a good man and producer! If he works with something, I'm sure it always would sound good.
STAN: Alot of people think most HammerFall songs all sound the same. Would you agree with this?
MAGNUS: Yes, it's very similar! It can be like that when only 2 people write all the songs!
STAN: Do all HammerFall members work together when writing songs?
MAGNUS: No!!!!!!
STAN: As a bassist, who are some of your influences?
MAGNUS: My influences is musician how play with the heart and passion! It gives me inspiration! In HammerFall it's Oscar who decides the bass line, not me!!! It's no bassline in HammerFall, it's more bass groove.
STAN: How did HammerFall get in contact with you after their previous bassist Fredrik Larsson left the group?
MAGNUS: HammerFall was a project with people who liked heavy metal! When Oscar and Joacim called me, HammerFall was a band who maybe did 2 or 3 small gigs before me, that's it!!! Joacim was in the band 6-8 months before me and Stefan and the old drummer Patric! We were in the band a few months before the first CD ''Glory to the Brave'' was released! So HammerFall have never ever toured with Fredrik! So sometimes it sounds funny to say that he is the original bass player with only a few gigs in his pocket! He is a nice guy and I like him, so no hard feelings! :)
STAN: What are your favorite HammerFall tracks? Especially from the new album.
MAGNUS: 'Legacy of Kings' I think, I also like the songs from 'Glory To The Brave' very much!
STAN: What has been your favorite tour so far and which country you enjoy visiting the most?
MAGNUS: It's hard to say. The places, countries, and the people are all good! I like the public HammerFall have! That I can say! :)
STAN: How about your thoughts on illegal music downloading?
MAGNUS: If you are poor or if you go to school and have no money, I think it's okay. BUT if every one downloads the music, no band can make records and make big tours! Then it will be only the band who is rich who can do the CD's, promotions and the touring! So I'm very happy that our fans buy our HammerFall CD's! Thank you, people!!!!
STAN: Any final words to all the readers?
MAGNUS: Thank you very much for giving this interview a few minutes of your time!
Rock hard, Magnus Rosen!
STAN: Thanks, Magnus.
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HEIDEVOLK - Rowan and Reamon (both guitar players)
(28 May 2008)
(Interviewer: Dennis van Dommelen
, Heesch, The Netherlands)
With "Walhalla Wacht" the dutchmen of Heidevolk have released an album that will see their star rising in de pagan/folk metal scene. After their cd presentation at the Willemeen, I had an interesting talk with the two guitar players: Sebas and Reamon about their new label Napalm records, folk metal, stambomen, Julius Sefilus and I even found out that Wodan still Rules!
DENNIS: Are guys glad with how "Walhalla Wacht" came out of the process?
ROWAN & REAMON: Yeah, as you might have heard we recorded the album twice because our recordlabel wanted it that way. They didn't think the first recordings were good enough to release. It was a lot of hard work but in the end we are very happy with it.
DENNIS: I think it sounds very professional.
ROWAN & REAMON: I am glad you heard that. We have definitely showed some progress.
DENNIS: In your own words. What are the main differences between your first album "De Strijdlust is Geboren" and "Walhalla Wacht"?
ROWAN & REAMON: Our first album was a real first album (laughs) and our second is a real second album. We surely made some progress productionwise but also as musicians we have become better. Until now almost all the reactions from press and fans are positive.
DENNIS: What people did you work with on the album? Does everybody in the band write songs, or just a few? Is Heidevolk a democratic band?
ROWAN & REAMON: Heidevolk is a democratic band. But it was often difficult to write songs with six different people. Everyone wants their parts in the songs. It is because of this that took such a long time to write album. I think everyone in the band has delivered a riff or two for the album. So it was a bandproces.
DENNIS: When did Napalm records contact you?
ROWAN & REAMON: We sent some demos to other recordlabels. But Napalm contacted us through our myspace page. We suggest every beginning band to place their songs on MySpace. Even if the songs have an awful production. This is the perfect medium to present your band. Last week we had our 100,000 visitor. About Napalm Records. They got interested after our last mini- cd (Wodan Heerst) that we released to say that Heidevolk is still alive. Also the drummer of Kampfar, also on Napalm records, talked with the people of Napalm records and told them some good things about us.
DENNIS: Have you guys already read some review about the new album?
ROWAN & REAMON: Yeah! I think we already read about one thousand reviews. Most of the reviews are positive.
DENNIS: Even Andre Verhuysen at Aardschok who normally only likes Bay area trash gave you guys 80 points.
ROWAN & REAMON: Yes, indeed. Hope he will bring back the Dynamo festival and give us a place on the bill!
DENNIS: Are there plans for a big tour in the near future?
ROWAN & REAMON: With all the hard work concerning the new cd we decided to work with a booking agency. We thought that while having a record company the hard work would be less but onto now it only gets busier. We are glad with this because it also says that were getting bigger. This summer we will play at the Summer Breeze festival and at Dokkum Open Air. Besides that there are about 12 shows booked for the near future. Most of them are in Germany. We hope to do some shows in the South of Europe. Last year we went to Italy which was a great experience.
DENNIS: Do you guys feel connected with the folk metal scene concerning bands as: Korpiklaani and Ensiferum? My meaning is that Heidevolk sounds a lot more serious than these bands.
ROWAN & REAMON: It depends on what you mean by more serious. Korpiklaani has chosen "partying" as their theme. Within this theme they are a serious band. Heidevolk really feels connected to these bands. What we don't do is trying to play folk metal by the rules. Everybody in the band likes different music. So we try to give our own approach. Everything can be included. It is important that the idea suits the music.
DENNIS: Has one of you guys ever did some research on your name. Are there maybe some connections with popular German persons?
ROWAN & REAMON: Haha. Yeah, I have done some research and came until 1300. But unfortunately no connections with German heroes from the past.
DENNIS: A friend of mine is a history teacher and he wanted to know that when you are talking about the Heidevolk which German tribes do you mean.
ROWAN & REAMON: Het Heidevolk doesn't stand for one particular tribe. We sing about the Saksen, the Bataven with Julius Sefilus their leader and the people in the north of Holland. These three tribes are the most important to us because the other one converted to Christianity. We read some reviews were people say that we endlessly sing about Gelderland that is not through as I said.
DENNIS: When you started Heidevolk what were the main goals you set?
ROWAN & REAMON: We both weren't there when Heidevolk started but I (Reamon) was also involved at the band as a gospel singer so I know some of the main goals that were set then. One of them was to get the most out of it. Not being a lazy band that writes songs every know and than. The sky is the limit!
DENNIS: I heard some of you guys are also students?
ROWAN & REAMON: That's right I am studying becoming a history teacher. Sometimes it's hard to combine both things. When we did the tour with Kampfar I had to choose between the two of them. I chose for the band and have no regrets. That tour was great! So school comes second at this time. Heidevolk uber alles!
DENNIS: How important is Skyclad, originators of mixing folk with metal?
ROWAN & REAMON: Very important they were as you said the originators of mixing folk with metal. We played some gigs with them which were very cool. We talked to them after a show and they said to us that they could make a living of it in the early nineties. Very cool and serious band.
DENNIS: Famous last words?
ROWAN & REAMON: Heidevolk will never quit!
HIRAX - Katon de Pena (Singer) ( 5 April 2006 )
(Interviewer: Mario van Dooren , Berkel Enschot, The Netherlands)
MARIO: Hello Katon, how are you doing lately?
KATON: Well, I've been very busy because we have just released our first ever official HIRAX "Thrash 'Til Death" DVD – LIVE IN CONCERT including the full concert from Minneapolis Mayhem Festival II May 2005 as well as footage from around the world, interview, promo clip, full discography, photo gallery, etc.
I recently got married to my long time Norwegian girlfriend. So there was a slight break I took… but now I am back with VENGEANCE!
MARIO: HIRAX was formed in 1984 but disbanded in 1989. What was the reason you reunited in 1997 after such a long time out of the scene/stage? Was there a lot of request for a HIRAX reunion?
KATON: In 1997 was the beginning of the comeback because of the release of a split 7" record that we did with an underground cult band named, Spazz. The record sold over 5,000 copies…much to the surprise of everybody! That's what launched HIRAX back into the underground scene. We had received so much mail from around the world I knew that it was the right thing to do.
MARIO: You also used to play in a band called Phantasm with bassplayer Ron McGovney (ex-Metallica) and drumbeast Gene Hoglan (ex-Dark Angel, Strapping Young Lad). Where did you meet these guys and what happened with this band?? Will there ever be a reunion of Phantasm??
KATON: I have known Ron McGovney and Gene Hoglan before they were in bands. We used to go the same record stores and try to get records before everybody else did. We helped start the Los Angeles Thrash Metal Scene. We were young metalheads and we collected cassette tapes and import vinyl records. We lived for bands such as Motorhead, Saxon, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Diamond Head, etc. Night and day we played those records… then we started our own bands. Unfortunately all of us are so busy now that there is no way that there will probably ever be a reunion. I think it would be great though… but I don't see it happening. Luckily, we recorded the Phantasm demo which is now featured on the Phantasm "Wreckage" CD/12" Vinyl album through BlackDevilRecords.com. I still listen to those recordings and I am very proud of it. People ask us about Phantasm all the time.
MARIO: There where a lot of line-up changes during the last years. What is the current line-up and where did you find all these guys? Are they playing in other bands also?
KATON: The line up is: Katon W. De Pena – Vocals, Glenn Rogers – lead guitars, Lance Harrison – lead guitars, Steve Harrison – bass, Fabricio Ravelli – drums.
The changes come because HIRAX constantly tours… a lot of musicians can't go on the road for long periods of time… so sometimes there are line up changes just to keep the HIRAX machine rolling! You have to be very dedicated to this kind of music to survive. This is my life and I refuse to quit. Much like Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale (WhiteSnake), Biff Byford (Saxon), or even my friend, Chuck Billy (Testament)… WE WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to carry on the torch of metal. I don't do it for the money… I do it for the music!!
MARIO: How is the response to your latest album "The New Age of Terror"?? How did you get in contact with Mausoleum records from Belgium? Does your own label 'Black Devil Records´ still exist and are there any other bands on this label?
KATON: "The New Age of Terror" continues to sell worldwide and is still being released in other territories such as South America, South East Asia, and the U.S. Now that it has received a proper release by Black Devil Records/Deep Six Records and distributed by Century Media Records… the success of this record continues to grow! It's been out for two years… but most people think it's a new record. Most records typically 'die' after being out a few months… not with HIRAX… "The New Age of Terror" continues to grow stronger and stronger!! The way metal should!!
Black Devil Records is run by me and my wife… we like to be involved with everything. In order to be sure that our fans get 100% top quality product!! It is working out great!!
MARIO: Last year November you should all head over to Japan in November for a small tour but it got cancelled. What was the reason for this cancellation???
KATON: Unfortunately… we had to cancel the tour… due to some line up changes. But we have such respect for the fans in Japan. We will reschedule a tour in the very near future because we do not want to let them down! We were offered the tour and contacted by a professional booking agency. They were aware of our fan base in that country and offered us 7 shows back to back with no days off…playing all the major cities!! As with any tour…timing is a BIG factor, and obviously it wasn't the right time for us to go. The headbangers in Japan have supported our music from the beginning and we will NOT let them down!!
MARIO: Whats your opinion about the metalscene in Europe compared to the US scene? Is there still a market for bands like HIRAX in the US??
KATON: That's a great question. The Metal scene in the U.S.A. has gotten better in the last few years. More festivals and concerts. The turnouts are getting bigger. But we still have a way to go. In Europe… the metal scene is INCREDIBLE! Most of the festivals and concerts are professionally done and the fans are really into TRUE METAL!! Germany, Sweden, Holland, England, Czech Republic, Poland, Norway, Finland, etc. TOTALLY KICK ASS!! We sell more records in those countries than anywhere else except when it comes to South America … & Mexico. They live for metal there LOUD and PROUD!!! Denim and Leather is their religion. We love to tour Europe!
MARIO: What was to your opinion the highlight of your career? And with which band(s) would you like to tour in the future?
KATON: Every year that I continue to do metal the highlights get BIGGER!! We have had the honor of playing with such band as Judas Priest, Scorpions, Y & T, Dio, U.F.O., Twisted Sister, and many others… the list goes on and on…
The shows get bigger … and our fan base is always growing. I have had a GREAT career… and that's why I love doing what I do. And will continue until I DIE!! In the future I would like to tour with bands that play REAL METAL!! I don't listen to any of the nu metal crap!! Obviously the bands that I respect and like are: Yngwie Malmsteen, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Motorhead, stuff like that… but HIRAX will play with anybody, as long as they are HEAVY. We are just trying to spread our music to metalheads all over the world!!
MARIO: It strikes me that you are one of the first ´black´ people in the heavy metal business. Still there are just a few ´black´ people that are so fanatic in the scene as you are. Is there a reason for? Why are the mass of heavy metal audience and bands ´white´ guys? Hope you can explain that......
KATON: I think it's a cultural thing. A lot of it has to do with peer pressure. Many 'black' people think that I'm crazy for being the singer of a very HEAVY band. I grew up listening to Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, … to name a few… so to me it was only natural. I have never cared what people thought of me… a black man singing heavy metal. If I did… I would probably be like most people and just listen to what 'society' tells me to. I'm rebellious and I think that's a good thing!! I also do this for the people who are 'different' Whether they are black, female, Asian, Mexican, … doesn't matter… heavy metal has always been my favorite music!! I believe I have a responsibility to those in my same situation. Music matters… not the color of your skin, etc. If you could see it through my eyes… you would understand.
MARIO: Will there be a new release soon and when will you be back in Europe?
KATON: Our upcoming release: "Assassins of War" CD/vinyl will include the HEAVIEST & FASTEST MUSIC THAT WE HAVE RECORDED YET!! We have booking agents now working on the next HIRAX European tour… so we will return there soon!! Check out: www.HIRAX.org for tour updates.
MARIO: Anything that you want to tell MMM/readers that is not told above?
KATON: THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS!! We look forward to seeing you on the road!! The 'Thrash 'Til Death" DVD is available now worldwide!
Also… the 'Bang Your Head !!! Festival" best of DVD has also just been release. It includes HIRAX.
So these DVDs should hold everybody over until the new HIRAX album comes out. Then the touring will begin!
WE WILL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!!
UP THE METAL HAMMERS!!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION (MERCHANDISE / TOUR DATES) CONTACT:
www.BlackDevilRecords.com, PO Box 1474 , Cypress, CA 90630 , USA
MARIO: Thanx for your time and the interview!
Cheers
Mario
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HOLY MOSES - Sabina Classen (vocals) ( 8 May 2005 )
(Interviewer: Bidi a.k.a. Danny van Drongelen (www.bidibookings.com), Tilburg, The Netherlands)
On what a sunny and lazy Sunday afternoon I'm on my way to Landgraaf in the very deep south of Limburg to do an interview with thrashmetalqueen no.1 Sabina Classen, frontwoman of German thrash-death originators Holy Moses. When I enter a nice local traditional pub, the people from the record company gave me a warm welcome followed by a large cold beer. After just a few minutes Sabina comes up to me. With her long hairs, painted in many colours, her high iron plated leather boots and a denimjacket with a typical 80's look, she is quiet a remarkable person, tough and sexy at the same time…and even more important, very friendly! We shake hands and when I propose to do the interview in German, she laughs and with a glass of white wine in her hands we walk to a table where we could not be disturbed. After we sat down Sabina seems to be in a very good humour, but who would not be….after almost 25 years in metalbizz, just releasing the 10th full-length album and again going strong???
Time to recapitulate some things from the past, so that everyone who has never heard of Holy Moses (shame on you) gets an impression about this amazing thrashband who is go9ing to celebrate their 25th Anniversary with their 10th full length album "Strength, Power, Will, Passion" !
BIDI: Sabina, how did a young girl of 16 years old, studying at the gymnasium in Aachen, get involved in heavy metal back then?
SABINA: It was somewhere in 1979 when I started in a metal band called Disaster(named after a Dutch metalmagazine) . We were not that good but though we were very much inspired by old classic rock and early metal bands which I got to know from my uncle who played all these records for me. Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, Uriah heep and then…ofcourse Black Sabbath.
I tried to sing like Ozzy but in fact I was not capable of making good melodylines.
That's when I started to growl and grunt to give expression to my feelings. Unfortunately Andy Classen (her schoolfriend and later her partner and co-writer of HM) left the band and joined the schoolband Holy Moses. After a while I joined the band as the vocalist and we were pretty much a cultband who according to some people from the metalpress were meaner and heavier than Venom!!! That was quiet an achievement ofcourse hahaaha.
BIDI: Were there any female vocalists who inspired you to sing in a heavy band, like e.g. Patti Smith or Nina Hagen?
SABINA: Well not really…although I have to say that I was (and still am) a great admirer of Nina Hagen with her vocal acrobatic and strong lyrics. I also liked Nena, but hey…she was the pretty girl with the good voice and I didn't even try to sing like that hahaha.
BIDI: Was the heavy music of Holy Moses a kind of reaction to the political situation in Germany or did you just wanna have fun with a bunch of guys.
SABINA: No, we were not that political…but since we were adolescents we really did want to change something offcourse. We tried to start our own kind of a small revolution but then always peacefull with a crate of beer in the middle hahahaha.
BIDI: Because you were living near the Belgian and Dutch border Holy Moses had pretty early a lot of experience in playing abroad. Did that help you in getting your underground cult status?.
SABINA: Somehow it didn't feel like playing in a foreign country. In our mind and that of the fans there were no borders between Germans, Dutch and Belgians. The only time you realized you were playing abroad was when you had to show your identity card on the border. But to answer your second question, I really do think it helped us to get more well known in Germany because of our "foreign" experiences which seems to be good publicity in your own country.
BIDI: Any good stories from that period when you were playing with Holy Moses in Limburg?
SABINA: We got lots of great stories. We often played in Gulpen near the church in a kind of metaldisco. The owner of the place usually came to Aachen to pick us up with his old camper.
We didn't get paid in cash back then in the early 80's but he paid our band in beer….really lots of beer. Once the audience was so enthusiastic we had to play twice on the same evening. You can imagine that we were pretty drunk after a while so we shared all our beer with the visitors. What a great party that was….but ehh I cannot remember if we did a good show or not hahaha. Nevertheless we have won quiet some new fans due to the free drinking party!!
BIDI: In your early 20's you had already a very busy life. How did you manage it to sing in a band, and also doing the managment of the band, studying computertechnology at the university, and even did the presentation of the famous WDR metalprogramm MOSH together with Götz Kühnemund (nowadays chiefeditor of Rock Hard). What's the secret Sabina?
SABINA: Well, you know I just did it. With a lot of positive energy and a sense of naïve ness I just took every opportunity that crossed my way. If it felt right, then I went for it. I was never the kind of person who planned her life from A-Z, but sitting in the corner of the room and doing nothing is not my specialty.
BIDI: How was the metalscene in the early and mid eighties when you compare it with nowadays?
SABINA: Hmm, that's very difficult to say. First of all we had really lousy equipment and recordingfacilities….but probably a more important difference is that we were so naïve.
We didn't know anything from the music industry and were just doing our thing with no particalur aim on our minds.
BIDI: What do you think of all these Gothmetalbands with their sexy frontwoman?
Is it really a giant step in the emancipation for woman in heavy music…or?
SABINA: To be honest…I don't care too much of what all these bands are doing and I really don't want to judge these bands on any grounds. They have their Thing…I do have mine…that's it!!
BIDI: When I do read your biography on the Holy Moses website, I get the impression that you might want to write a book about Holy Moses or about the German Thrash scene in general.
Can we expect something like that?
SABINA: Hmmm, sounds interesting and as you have seen on our website the work is still in progress.
But to be honest, I don't want to think too much about the future. I'm living in the present and don't want to think about it. But hey…who knows??!!
BIDI: But you can imagine yourself doing something very different than grunting in a metalband, like for instance doing some crooners..which could be quiet fascinated with your low voice?
SABINA: Again, the future will tell. You know, when I start think about such things it means that I'm not for 100% committed with my profession which is singing in a metalband. It simply doesn't fit with my philosophy to think about "what's next". I was almost killed in a traffic accident and after such an experience you are just glad you're still there and can do whatever you like.
So Holy Moses is my life.
BIDI: About your new album.
The title of the album, "Strength, Power, Will, Passion", is very direct and in your face so to speak. It reminds me more of the title a hardcorepunk or rock'n roll album. What is the meaning of this title for you and refers it to you or to Holy Moses?
SABINA: Yes, definitely. The title has a lot to do with my personality and ofcourse with the endurance of a band who has seen it all…..underground, a hype with majordeal in the USA, back to the underground and now again on our way to the thrashmetal mountain. We are still there, whatever people think of us.
BIDI: So that's the reason that the album is a very aggressive old school album which goes back to the early days with albums like "Finished with the Dogs"?
SABINA: Yeah for sure, that's where our spirit is at this moment! Michael Hankel, our new guitarplayer who was active in this German hardcoreband Erosion has a lot of experience in writing this kind of stuff. He produced the album together with me and we were completely focused on these songs without any help from outside. That's probably why it's so in your face!!
BIDI: Was it difficult for you to do an album without any input from Andy Classen who was with the band from the beginning?
SABINA: Michael has almost the same vibe in his song writing as Andy. They stem from the same musical background …so it was not that hard.
Andy left the live band some years ago and now it was time to do a complete album without his help.
BIDI: In the linernotes you say that the pentagram on the cover is your mandala? But this mandala has a lot of references with Satanism which is not really common for a mandala? Are you just fascinated with these symbols or is there more behind that and are you really an admirer of the 'dark side'?
SABINA: The pentagram protects me from a lot of influences from outside which can be everything from annoying people who want to take advantage of you to social developments which have a bad influence on my mind. Lots of people think they understand the meaning of these so-called satanic symbols, but in fact they are much more an expression for individual deeds and thoughts. I live my life, right here and right now and don't want to be withholded from others in my goals. I keep the bad vibes out, so to speak.
BIDI: Nevertheless you might give people the impression that your lyrics are about the dark things in life like lots of death and blackmetal bands do……but when I read some lyrics from now and the past, it seems to me that Holy Moses is the kind of band with some political and socialcritical statements.
SABINA: Yes, you are right about that. But I cannot help that too many people have a kind of cliche view of these so-called satanic symbols. There is ignorance all around us!
BIDI: Then I've read on the inner sleeve explicitly that no machines or tricks were used to make your voice sound like it is? Is that a kind of statement towards the young generation who uses computers, triggers etc. to make their album heavier?
SABINA: Not specifically. I just want people to know how I really sound. I'm not fake and I might me not the most romantic female singer, what I do is real and honest. If other bands use stuff to sound heavier, deeper or whatever…that's fine with me. Again, I'm not the person to judge others and I do things my way and keep myself protected from these things who might have a negative influence on me.
BIDI: Next year Holy Moses exists 25 years. Any chance that we are going to see you in the Dutch venues? And will there be a big party?
SABINA: If we come to play in Holland depends on lots of things but the chances are big. About this party we have something in mind, but hey….first I have to promote this album and then we are going on tour for a whole month. First things first….just focus on the things you have to do right now and the rest …well we see. At the moment I'm also negotiating with Doro and Arch Enemy to set up a tour. It would be cool to go with 3 pure metal chicks on the road.
BIDI: That's for sure and hopefully we (and I mean WE) are all going to see them playing cos' this woman really kicks ass !!
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HOUR OF 13 - Phil Swanson (singer/scriptures) & Chad Davis (guitar/bass/drums) (4 September 2008)
(Interviewer: Alex Avdeev
, Siberia, Russia)
Hello, Phil and Chad!
This spring, Denis shipped me your CD and I am thankful for this treasure he has sold me - that's one hell of a Doom Metal record, and most importantly - it's from the current century."
Bands like Hour of 13 will never let Metal relinquish its influence in the world! Phil and Chad kindly agreed to give me an interview and here it is!
ALEX: You, Phil and Chad, were working in different projects - how did you form the band and come in touch with the label?
PHIL: A close friend to both of us put us in touch when Chad was looking for someone to contribute lyrics and vocals to his unfinished project. Chad had sent me the songs he had. I put existing lyrics I had from a project I was working on in a similar fashion. I sent out a demo song attached to a mass e-mail that went to various label contacts and SKR [Shadow Kingdom Records - ed.] quickly approached us with an offer.
ALEX: Where does the name of your band come from?
CHAD: I had decided to use the name years ago for an Occult/Experimental music labeI I was doing, but then realized the power of it and dropped it until I could find something more substantial to use it for. The "Hour Of 13" is the timeframe between 12 and 1 AM of February, 2nd (Candlemass eve) and November, 1st (Samhain).
ALEX: Who are your main influences?
PHIL: My influences mainly come from the early NWOBHM scene but I also take influence from elements of death rock when it comes to my part in Hour of 13. Also some 70s influences like Alice Cooper in particular.
CHAD: Yeah, definitely NWOBHM and deathrock bands like Christain Death, Samhian, Rudimentary Peni. Mainly I let the music create itself so the actual "sound" influences are not prevalent.
ALEX: If I am not wrong, there were certain line-up changes in your band lately - Corey Leonard, who was mentioned on the record, was added to the myspace page this summer and that leads me to the thought that he is the new addition as a permanent guitarist, who will help you to concentrate more on stone-crushing riffs as well as he will help you to fill in all the solo parts. Is there another reason behind seeing his name in the line-up on your official band page? Please tell us more about him!
CHAD: Well, he has seemed to fall off the earth at the moment! Corey engineered the album and did some leads. He mentioned he wanted to be involved when it came time to unleash a live performance, but we will see. I don't know where the hell he is...
ALEX: Do you plan to release a new album?
PHIL: We are working on a couple songs for a split with lost tracks from my now defunct band Vestal Claret that was put to rest in favor of Hour of 13. But right now that's the furthest into the future I forsee at this time.
CHAD: Yeah, but I'm not going to rush it. The songs on the split Phil mentioned are riffs that did not make it onto the album, but not because they are not equal; only because they were not complete. A follow-up album will happen.
ALEX: During the recording process of the debut record you've been taking large breaks between entering the studio to record more and more portions of your album (one can hear slight changes in the production throughout the album - which is a good feature, in my opinion) and I can see you are preparing new material ("Possession" track is available online on your myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/hourof13doom ). Will the recording process resemble the aforementioned one?
PHIL: Actually my part was recorded in one weekend session. Chad, on the other hand, was working on this project for sometime.
CHAD: Yeah, it will be recorded in the same facility. I could not imagine it not being done there.
ALEX: Where did Chad learn to play so many instruments that good?
CHAD: Many, many years of studying and listening. Oh, and practice...
ALEX: Speaking of the songwriting: almost all the lyrics ("The Correlation", "Submissive To Evil", "Grim Reality") leave short visions forming in our heads due to understatements that coerce the listener to read between the lines, turn to his literary and esoteric experience, while "Missing Girl" forms a full picture - how would you explain these changes?
PHIL: Really no change of sorts, just more direct. The intent behind "Missing Girl" was to be very blatant and shocking. That is easier done in the obvious rather than the round about. "Missing Girl" was written to have much the same effect as Alice Cooper's "Dead Babies" and Mercyful Fates "Nuns Have No Fun"... total shock rock!!!
ALEX: The numbers in "The Correlation" allure us with mystery and leave us wondering whether 555 is connected to any edifice, pentagram or the duration of time, and whether 42 is the Great Number of the Curse or it's the number of guardian angels. This leads to thoughts of a coven or the passed event of 9/11. Would you leave it for the listener to interpret it or would you remove the veil of this hidden numeric knowledge?
PHIL: I wouldnt reveal too much to the numerology of "the Correlation", but in part your observations are correct in it's connections to 9/11 and the Illuminati.
ALEX: Who or what inspired you, Phil, to write the lyrics?
PHIL: It took me many years to gain confidence in my lyric writing, but due to the unusual style of my vocals and delivery it was allways difficult to find my place in music without having the ability to write my lyrics in a way I could gain a listener's attention. By voice alone very few bands were interested in me being a part of them in my early days. I try to be very honest and fearless in my writing with no worry of offense. I also try to avoid as many cliches as possible while still being very much apart of the genre. I take much of my influence from Dante and the bible as well as 70s satanic exploitation in movies and television. I also try to take into account the admiration I have always had for the lyrics of John Arch of Fates Warning and Kurt Colfelt of Holy Terror.
ALEX: During the recording process musicians have to sacrifice something in their music or lyrics: what did you have to abridge in favor of a better result?
PHIL: Just letting myself commit to the darkest thoughts of my mind, regardless of the backlash it may present. To put ideas out there that were sure to offend in the name of art. To create a charactor in first person that would define evil and ignorance and allow people the assumption that it may possible be real and as well be me.
CHAD: I did not have to sacrifice anything for the end result. The sound is the encompassed offering to our life / existence.
ALEX: Chad, what equipment do Corey and you use on the record?
CHAD: Hagstrom Swede, 2000 Gibson SG, '78 Gibson Les Paul, '70s Rickenbacher bass, Orange Graphic 100 amp for bass with Ampeg 8x10 cab, Sovtek MIG50H amp, Electric 4x12 cab, Peavey Classic 50 combo and Taye drums. Tracked on a custom built API console, mixed on SSL console (formerly owned by Weird Al) in the best studio on the East Coast, Epiphonic!
ALEX: What are your hobbies besides music?
PHIL: I have written a few screenplays and still have a few more in the works. Whether I persue them is hard to say but I still find myself inventing new stories I hope are someday told. But music these days takes up most my free time.
CHAD: None besides music. I have too many bands / projects to have much free time. Well, my wife!
ALEX: What do you think about the current spreading of Christianity in the world, especially Orthodox Christianity in Russia and Catholic Christianity in the USA? Could it be the sign or a manifestation of something to come?
PHIL: I dont think much about the politics of religion, I just use it in most part as fodder for fuel in writing for certain projects. Its great mythology, the greatest in fact. And the idea that it is still so believed is testament to that and with that allows different listeners to interpept my lyrics from different perspectives.
CHAD: The concept of the scare tactic is great. The concept of the story is sheer lunacy. I think the manifestation has already happened, due to the number of slaughters in the name of God. Rubbish.......
ALEX: Phil has mentioned "Chris T." who "made it be" in the credits. What was his contribution to the record?
PHIL: Chris is the close friend to both Chad and I that put us in touch together. He is someone I have known for many years who has always been deeply rooted and acknowleged in the underground scene and someone I have always respected for his depth and dedication to it and taught me many things about finding your way through the underground and making it a personal journey.
ALEX: Do you plan live shows (with or without session musicians)? If you do, what instrument will Chad play?
PHIL: We have toyed with the idea but nothing concrete has come just yet.
CHAD: Hmm... Hopefully guitar as I like to play the music I write and would not want to be sitting down the entire show!
ALEX: And, please, your final word to metalheads across the world who listen to true heavy metal music!
PHIL: Stay hard, stay wet, stay hungry;)
CHAD: Keep the flames of Metal Burning!
ALEX: Thank you for this interview, guys, we are anticipating the new record from you! I hope everyone who has read this interview will get Hour of 13's self-titled CD, which is available in online stores like www.sentinelsteel.com. And if you doubt if you should purchase it - don't! This true occult doom metal record is really worth more than its listed price in the stores that sell it!
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HYADES - Lorenzo (Guitar) (23 May 2007 )
(Interviewer: Marco van Empel, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO: Welcome guys! Congratulations with your great brand new album '"And The Worst Is Yet To Come".
LORENZO: Yeah, thank you so fucking much! And thanks for the interview and your support too, of course!
MARCO: When did you guys meet each other and when did you start this band?
LORENZO: Long time has passed by and I can't remember. Alcohol erased my memory… Hahaha I'm kidding, we formed back in 1996, that is to say… uhm, eleven years ago! Fuck! I'm becoming old! We meet one each other in different ways and I'm the only one left from 1996 line-up; Marco and Mark was friends of our first bass-player, then we met Rob in a old Milan pub and start talkin' bout whiskeys, stout beers and good music… Our previous bass-player left the band a couple of weeks before, so we booked a rehearse with Rob! And then there's our drum-machine Rawdeath, who lives 600kms far from us! We were long-time friends and we played shows together with his band Subliminal Crusher, so when Mauro quit Hyades we recruited Rawdeath! Distance isn't a problem.
MARCO: Did you guys play in other bands before Hyades or still are?
LORENZO: Yes, we have other bands too. I play in a rock n' roll band called Wet Dog with Fab and Lo from thrashcore band Hatework (listen to them, they kick ass!), we play rough and old-school in the veins of The Clash, Social Distortion, Johnny Cash and '60 style. No metal at all hehehe! Rawdeath plays in 3 bands; except Hyades, he's the drummer of Subliminal Crusher and S.R.L.
MARCO: Did you have many line-up changes or is the band still original?
LORENZO: I'm the only one left from the 1996 line-up. I think it's quite normal, we started that we were 15 years old. And people change a lot in 11 years, so I kept on playing with different and more motivated musicians. Sometimes there are been hard and sad line-up changes, but I think everything happened was necessary.
MARCO: What are the main influences of the band musically and what kind of stuff do you all listen to?
LORENZO: Well, hard question, I listen to all metal stuff from 1976 to 1989, from heavy to thrash metal, NWOBHM, epic, doom and everything else. I can't say just a few names. Everything influenced us and our way to play; probably the most important influences are both Bay Area '80 sound and NYH east-cost attitude.
MARCO: What's your favourite Thrash/Speed Metal album ever made?
LORENZO: Just one? Shit I can't say just one name! I wrote you 3 albums: "Bonded by Blood" (Exodus), "By Inheritance" (Artillery) and "Speak English or Die" (S.O.D.)
MARCO: What do you think about the newschool Gothenborg Thrash Metal Scene?
LORENZO: About what? Ehehe sorry I simply don't listen to it. That's not the kind of metal music I like.
MARCO: Do you really hate Hair/Sleaze/Glam bands so much or is it just the image of the first generation Thrashers haha??
LORENZO: Well, maybe one time we really hated those bands and that kind of sissy poser music. Young guys are stupid, and we too hahah! But nowadays it's just a joke and we recommend to our young fans to never take too seriously this kind of bullshit. If you don't like a type of music, just don't listen to it. Keep your precious hate for the things in the world that really deserve it!!
MARCO: Are there many moshers, stagedivers,hellbangers and thrash metal maniacs in your area?
LORENZO: Fuck yes! In our whole country there's a good thrash metal scene, but in our area, between Milan and Varese, there's an awesome scene! A lot of good thrash bands come from here… Hatework, Vexed, Kenos, Total Death, Executioner, Longobardeath and many other more. And most important thing there's a fucking good friendship among us all.
MARCO: Last year you guys toured a lot around Europe, How did you find the time to record this album?
LORENZO: My girlfriend still hates me for those months hahaha! The record process has been fast, but the pre-production has been a fucking hell! I slept 3 or 4 hours each day max. After the usual 8 or 9 hours working, I turned back home and started writing, rehearsing, recording… trying different solutions, fills, riffs… For many things we worked as a team, as we never did before. But I wrote by myself the most part of lyrics and songs, and I can say it has been a fucking hard and tiring work! But I'm absolutely proud of it. With Mausoleum Records we had deadlines to respect, but now I absolutely wanna take a break and just play live as more as possible.
MARCO: The time between your first record "Abuse Your Illusions" and "And The Worst Is Yet To Come" took only one year?
LORENZO: Yes, as I said before we had deal deadlines with Mausoleum Records. For "Abuse Your Illusions" I wrote the songs in two or three years, 'cause we were without deal. This time I worked to all new songs in only six months and the result is a more compact and strengthful album!
MARCO: Satisfied with the new album?
LORENZO: Yeah! Obviously there are and there'll always be some fee things you would change. I don't know, maybe the snare sound isn't what I really wanted and what I like… But a musician will never be 100% satisfied, it's absolutely normal. So I say yeah, it kick ass and I'm proud of it! The goal is now to improve again and put out a better shit-kicking album!
MARCO: Are you metalheads pleased with the great artwork of "Ed Repka" ( Toxik, Evil Death, Death and Megadeth ? ) and how did you find this big guy?
LORENZO: Of course! Ed did an awesome job, we're absolutely satisfied by it and I think the kind of paint is perfect for our old-school and non-fashioned kind of music! We were talking with Alfie from Mausoleum Records about the new album, and he suggested us to contact Ed, that recently did the cover artwork for our label mates Suicide Watch. We gave him a buzz and we explained him our idea… He was excited and started immediately to work about it!
MARCO: Last week I saw, he did the artwork for new Bay Area Thrashers Merciless Death aswel, It seems like Ed Repka is totally into the new retro Thrashbands of today…..
LORENZO: I hope that! Ed Repka is more than an artist; it's an icon of the whole thrash metal history. We need people like him.
MARCO: Did you enjoy the tour with Omen?
LORENZO: Hell yeah, we had great times with those crazy motherfuckers in Omen and Phantom-X and we had blasting shows and the opportunity to play in countries where we've never been before! Kenny Powell is totally crazy, there's a fucking good friendship between us and I had the change to play "Battle Cry" on stage with him in Milan, Italy. I grew up with that song, so I was moved. The tour has been a really good experience, except for a couple of mishaps, as you remember for Biebob show hehehe! The show in Belgium, Italy and Germany has been awesome!
MARCO: Are you guys satisfied with the recordlabel?
LORENZO: Well, it's our first record deal and we are a young thrash band from Italy, so at the moment we just need a good distribution to spread our music all over the world. And Mausoleum Records does it, so I can say we're satisfied. But I don't know what will happen in the future, now it's just time to sit down and take it easy and have fun with live shows.
MARCO: Are you guys looking forward to play a show at our "Tilburg Headbangers Fest" in late September?
LORENZO: Woooooooooow I'm in hurry to play there, I'm sure it will be a kickass festival! In Belgium it has been one of the best gig in 11 years of career thanks to y'all crazy mosherheadbangers, so I'm sure we're gonna raise hell there in Tilburg!
MARCO: What will the future bring for Hyades, maybe some patches and a Worldwide tour?
LORENZO: Ehehehe the first one it's possible. For the second one we just need money hahaha!
MARCO: Maybe something I'll forgot to ask?
LORENZO: Ahaha no, I think it can be enough!
MARCO: Any last words for our readers?
LORENZO: What else… see ya in Tilburg, guys and always… THRASH NOW, WORK LATER!!
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ICY STEEL - Icy Steel (10 May 2007 )
(Interviewer: Marco van Empel, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO: Hey Icy Steel! First of all congratulations with your great debut album. It sounds really great and tight, real metal just what I like! Are you all satisfied with the record and what are the reactions to it so far?
ICY STEEL: First of all, a big greet to all Metal Fans from Icy Steel!
We're very satisfied about our first debut album "Icy Steel" 'cause it's an album that is collecting a big success, also if still in Underground level, it's very valid and it fills our heart of steel with pride! It's always effect-ful for a band (above all, for a underground band like us) to see that your own work realizes to be appreciated and understood by the people after all sacrifices you did to do it. So for now the only thing that we can be for us, is to be proud!
MARCO: Did you enjoy working with Volker and his Pure Steel Records?
ICY STEEL: Beh, we're very happy to be noticed by a serious label and devoted to steel as Pure Steel Records is, so we're still liking to work with them also if we're still at the beginning. Volker is a person with a big credibility and value, and this lets us be happy!
MARCO: How did your fans react on your debut record?
ICY STEEL: Our fans 'till now (and we hope that they will be in all the next future) gave much credibility to Icy Steel!
"Icy Steel" is an album that our fans liked as well, in fact we're receiving many compliments still now on our space and also face to face!
MARCO: Who is your songwriter in the band and where did he gets his inspiration from?
ICY STEEL: In ICY STEEL doesn't exist a fixed songwriter 'cause each of us gives his proposal, write or edit the lyrics of our songs! We've got a such politic in our band which also in the end of the lyrics we didn't put any name of a single author for the lyrics and the musical parts, but every time you can only read a word that leaves you to catch who in reality writes and composes in the band…that is: ICY STEEL. Because the whole band is the real authoress!
MARCO: You guys started in 2005, how many demo's did you released before?
ICY STEEL: There's only a demo on our back, and it's the 2005 Demo which have been our real debut because Pure Steel Records noticed us after that!
MARCO: How can you describe your style of heavy metal, mostly I call it true epic heavy metal, sounds that okay ?
ICY STEEL: To be sure that's the more guessed term to describe us as well! Many has labeled us as Epic-Metal but in the reality our true roots oscillate between Epic and Heavy in equal way without one of them could be bigger than the other one.
Obviously for a band would be great to be labeled in the more personal way possible, in our case: Icy Steel Metal… but always staying in a respectful path like Classic Metal of the immortals '80 years. However we think that the better way to describe us is exactly Epic/Heavy Metal… yeah, it sounds great!
MARCO: I heard many influences from bands as Bathory and Manowar do you like them and do you agree?
ICY STEEL: Yes we like them as well, but however as we already told, our influenced are not taken by one or two bands but they've got a total action-ray who takes all great bands of the eighties included these two who you listed.
Then we also take many inspirations from Celtic Music in first line!
MARCO: In Germany your popularity is growing very fast, you even played some underground metal festivals like Swordbrothers. Did you enjoy playing such a true metal festival?
ICY STEEL: We never got his honor but concerning the Swordbrothers…we will have it so soon because ICY STEEL will perform in Germany at the same SwordBrothers Festival on December 22th, 2007! Don't miss it!
MARCO: Did you already played with some big bands and how was it like?
ICY STEEL: Nope, our shows are still in Underground lever and in the biggest part, they're in our island. We hope in the future there will be that possibility!!!!
MARCO: Did anyone of you ever played in another band before Icy Steel?
ICY STEEL: Everyone of us has played in another band before join ICY STEEL, but nothing that worth the mercy to mention also 'cause they were band with a first-approach bands, so nothing so serious as ICY STEEL are!
MARCO: It looks like the Italian scene is more living nowerdays, am I right?
ICY STEEL: On our modest opinion the Italian Scene is starting to have something to say about something really interesting in this last period, but all is still in improvement phase… We think there's still much to work, but we're very trusted about that!
MARCO: Are you visiting many gigs by your self and what are your favorite bands and influences?
ICY STEEL: We try to be in every metal show, that our face is still present in every show possible. But unfortunately sometimes we are forced not to be there 'cause we're all students and we don't have a big budget and if there's one, we always spend it on ICY STEEL.
Our reference point are our ideals, and however, as we said before, our influences go to sink their roots in all Metal panorama of the '80!!!!
MARCO: Are there any plans for the future and what do you want to achieve with Icy Steel?
ICY STEEL: Our plan for the future is that in every single little part of the word, ICY STEEL can bring their Heavy Metal. That everyone may have the possibility to know them, and to play in front of the major crowd possible and with the "masters" of the genre. But we'd like to call them Ambitions, not much as Projects or Plans.
For now we follow or career with degrees, just starting with the right foot and with all the determination who always characterized us!!!
MARCO: Thank you very much for your time! Do you have any last words for the readers and fans?
ICY STEEL: What to say… The pleasure it's all our. Many thanks for this wonderful interview! We'd like to greet all who support and love our music. A big greet from ICY STEEL to all of your readers and all of our fans, and to all warriors who fight to survive in the name of Metal, 'cause If there's not a strong hand between warriors, there's not an army who is able to win!
WE SEE STEEL!
MARCO: We wish you all the best for the future and I really hope I can see you live onstage very very soon.
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INTENSE - All Members (30 March 2007 )
(Interviewer: Marco van Empel, Tilburg, The Netherlands)
MARCO: Welcome guys! I've enjoyed your gig in Tilburg with Ruffians. So I want to ask
you some questions. When did you guys met each other and when did you start this band?
INTENSE: The bands been around for a little while, around 98 was the time that Nick
first came into this re-incarnation of Intense and from there we added the other
guys. Steve is the newest member and he's been in the band about 3 years.
MARCO: Did you guys play in other bands before Intense or still are?
INTENSE: I've only ever done Intense but Nick has played in a couple of other bands that
hadn't done much, Steve has played in a number of bands in and around the London
area and gave up his last band to concentrate on Intense. Dave plays
occasionally in a covers band and is our 70's rock jukebox. Neil plays in a
couple of bands as he wants to drum as much as he can, they're quite different to Intense though.
MARCO: Did you have many line-up changes or is the band still original?
INTENSE: In the early days we went through line up changes, we must have been through
every problem in the book, girlfriend a problem, drug addiction, unprofessional
attitude, musical differences etc etc things have settled down in recent times
though and we all get on really well.
MARCO: What are the main influences of the band musically and what kind of stuff do
you all listen to?
INTENSE: As a band we promote ourselves as being "Dark" Power metal influenced more by
the American/UK side of things than the European. I listen to a lot of Iced
Earth,Blind Guardian, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Epica etc etc Nick is a big
Dream Theater freak, Steve listens to a lot of thrash/death metal, Dave a lot of
rock as well his metal and Neil again is a bit DT fan and also likes his progressive stuff.
MARCO: The time between your first album "Dark Season" and the second "Second Sight"
spans 7 years, why did it take so long to make another album?
INTENSE: After the success of "Dark Season" we planned an album and did a demo which was
really heavy, that was as heavy as I wanted to go but at rehearsals the guys
were playing Machine Head and other growly stuff.. I really didn't see Intense
being that kind of band or me singing that kind of stuff.. I wanted Intense to
be a power metal band and that would suit my vocal style. I had a meeting with
the guys and explained how I felt. From there I re built the band. That
obviously took a while plus I lost my mother in 2000 and it took a while for me
to come to terms with that.
MARCO: Are the first 2 albums in the same musical veins as "As Our Army Grows" because
here in Holland we are not familiar with those records. So maybe a re-release so that we can get them more easily?
INTENSE: I suspect Napalm will wait a few albums before considering releasing our early
stuff (ha ha) but yeah, it would be nice to get our early material out to a
bigger crowd. "Dark Season" was released on my own label so had very limited
distro and "Second Sight" didn't fair too much better. "Dark Season" was a 6 track
EP and was very in your face I think,… "Second Sight" isn't too far away from "As
Our Army Grows, you'd know it was Intense.
MARCO: Are you guys satisfied with the new album and did you enjoy the tour with
Ruffians?
INTENSE: We're very happy with the new album, of course you always hear things that
you'd like to have changed but if you worried about that you'd never finish in
the studio. I think Karl and Rich really did a great job with us. We only did a
couple of shows with the Ruffians but they seemed like nice guys and we enjoyed
the experience for sure.
MARCO: Are you guys satisfied with the recordlabel? I just read that you've inked a
deal with Napalm Records?
INTENSE: Yeah that's right we signed to Napalm in January. So far I've been very
impressed with everyone I've dealt with at the label, they're very committed to
making us a success and are giving us great promotion which is exactly what
we've been looking for.
MARCO: The sound at the Tilburg-gig was very poor but have you still enjoyed your stay
and playing in Holland?
INTENSE: Yeah it wasn't the best but we are pleasantly surprised when we DO get a good
sound so we get used to it. We were treated very well in Holland and Emillio who
promoted the shows for us was a really great guy who we want to work with again…
we'll definitely be coming back.
MARCO: What will the future bring for Intense?
INTENSE: I hope success but we'll die trying anyway (ha ha), after most of the promotion
has been done for the album release we'll look at touring as much as we can for
the rest of the year and then we need to think about the next album.
MARCO: Any last words for MMM readers?
INTENSE: Thanks for reading… check out the album I hope you like it and if we play your
town come down an get down the front!!!!!!!!!
MARCO: Thanks man…. see you again!
Marco van Empel
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ISKALD - Aage Krekling (vocals,drums) (2 November 2008)
(Interviewer: Dennis van Dommelen, Heesch, The Netherlands)
Last month I was pleasantly surprised by the second cd of Iskald. In the review for "Revelations of Reckoning Day" I wrote that the band has so much potential that they maybe could fill the gap that Emperor has left in 2002 when they retired from the scene.
After 3 attempts to do the interview by phone I almost give up hope. Nevertheless I got my answers by mail from Aage (vocals,drums) right after the deadline for this months edition.
DENNIS: Please introduce Iskald to the readers of www.mariosmetalmania.com
AAGE: Iskald is a melodic extreme metal band from north of Norway. Currently we're situated in Bodø.
Simon and me started Iskald around 4 years ago, after we both meet and wanted to play dark music. Musically we have been taking some major step during our short career, developing from a kind of traditional Norwegian black metal thing, to include more elements and ideas into our music.
We have released one MCD, Northern Twilight and two full-length albums. Shades of Misery resulted in a big uplift for the band back in 2007, and with our new album, Revelations of Reckoning Day, we hope to reach even future. So far the response have been absolutely outstanding.
DENNIS: You guys went all the way to Berlin to record "Revelations Of Reckoning Day". What can you tell us about the recording process?
AAGE: The reason we went to Berlin was because the label knew two Greece producers situated there. We got in contact early in the process and planned the recording strictly. Also a pre-production was recorded before we left.
The recording process went on for about three weeks. First we recorded the guitars, then the drums, the bass and a last the vocals. As we were really good prepared and focused everything worked out as it should in the end.
The mixing and master was done over the next weeks in the same studio.
DENNIS: The 2008 version of Iskald consists of two members. Why have the other two members chosen to become live members only?
AAGE: We realized that Iskald work out best with Simon and me only. We tried to add some more members to the line-up, but they didn't have so much to offer. And since we both know what Iskald should be about, we just decided to use live session members instead. But they're close friends to us, and it works out perfectly at the moment.
DENNIS: At the time you were being formed (2005) what bands, writers or maybe visual artists inspired you?
AAGE: In the beginning we where really inspired by bands like Immortal I remember. We kind of wanted to sound like them and use the same corpse paint etc. But soon we realized that we had something more to offer and could do our own thing. And as I said earlier, we started adding more elements into our music, and didn't focus on being someone else. But of course we listen to a lot of different music and get inspiration from many things. That combination I believe is why we sound like we do naturally. If I should mention two bands, I'd have to say Emperor and Dissection.
DENNIS: When you write a song. Do you start with a visual concept, a riff or something else?
AAGE: It depends. Mostly Simon comes up with a riff and forms the song based on that. Then we meet in the rehearsal space and arrange the different parts or the whole song together. When we do it this way, the lyrics are normally brought into the process last. What we also have done, especially on Shades of Misery, is to write songs built on the lyrics. That way you get this special feeling based on the lyrics, which you can apply to the song.
DENNIS: The second wave of black metal gave birth to so many great bands from Norway. Many people think that the evolution of black metal has ceased after that period. What is your opinion about this and what can Iskald add to the 2008 scene?
AAGE: That's not what I feel. There are a lot of "new" great bands that has something to offer the scene. In one way or another the biggest black metal bands from Norway will stop playing some day. Then there has to be someone to take over the throne and bring the genre further. We hope to get there someday. For that you'll need to work hard, bring in some new ideas and also a bit of luck. I think Iskald stands out as a modern black metal band with many new exiting elements, as well as keeping some old school elements alive.
DENNIS: What are the goals to your art, is there a goal to art itself?
AAGE: The artwork is important to us, and is an important part of a total image. We want our art to be outstanding as well as fitting into our music and lyrics. Our designer, Robert Høyem, is doing a remarkable job for us. As well as understanding what we want, the results just keeps getting better.
As for the artwork on our new album, it represents what most of the lyrics are about. The figure on the front represents Doomsday; it's the creature who is sent out to sweep the aura of death and endless suffering across the earth.
DENNIS: I understand that you guys come from Bodo located in northern area of Norway. Since it is such an important subject concerning your lyrics. What can you tell our readers about this area in Norway?
AAGE: Bodø is indeed a harsh city. From October to April the snow normally surrounds the landscape and it's freezing cold. At 4.00am it's normally pitch dark in this period too. Some could say that it's myth or joke that this have something to do with our music, but it can for sure be a depressing time where a lot of ideas a brought to life.
DENNIS: Is there any change that we will see the band on tour in the near future? Are you guys looking forward to play in particular countries?
AAGE: We have actually been confirmed for our first European tour, taking place February 2009. Check out our official website for further into, as the tour can't be announced yet.
We hope to do a lot of shows next year all around Europe. Looking forward to play in Germany and of course The Netherlands.
DENNIS: Thanks for your time. Any famous last words for our readers at www.mariosmetalmania.com?
AAGE: Thanks for your time. Check out our band for cold melodic black metal from the north!
Hails from Aage Krekling/Iskald
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JACOB'S DREAM - John Berry (guitar) ( 8 May 2005 )
(Interviewer: Stan Efraimov, New York, USA)
STAN: What is the current line-up?
JOHN: We have Jon Noble back on guitar, Gary Holtzman has returned to the drums as he played on our demo CD back in '96. As always James Evans on bass, me on guitar and guitar synth, and the new kid on the block is Chaz Bond, formerly of Biogenesis.
STAN: How is the new album coming along? Are you soon ready to finally release it?
JOHN: The CD should be in the stores by May 3rd. Best buy, Wal-mart, Media Play, pretty much everwhere.
STAN: How will it sound compared to your self-titled release and ''Theater of War''?
JOHN: I don't think it's really a departure from those CD's. More like a step further in the direction we were heading. In fact I spoke with our former lead vocalist yesterday and he said it sounded like the CD he always wanted to write.
STAN: Is the band handling production duties on the new record?
JOHN: Yes for the most part, we had some help from old friends with running the board while we were tracking drums.
STAN: There were new album titles like ''Third Way'', ''Magic Garden'', ''Rotunda Pigs'', and others, I believe. Are they still being used on the new album, or have you come up with others?
JOHN: ''Third Way'' is on the CD. The other tracks were ideas for 'Theater of War' that were never fleshed out.
STAN: After David Taylor left the band, you recruited another singer. Sadly later, he died in an accident (or that's what I heard). How did this tragedy effect the band?
JOHN: Yes, he did die in a traffic accident, actually he wasn't in the band yet but he was a great guy and we really liked him. It was very hard news for us. It really brought home the fact that life is fleeting. You never know what tomorrow will bring.
STAN: Are their any plans to re-record your old demo songs like "The Outer Realm" and "The Jewel", now that you've got Chaz Bond as your new singer?
JOHN: I don't think those songs will be retracked. They stand up still to the test of time and feel like classic J.D. to me.
STAN: Do you think the line-up you're carrying now is the best so far?
JOHN: Absolutely! We have the best live show ever and we get along great.
STAN: How much input does each member of the band have? [In song-writing]. Please explain the process on how a full Jacobs Dream song is achieved.
JOHN: One of us usually has at least a riff or a chorus and verse or something and we build on it from there. If we don't have any immediate inspiration for the part we will just record it and come back to it later. It's really a team process, though Chaz came in kinda late on this CD. We tried to let him loose as much as he wanted to.
STAN: How have your album sales been in Europe? Alot better than here in the States, I assume.
JOHN: Yes, in general the sales are better but I think it's only because we get better exposure there. I think we could do much better here in the States if the radio would play more music like us. We have never played for crowds who flat out did not like us here, people just don't hear enough melodic stuff to have a real appetite for it.
STAN: Will you be playing any shows in the U.S.? What about some European dates/festivals?
JOHN: We have a few shows booked here. Some acoustic sets too, but so far nothing for Europe.
STAN: Are their any bands that you'd like to tour with?
JOHN: Anyone. Anywhere. But really we have our heros from the old school that we would love to hook up with.
STAN: What are your feelings towards illegal music downloading?
JOHN: It's stealing money from my pocket. That's how I feel about it.
STAN: What do you think of the current metal scene here in the States?
JOHN: It's getting better, I think the latest Ozzfest line-up reflects that. On a local level even the death metal bands we see are playing old school covers like Helloween and stuff.
STAN: Thanks for doing this interview. Do you have any final words to all the readers out there?
JOHN: Thanks to you and all the headbangers out there who keep it real. God bless ya!
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KAMELOT - Thomas Youngblood (Guitars) ( 10 April 2005 )
(Interviewer: Marjon Smaling (www.rockpics.nl), Wamel, The Netherlands)
MARJON: First I'd like to congratulate you with the success that "The Black Halo" already is. You must be really satisfied about it?
THOMAS: Thank you very much, we're very happy with the response on the press and the fans. Now that we're doing this tour, the album is only out for a week and a half, we can't complain to really a nice turnout to the crowd, you can see that the fans already bought the record, they know the songs. It's exciting.
MARJON: Did you expect this great response?
THOMAS: Well, you always hope for the best, with every record you try to do your best, in the studio and then the writing process, so you always really hope for the best, you must have realistic expectations, and sometimes things don't come out like you want them to, and you feel disappointed but yeah, so far the reviews have been fantastic and the sales have been great, so we definitely can't complain.
MARJON: It's the second album based on the Faust story, as many of your fans already know. Was it always the intention that there would be two parts?
THOMAS: Yeah definitely. We just weren't sure whether we wanted to do part 2 now, or wait after doing a couple of normal concept albums, but we had the story written, we wanted to put it out there and sort of have it in our past. So the idea was to do it now, not call it Epica 2 because it's a totally separate sort of entity, musically and lyrically, but much like Faust part 2. It's a little bit darker in comparison to the original Epica which was based on part 1.
MARJON: How does a song come together with you guys? First the music, then the lyrics, or vice versa?
THOMAS: Technically always the music first, and then the vocal melody we put down. That might be a humming something or so, we might have a lyric that's a part of the idea of a melody and we keep that lyric, and maybe base a song around that, but 99% we work on the music first and then the melody and then put the lyrics out last.
MARJON: Before you go on tour, how do you come up with the working setlist? Like who picks the songs, or does it change with every performance?
THOMAS: Yeah, we're always messing around with the setlist, not necessarily for the fans, but also for ourselves, sometimes we try different songs live, we haven't played the same setlist more than 2 or 3 times, since we've been on this tour that makes it fun.
In the past we used to play the same setlist every night, and then when we had fans coming to different shows, they didn't really have anything new to see, now it makes it more dynamic and fun for everybody.
MARJON: I must say that I was surprised to hear Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir) appearing on "The Black Halo" but his voice interprets the Mephisto character very well. Who's idea was it to ask such a singer for the songs?
THOMAS: The idea to use a black metal vocalist came from our singer Khan, and then we started talking about who we wanted to do the part and obvious the nr. one choice was Shagrath. He is a big personality within the black metal scene, and the fact he is Norwegian too is also a benefit, because our singer is from Norway and they live literally 15 minutes apart from each other, so we approached Shagrath about doing the part. It was very easy for them to come together, and work in the studio and all.
MARJON: You apply some religious and philosophical themes in your songs. Do these apply to your own beliefs as well?
THOMAS: General yes, I mean we kinda started to use our own personal feelings about things on the album "Karma", each record got more personal, like the song Don't you cry, that's about my father, stuff like that. I think that for us to do this like all the time, you can't really avoid not putting some of your own personal feelings and thoughts about life in the lyrics.
MARJON: This question has probably been asked to you before, but are there any plans to tour in the United States in the near future?
THOMAS: We're actually talking to different management people in the US, and different artists right now, can't really mention names, but we're working on two different for the US to do a tour there. It's time for us to do that. We're selling good now in the US, the reviews for "The Black Halo" in the US have been great, the fans want to see us. It's really hard because of the size of the country, everybody that tours the US know it's pretty cool, but, if you're not playing days and have a decent amount of people doesn't make a lot of sense. Financially, playing a concert for 50 people isnt good, that's why we untill now haven't been able to do that.
MARJON: How does the future of Kamelot look like after this tour? A well deserved vacation I think. And after that you already have ideas for a new album
THOMAS: The next album will be definitely non-concept, it will be a straight album like "Karma" or the fourth "Legacy" but offcourse using something new. After this European tour we'll be home for a week, then we go to Japan for a week, then we basically take some time off to be with our families and recharge our batteries. Then we come back for Europe in September, October to do more shows in Holland, UK, Sweden, Norway, so it's gonna be a busy year.
MARJON: 'Memento Mori' is my favourite song from "The Black Halo", what is yours?
THOMAS: 'Memento Mori is my favourite song too. Unfortunately we can't do that song life on this tour because it's 9 minutes long, and we have a lot of songs we want to play, but we do a variation of this song tonight on instrumental. Yeah it's one of my favourites also, 'When the lights are Down' is one of my favourites and 'Abandoned', but if I had to pick one it would be 'Memento Mori'.
MARJON: "Epica" had great reviews and it was a great album. Was there much pressure for this album? Did you have the feeling that it should be better than the last one?
THOMAS: "The Fourth Legacy" had good reviews, "Karma" had good reviews, so every time it's a challenge, you can't do better then 10 you know, but you just have to satisfy yourself, and then hope for the best. We try not to put that pressure on ourselves, if you always try to live up to that with each record, then I think you might loose to focus on what's really important and that's writing the best album you can, and not worrying about the review. If you can do that usually it works out anyway.
MARJON: Do you have any idea how much people relate to your songs, and how much songs can mean something to them?
THOMAS: Sometimes, last night we played in Brussels, we did the song "Don't you Cry", partially in French, and after the show a girl came to me and was crying and said that the song meant so much to her because she had lost her mom. When you hear things like that, it's really cool that you did something or wrote something that meant special to someone, we hear stories from fans about certain lyrics and songs that touched their spirit, and that's special.
MARJON: Why did you decide to record 2 videos at the same time, and released them at the same time?
THOMAS: We released them on the web at the same time, but they haven't been released to the video stations at the same time, and that's just because we wanted to make a big push on the release for the first month of the album.
We did two videos at the same time because we knew we were going to do two videos, but we didn't see the sense in flying to Sweden one time, spending the money for that flight, and then come back and flying again and spending the money again, so the logic behind it was to take advantage of going over there one time and do two videos.
They both have extremely different looks, so it not looks like we did them at the same day and same stage for that time.
MARJON: Well you could have saved one for later...
THOMAS: It's hard to say which one people like the best, a lot of people like 'March of Mephisto' better, if we waited to release that one, they might not buy the record right away, so a lot of different psychological pros and cons to releasing the videos in either together or whenever. The most important thing in terms of a video being released, is when it's on a video station, they want one at a time. When you really grow you get the chance to have a fan website, people that go to the website now, or they know about the band , apart of doing the videos is also to grow our fanbase, and get people that haven't heard of the band or heard what we're about, to see a video at all. I like that.
MARJON: Can you name some highlights of your career?
THOMAS: Oh. Well, For sure when we played in Japan on the "Epica" tour, the first time we went to Japan, and that's always a dream of mine to tour in Japan. Of course the first time we came to Europe on tour. Actually the first show we played on tour was here in Holland with a band called Elegy that was always a highlight to me. Doing the videos, my very first videos for the first time in Sweden was a highlight for me.
MARJON: Was it fun?
THOMAS: Yeah, it was a lot of fun. We didn't have any pressure so yeah, there are always little things like that, and new goals we want to achieve and accomplish, that keeps us working harder and driving for this new adventure.
MARJON: And some non-highlights?
THOMA |
