BARBARIAN PROPHECIES. Julio G. Valladares: "I think Barbarian Prophecies has found its own personality and its own style"

They're about to release new album, "XIII", come from Lugo (Spain) and if you were over here for your holidays, you might have caught them on stage last summer. BARBARIAN PROPHECIES are one of the Spanish bands to keep an eye on. That's why I contacted them to know some more details of the album and their opinion about some aspects of the current music scene. JULIO G. VALLADARES, drummer of the band, answered my questions kindly and with good humour.  

- The band was formed in Lugo in 2000, and now you release your second album, "XIII", in 2013, in your 13th anniversary, including 13 songs. I suppose you're not superstitious. Could you tell us about the making and recording process for "XIII", and if someone broke a mirror or crossed paths with a black cat along that time?

The process that finishes now started approximately two years ago. The making of this album has been quite different from our previous work, "Remember The Fallen", since we were robbed twice in short time and we lost practically all of our gear and -logically-our rehearsal room, so we can't say we've been free from back luck (laughs). To this we have to add the fact that by then we could meet more often to rehearse and give shape to the ideas; but nowadays, due to work issues, we can barely meet once or, if lucky, twice a week -that's why most of the songwriting has fallen on Óscar and Arnt, who can meet on weekdays and start the outlines for the songs.

- You've worked again with Carlos Santos and Mika Jussila in the technical part, being both famous and well-reputated producers who have worked with bands such as Children of Bodom, Toundra, Hamlet, Amorphis or Wintersun, among many others, and who were as well part of  "Remember The Fallen". What do you like about working with them?

We like Carlos because he's a real professional, he takes things very seriously, he's very  precise because he wants everything to be perfect. This is vital for us, since he has an absolutely well-trained ear, he notices all the mistakes and tells you where you're wrong, which is the best for a musician because we learn from our mistakes and learn which is the road to not make them again.

As for Mika, what can I tell you, he has mastered more records than he can remember! When we send him our work, we are sure that the result will be perfect. There is nothing you can tell him to make him do it better. Honestly, I don't think we could get a better result with anyone else.

- Being these two persons so present in the music scene and with so many albums of theirs in the market, there may be people who think everything sounds quite similar because all comes with, let's say, their signature. What do you have to say to this?

Honestly, I don't think anyone can say we sound like this or that band a lot, and even less because we work with this or that person.

If a band has personality, it doesn't matter who you work with, the band will keep its character. Logically, Carlos and Mika have their style and their way to do things, but they always work to complement the band, they will always help add a bonus to the work.

I think Barbarian Prophecies has found its own personality and its own style with the passing of time. I have to say something that helps a lot with this is the fact that among ourselves we have very different influences. That, from my point of view, enrichens music and makes the final product more complete for the listener. If you only listen to prog, or blues, or jazz or whatever, you won't have enough tools to create something different from what you listen to.

- In "XIII" you included Absorbed's track "Engulfed", with guest appearance from Óscar Insua 'Jumpin', composer of the song and founding member of the band. Why this band and this song?

Absorbed, because they were pioneers and precursors of a style that still nowadays isn't fahionable, and that is a double achievement. Galicians as we are -Arnt already is, too- (laughs), we wanted to pay tribute beyond words and capture in music some of their fantastic compositions.

"Engulfed", because it was the track that fitted our style best. Even being such different bands, with "Engulfed" we found nexus that said it was ideal for us.

- There are some more collaborations in your album. What is the contribution of these guests to your compositions?

Ócar Insua 'Jumpin' himself does the vocals and solo on "Engulfed", and the first solo on the track "Embrace Of Insanity". An overwhelming guitarist we can always rely on whenever we need him and one of the most honest people you can find in music business.

David Muñoz, has been a friend for years, a prodigy as a composer and guitarist, who plays the second solo on “Embrace Of Insanity”. Apart from his collaboration with music, he has also done an amazing work with the artwork for “XIII”.

Raúl Muradás (Yuyi) has created the intro for the track “The Hidden”. We asked him for something short and concise with piano and strings to creat the tension before the start of the track; we knew he'd do it wonderfully, as he's done.

I would like to thank them from here, in the name of Barbarian Prophecies, for all the work and talent they've added to this album we feel so proud of.

- Do you have any favourite track in the album? If so, which one(s) and why?

We all have some favourite song in the album, in my case “9 Days Of Storm”  is my favourite track. Personally, I think iths the best one I've recorded until now, in my opinion it's got something that the rest of the tracks in the album don't have; it's not the most complicated I've played, nor the fastest, but the composition, the development and the lyrics make it something very special for me. “The Hidden” is another one of my favourites, it's fast, aggressive but at the same time  it's full of groove and with a change halfway of the track that make it something great.

“Anger” and “Punishment Of Oblivion” are some of the best to play live, they go straight to the point from the beginning, they're the kind of songs people like to listen live to go mad (laughs).

- Last summer, just before the release of the album, there has been a change in the band's line-up, since Kike Rodríguez left and in his stead now we find Xavier Lovelle. How did this change happen and how has it been assimilated by both parts (the band and the singer himself)?

It's been something completely natural because we already have an age and we don't fool around. Kike told us he had to leave the band due to family and work issues; it's personal stuff that as a band we have to understand and respect. We still had two very important dates to do -a concert with Napalm Death and Live For Madness Metal Fest- and Kike's behaviour was exemplary, he gave everything in both concerts, as always, and we could have great goodbye-shows, as he deserved. We spent 5 fantastic years together and we meet very often, as it has to be.

Xavi was one of the first people we thought of. We know what we want and we had clear that we wouldn't put and ad unless it was absolutely necessary. The most important thing for us is that people are there, that they commit, and when we talked to Xavi he told us he'd be happy to be with us, that's all. He came to the rehearsal room, sang the songs, did great and now we hope this relationship will last long and we all will have fun together (laughs).

- Precisely, Xavier's first concert was the one you played at Resurrection Fest. This festival is already well-consolidated and a good proof of it is the collection of bands we could see in the line-up this year. I suppose there was a lot of people, even more considering your show was on the same day as Slayer's... What was the atmosphere at the festival like? Did Barbarian Prophecies, with new album and new singer, have a good reception from the audience? Any anecdotes to tell?

The atmosphere was sensational, the sheer fact of being able to see a festival of this size from inside it's already worth it. The organization treated us great, the musicians and colleagues from other bands, the same. The reception was very goo; we shouldn't forget Barbarian Prophecies is an underground band, we played at 15:35 and people came by to see us, many were friend and many others people who hadn't ever seen us, and at the end of the show they congratulated us for the performance -what else can we ask for? I think nothing.

Anecdotes? Many. I'll tell you that we were there in the evening, after our concert, sitting at the backstage area, eating something and Gary Holt showed up. I said to him "dude, you have to take a pic with me", and he answered "sure". We took the pic, I thanked him, he thanked me and right after, when I sat on my chair again... it broke and I ended up with my arse on the ground (laughs).

- Regarding national metal festivals, like this one we've just talked about, do you think they are well organized/advertised enough?  Are they of the same standard as similar festivals abroad?

Everything depends on how you look at it. In my opinion, there are many and good festivals in Spain, but most of them are focused to the same kind of audience and bands.

Resurrection has been growing in an overwhelming way year after year, but it has done so orderly, they've known how to diversify and complement styles, which makes it, to me, the best festival we have.

- With "XIII" you've decided to form an alliance with an agency, Lost Penguin Conspiracy. Are you noticing any difference in matters of promotion and publicity for "XIII", compared to your previous album, "Remember The Fallen"? What do you expect from their work?

Yes, but more than signing with an agency, we've signed with people. I'll explain it. We know the people behind “LPC” doesn't search for what others do; the most important thing for them is the own good of the bands they work with. They're moved by the illusion and passion for what they do, as are we, that's why we know all their work is to look for the benefit of Barbarian Prophecies, and we are very thankful for all they've done and are doing. Evidently, now, with their support, our work is being more spread and therefore it has a bigger impact in the media; but I insist, we can't forget we're an underground band. 

- Let's have a look to the national scene. There are many coming bands doing quality stuff, but they're not supported as they should be, and even, in some cases, they have obstacles put on their way. In your opinion, what's being done wrong about it? Where is the mistake?

There are too many factors to reply in few lines... There are too many bands, there are good ones, there are just ones, and there are bad ones... Sadly the bands that will receive support will be the ones that will show the money, it doesn't matter whether they're good or bad... Young people need to understand once and for all that this is business. Do you want something? Pay it! Do you want a good review on a national edition website? Put publicity on that web... It's all about the money... Believe me, I've been there, I know how it works. 

The most important is that you can wake up in the morning and look in the mirror knowing you've achieved it, be it a lot or a little, it's been because of your effort, not because of what others did.

- Is it easier to reach to a bigger audience singing in English than singing in Spanish?

In English without a doubt. Some months ago I was lucky to be invited to a debate about this same topic... and got to this same conclusion... Think of a country, then think which one's the most popular band in that country and in which language they sing.

English is the universal rock language. Logically, you can choose to sing in the language you think is more suitable for you, it's totally personal decission and as valid as any other.

- What are your next objectives as a band? Where do you see Barbarian Prophecies in a close future?

First thing, presenting this new work, enjoying playing it live as much as we can, we'd love to play in other countries again and get to know other cultures, there aren't any more plans... Step by step, enjoy the little things music gives us.

- Thank you very much for your time and attention. Is there anything else you want to add for your fans and for the followers of the blog?

Thousands of millions of thanks for the interview, Judith, for taking the time to listen to our album and write a review for it, for the blog... for everything you do... CHEERS EVERYONE!!!!!!!

Judith Sáez
(Thanks to Trev for the corrections)

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Exclusive interview!!: STINGERS in Germany!!!!

Last summer we were lucky to interview them face to face during the end-of-the-season special program and now we have the chance again to talk to Sergio Maciwoda, bass player in STINGERS (Scorpions' tribute band from Sevilla), one of the tribute bands who are source of much talk lately. We talk with the gratitude and pride for being the first Spanish media to interview STINGERS after their adventure in Germany: Scorpions themselves invited the band to play with them at their museum!

Hi Sergio, we're happy to have you sharing some time with us again. Last time we talked with you, one of the moments that has surely marked your career as a tribute band was still to come: the concert that took place last 18th August in Germany, at Scorpions' Museum, to which you were invited by the band. We take our hats off to such an experience. We know that, tribute band as you are, you've followed Scorpions tours many times and you've had the chance to talk to them, but we imagine this time it's been different. You were in their homeland, invited by themselves, and with them... What comes to your minds, a tribute band's, when you're in front of the original group?

It's a dream come true, a wish that seemed unachievable, but it proves that sometimes wishes come true. What comes to your mind is that you have to give not 100%, like in every concert, but even some more, since you are before the creator of your life's soundtrack.

We suppose for such an occasion, when you have to give your best, the repertoire would be more than prepared. Can you give us a quick review of the setlist? There was some surprise, wasn't there?

The truth is that the setlist was quite tight, because we only had one hour to play. However, all the Scorpions' classics weren't missing, like Bad Boys Running Wild, The Zoo, Make It Real, Still Loving You, Wind Of Change, Rock You Like A Hurricane, Big City Nights or Blackout. Nonetheless, the one we were more thrilled to play, because it's a song the whole band likes a lot, we make a very particular version and Scorpions don't play very often, was Robot Man.

We know you played some song with Scorpions themselves too... Which track was the chosen one? Was it improvised or did you know you'd be playing it? How does it feel to share the stage with a rock legend?

On the day of the concert, in the morning, having a walk in Gronau, we bumped by chance into the Rock Museum. So, once we found it, we went to 'inspect' the place. There, we met Inga, the press agent, who told us that Rudolf Schenker might come for a walk in the afternoon, but it wasn't sure. As the  morning passed, we were assured he would come and he wanted to play one song with us, which was going to be Big City Nights, but once we went to do the soundcheck, we were confirmed he'd go on stage for two songs and wanted them to be, Big City Nights and Rock You Like A Hurricane,  which make it double pleasure for us, because they're also the two songs we finished the 
concert with.

What was the feedback from the audience like?

Amazing, specially when Rudolf came on stage. We enjoyed a lot and it was a unique and unrepeatable moment. People was cheering up since de very first song and we could see many lighters and mobile phones during the ballads, as in the big concerts.

Everytime we've seen you playing, we've realised you have a very prepared staging (decoration, clothing), asides from your attitude, of course. Did you prepare something 
different or special for this event?

Yes, Javi Schenker wore new tailored clothes, made by a Sevillian tailor, I also had a new Indian vvest, similar to the one the current bass player wears, Pablo Jabs wore both outfits he has like Matthias's (World Wide Live '85 and Wacken 2006) and Panchi Meine, asides of a new cap bought in USA identical to Klaus's and leather trousers made by a friend, had the pleasure to wear a coat lent by a good friend (Marichu), that she had bought through the Internet and she'd been assured it had been worn by Scorpions's singer himself at a couple of shows they gave in former Soviet Union: the legendary Moscow Musice Peace Festival in 1989.

How did Stingers sound that evening?

Wonderfully well, specially thanks to the great work of our sound technician, Jose, who came with us to Gronau too, and, of course, our manager, Juanma, who is on top of everything. As for what concerns to us, I think it's been one of the best concerts we've had so far, we were very concentrated and knew it wasn't just any moment -it was THE moment. We couldn't fail!

We imagine that an experience like that has been immortalized?

That hasn't been discussed yet, although we do have quite a lot of stuff recorded either from the concert, the trip and backstage. There may be concert images released in a future, since Rudolf came with a cameraman who filmed the whole performance. We were told it was for the upcoming Scorpions's DVD. And we knew all this before going on stage, it was unbelievable.

You know we always make this question, so this time it won't be different: Any anecdote to tell and remember about this very special concert?

Everything was special, but what caught our attention the most was that they made us feel like rock professionals, because, asides of taking charge of the trip and the stay, they also picked us up and took us everywhere in a van, without us needing to move a finger. We also had a backline of spectacular quality just for ourselves, and everything without forgetting the exquisite treatment we had both from Rock Museum staff and Rudolf, who, in the backstage, promised Javi he'd send him a pair of glasses from his personal collection -something he did two weeks later.

Now we focus a bit more in your band. When you came for the special program, you commented you had some own material, ready to play for the first time in German lands... Are Stingers working on their own songs? Will you edit something?

We've been preparing our own tracks for some time now, and we have the bases for five of them, but in Germany it was impossible to play any; first, because there was little time for the show and second, because they weren't completely finished, so we decided to play only Scorpions' covers.

Although it may be difficult, could you give us a hint about how those tracks will sound?

Our idea and hope is that they sound like Scorpions. So far, it seems so, but there's still a lot to do.

We know that since the last time we saw you, you've played quite a lot. Are there any other concerts at sight?

Now, for the upcoming winter, we're working on an acoustic set to play at smaller venues, without leaving the electric show aside. We will possibly have a couple of shows until the end of the year, although they are not confirmed and we also want to go back to our own compositions.

We say goodbye again, thanking you for your time and congratulating the whole band for this success. We hope to enjoy those own tracks soon, which, knowing about your good work, must sound great.

A hug and thank you for your interest. 

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MOLLY HATCHET en Madrid (12 diciembre)!!!

“JUSTICE WORLD TOUR 2012″

El grupo Molly Hatchet se formó en Jacksonville, Florida, a principios de los años setenta, por iniciativa de los dos guitarristas, Dave Hubleck y Steve Holland, a los que se unieron el bajista Banner Thomas, el batería Bruce Crump y, en 1975, el cantante Danny Joe Brown. Tomó su nombre de una supuesta prostituta que asesinaba a sus clientes decapitándolos y mutilándolos.


En 1977 firmaron su primer contrato, que los ligó a CBS. Su álbum de debut, titulado simplemente ‘Molly Hatchet’, se publicó en 1978, con la producción de Tom Werman, quien anteriormente había trabajado con Cheap Trick y Ted Nugent. Inmediatamente, Molly Hatchet se hicieron populares en América, junto a Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Blackfoot y Outlaws lograron consolidarse como una de las bandas más representativas del rock sureño de los Estados Unidos de América, convirtiéndose en uno de los principales referentes del género, mundialmente reconocidos por su mayor éxito: “Flirtin’ with Disaster”, del álbum del mismo nombre, alcanzando certificaciones de Platino.
Desde 1985 Bobby Ingram es el nuevo líder del grupo que junto a su formación actual han grabado muy buenos discos en las últimas dos décadas y su directo sigue siendo tan potente como siempre. Promete ser una noche electrificante que nadie olvidará!!!

MOLLY HATCHET
DICIEMBRE 12 – CARACOL – MADRID

PUERTAS: 20:30 H/ SHOW: 21:30H
ENTRADA ANTICIPADA: 30/ TAQUILLA: 33
Venta de entradas: Sun Records, Ticketmaster.com, Fnac, Carrefour.

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Interview with ALL TOO HUMAN

We cross the sea (virtually, by now) to go to the US, to Texas, concretely. Why? Because we want to talk to the progressive metal band ALL TOO HUMAN. This experienced band released 'Juggernaut' few months ago, the fourth album in their career, and it sounds really good, honestly...

MT: (Maurice Taylor- Bass Guitar)

CW: (Clint Wilson- Guitar/ Keys)

GT: (Gordon Tittsworth- Vocals)

CL: (Chris Lucci- Drums & Percussion)

  

Akiesú:  Greetings from Spain. Let's talk about “Juggernaut”. We're in front of nine tracks and a revision for “Arrythmia”, song that was included in your previous album, “Entropy”. In my opinion, you've done a great work. How was the recording process and at which studio?

CL:  Thank you.... the recording was done partially at my studio in Texas, and some was done remotely by Gordon at his studio in PA.  Once the tracks were laid down, I then mixed and mastered the CD at my studio, with the help of Eric Zimmerman.

GT: Chris and Clint sent me all of the instrumental audio files along with the lyrics and I recorded vocals at my studio in Red Lion, PA- USA.  Once I completed each song, I would forward the rough mixes to the guys for their approval.  Once everyone agreed on the final vocals, I sent the hi-rez audio files to Chris for mixing.

MT:  Bass tracks recorded at R/R Digital Studios in Lake Jackson, Texas and Venus Studios in Rockport, Texas.

CW:  The recording process for this album was a completely different animal all together. The time frame was much longer due to our personal lives taking precedence, and also we recorded and produced this album entirely in house as well.  I also got to do a little more of the writing this time which was fun, but a little more stressful as well (in a good way though). Also the biggest change was bringing Gordon on board, and I would say that decision was probably the icing on the cake of Juggernaut. I think overall I enjoyed recording this more than Entropy, only because I had more control over my parts and my sound, and it was much more satisfying making those big production decision without a net. The guys were great and soon after Gordon joined up, he went straight to work on his parts as well. Despite the extended amount of time we took, in the end, I think everyone is satisfied how we crossed the finish line on this one.

Akiesú: I think the album is self-edited. Do you prefer to control yourselves the whole recording process and work itself, before having some guidelines marked by someone else 'from outside'?

MT:  Short answer, yes.  But we do it all on our own.  No outside help (except for Mastering).  I'm sure Chris will give more explanation.

CL:  Yes, we guided the whole process ourselves, but we did have outside help in mastering, as I mentioned.  It was a brutal process, consuming hundreds of hours, and I am not sure I would ever try to tackle a whole CD  again.  When a band does not have label backing or funding, they have to rely on themselves. That is what we did.  The other guys were amazingly helpful and super-patient with me, as it took much longer to track and mix than we expected.  The only way a band is going to get the sound they want is to self-produce.  Not that we wouldn't be willing to work with a producer, it might be good, but none of us is willing to compromise what we believe is our best effort in making what we think is good music.

CW:  Well in the past we really didn't have a "producer", although Jason Rooks at R&R Studio made some great suggestions on Entropy and helped out a great deal on the finished product as well as mixing and mastering. As I mentioned, it was fun to put this out strictly in house. For me it was a bit more satisfying due to the fact that there was no "production deadline" per say and I could always come back and tweak, change, edit, or just throw something out completely. It made me sweat a bit more this time when Chris and Maurice gave me the "speak now or forever hold your peace" ultimatum before mastering time came, but all in all, because I had more control this time, I think between Chris and I, the guitar sound I got this time was closer to what I heard in my head and came out heavy as hell.

GT:  My opinion is that it is always better to do any/all studio recordings yourself rather than pay for studio time whenever you can help it.  This way, you’re not focused on a clock and you don’t rush to get things completed because you’re more focused on the $$$$ that you are spending rather than the quality of the product.  My best works have always been ones that I record myself because I have all of the time necessary to “get it right”.  This all being said, I have found that having a great producer really pushes me outside my comfort zone and allows me to tap into abilities I didn’t know I had.  Although, these guys did a great job of that during these sessions with their constant feedback.

Akiesú: We played your song 'Never Enough' in our radio program Akiesú Qué Escándalo Rock & Metal Radio Show. Personally, I really like it, but it was a hard choice. I love 'Cut Me' and the revision for 'Arrythmia' is great. I suppose it will be the same for you. What's your favourite track in “Juggernaut”, and why?

CL:  My favorite track is actually "Thorn In My Side," written mostly by Clint Wilson.  The reason I like this one the best, is that we achieved that magical "all-togetherness" in the groove, the performances, the mixing and mastering with this song.  Maurice Taylor blew me away with the bass performance on this song, and it should be heard by more people.  I wasn't really sure we could ever get this "produced" a sound form a home studio, but I'm very happy with the way it came out.   I like the way Cut Me came out, also, and its a close second, again because of the awesome bass and guitar performances.

CW:  Of course I like them all haha, but if I had to pick a few...hmm...probably "Cut Me" and "Ruffian". "Cut Me" originally was iffy at first but now its so dark, brooding and heavy, that i like it alot. And "Ruffian" ended up with one of the most brutal grooves on the album. Every time I listen to that I want to break things haha.

MT:  I would say my favorite song from "Juggernaut" is "Thorn in my Side" with "Catharsis" a close second.  All of the songs have grown on me so there is not really a song I dislike.  One of my favorite songs didn't even make the cut.  Hopefully we will release it in the future.

GT: This is hard to say because I really think every song has its own unique quality.  I think I could narrow it down to “Rumble”, “Catharsis” and “Cut Me”.

Akiesú: How is “Juggernaut” being received both by the audience and specialized press?

CL:  Thus far, we are facing the challenge of most bands that do not have label backing.  That is, we have tried to promote the CD through digital channels and the internet, and reviews have been excellent but there have not been robust sales.  All we can hope to do is get enough capital raised in sales to continue writing and recording material.

CW:  So far so good, although were picking up some momentum so I'm looking forward to seeing the reactions once its more received.

GT:  We now live in an age where a) the economy is the worst it has been since the 1929 USA depression and b) many people are downloading music illegally (for free) through torrents, etc.  Because of this, I’m pretty pleased at the response we have received so far.  From a press standpoint, we have received extremely good reviews.  These guys (Chris, Clint and Maurice) are some of the best musicians I have ever heard so the reviews do not surprise me.

Akiesú: I've seen the album is available from your website (http://www.alltoohuman.net/index2.htm), are there any other sites or platforms where people can buy “Juggernaut”? Is there a CD format?

GT:  We would like to do a physical CD release at some point so we’ll make an announcement if/when the time comes.

Akiesú: Tell us about your local scene. Is or not Texas a land for metal? (laughs).

MT:  Being formerly from Texas, I can say that Texas used to be a land of metal.  There are remnants here and there but it is not the metal homeland that it used to be.  Especially progressive metal.  Long gone are the days of Watchtower, Power of Omens, Outworld and others.  Eumeria just put out a new CD though.  I'm also glad to see that Haji's Kitchen from Dallas is making a comeback.

CL: Texas used to be a better music scene, but the last decade has not been very favorable to metal in Texas. 

CW:  There have been some heavy bands come out of Texas that's for sure. Maybe it is because our food is so spicy hahaha.

GT:  I am from the PA-USA / Baltimore, MD-USA area and there is not much of a scene here!

Akiesú: We change the direction now. What's ALL TOO HUMAN's shows schedule like?

CL:  None planned for the immediate future.  We put all our efforts into getting the CD finished, and we are living life more as a recording project than a touring band.  Not that we wouldn't like to do that, but that costs money and when bands are not paid for their gigs, it is a major limiting factor in touring.

MT: Who knows?  Right now, we only have one show scheduled for Dallas, Texas in December 2013.  The rest is up in the air.

GT:  We have already been talking about doing a Dallas/ Houston mini-tour in December, 2013 so hopefully the “one” show Maurice is referring to can turn into multiple shows.  I’d really love to make this happen.  It is true that everything is bigger, better and more “bad ass” in Texas J!

Akiesú: The next question is a must for all the people we interview in Akiesú Qué Escándalo.  What's the funniest or strangest thing that ever happened to you on a stage?

CW:  Hmm. I would have to say when we were in Europe for prog power we played an impromptu gig at Den Haag at this cool club that must have been there since 1920's. The funny part was that the only bathroom was located stage right, somewhat behind the bass cabs. So every time someone had to use the john, they had to scootch by Maurice or walk past him around his bass rig. Every time I would look over and laugh and he would just shake his head and smile. We still rib him about that one haha.

MT:  That show was actually in Nijmegen.  It was such a cool metal club even though we had to deal with the people walking across the stage to use the restroom.  That was too funny.  Some of the footage we caught on video was pretty funny.

CL: I think some of the most memorable moments were during our Prog Power Tour in Holland.   One of the "strangest" ( in a very good way) things ever to happen was that we played a small club, ( I believe in Nijmegen) and when we started playing "The Jester" (from Entropy) the whole crowd started singing the words!  We were an American band playing in Europe for the first time, and the club was totally packed, so you could feel the whole building reverberating with the words to our song!!   A truly magical moment in all our lives as musicians, I would say.

GT:  I had a gig with a different metal band where the booking agent hooked us up with a jazz/ska band and a reggae/hip hop band.  Considering that we had a series of big gigs during that time period, we didn’t bring many people out to this particular show.  We played after the hip hop band and totally cleared the place out within 10 minutes.  This was our “Spinal Tap” moment.

Akiesú: Thank you for your time and attention. From Akiesú Qué Escándalo, we wish ALL TOO HUMAN all the best, may you get to the top! Rock On!!

Thank you for the opportunity to get a chance to tell your listeners about us and we hope to we talk again in the future. Spread the word about ATH!

Interview by Ernesto Hernández

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8th Fiesta del Metal!

Due to the celebration of the 8th Fiesta del Metal next week in Priego de Córdoba, Akiesú Qué Escándalo contacted Jesús Povedano, main promotor of this project.

Hi Jesús, thanks for your attention and now, straight to the point: How's it going with the 8th edition of Fiesta del Metal?

Hi! This edition looks quite good, despite all the new obstacles brought up mainly by the town council. From the organization we notice people are receiving the info about the festival quite well, it seems it will be a good party, and we expect to double the audience we had in the last years.

Ten bands form the line-up this year. Except Astarté, from Cádiz, the rest of them are from the scene in Córdoba. It's clear you don't need to go out to find bands with good quality, do you?

It's very clear. In the years I've been working with the festival, concerts, events and all sort of similar activities related to music, I've met a lot of incredible bands, and not only in Córdoba. It is said that this music is 'a bit dead' over here, and you have to go up north to find good metal and rock. From my point of view it's not like that, the only thing you have to do if you like this kind of music is supporting bands from here, not only go to festivals like Fiesta del Metal, SuaveRock, Choryfest... and other festivals of this kind, but going to any concert in your city or close to it, and supporting our bands, because it's the only way for them to get bigger. It's proven that a public initiative, or a private one from some firm, won't make rock raise, however fans and those of us who enjoy this music can prove there is a lot of quality and many bands here. It is only about being keen to get to know them, and not reject a line-up because "I don't know any of the bands" or "I don't know their songs". In my opinion, where metal is most enjoyed is not in big stages, listening to records or watching videos -it's in these small stages where you enjoy metal, the show, and afterwards you have some beers with the musicians, buy them their records or demos, and finally they'll have the same quality or, in some cases, better than those big bands.

What innovations, comparing to previous years, will we find in this edition?

This edition is very similar to the last year's one: 4€ ticket with a beer, red wine or soft drink, free food for all the people who come to the event and, in the evening, no reason to get out of there: there will be free camp area. All this apart from what Fiesta del Metal has had for years: good bands, music of good quality, incomparable atmosphere between bands and audience and low prices (we all go to enjoy, not to spend our salary).

The date is in the recinto ferial in Priego de Córdoba. We know things are complicated now, but have you received any help from institutions or, on the contrary, have you had to pay the costs?

In previous years we received help to rent the sound gear, publicity and few details about organization. This year they haven't only declined all help (despite not having paid yet part of what they promised last year), but they've even hindered the organization of the event. Youth town councilor, trying to make a good impression, made the organization lose a month's time, when finally decided to not give any support to Fiesta del Metal, which has been celebrated in Priego since 2006, in many occasions without any support. On his own words: "The town council couldn't give anything this year", after long time trying to receive a minimum, and reduce the budget several times. From reliable sources, I know that, despite not being able to give any money, the town council is spending the sum of money destinated to youth summer activities on a pop rock concert -that says everything: the new government doesn't like heavies. As for the rest, this year the organization will try to finance itself with the bar, that will be built by the asociation itself. We have the support from the bands and from Juan Antonio Cuevas from Zero DBS, who is very involved in it and supports Fiesta del Metal since 3 years ago. Now we only need the support from the people who like this, that they come to the event, and that way help pay everything so that Fiesta del Metal remains as it's always been.

As we've said, there are ten bands. There must be a good coordination to make everything work. What time does the festival start?  And, do all the bands have the same time on stage?

It's well coordinated, we just hope there won't be many unforseen events and everything turns out the way we expect. Our intention is to open the doors at 13.30, delivery the food after a while and have the first band starting at 14.30. Each band will play an average of 45-50 minutes, having 10 minutes to change between each performance, so that all the shows will last approximately 10-11 hours, and offering food again in the evening so that no one feels hungry when they want to see the rest of the bands.

Tell us a bit about the bands. Do they play a common music genre or have you looked for style variety?

In the last edition there were some bands who were quite more different from others, they were more rock than metal. But this year all the bands play metal, though there's a variety of styles in metal. This year it will be heavier.

Do you have a website for more info about the festival and bands?

Before we had a website, but this year, due to financial problems, we've left the site aside and for the promotion we've created a blog: http://www.fiestadelmetal.blogspot.com/. You can find us on Facebook too, in the page of the association http://www.facebook.com/ElTelonDeAcero, where we constantly update all the info about Fiesta del Metal, as well as other related events.

Thank you for your time, Jesús. From Akiesú, we wish you a big success. Now, feel free if you want to add something else.

We thank Akiesú Qué Escándalo and its people for your support. Remember you're all invited to the festival, and that one of the biggest parts of  any concert is the audience, and it's what we need for this edition, get the place crowded, enjoy the bands' music and company, have all of us a great time and bath in beer. Cheers and metal!!! \m/

Interview by Ernesto Hernández

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Interview with NEGATIVE

If we talk about Finland, everyone will think of darkness (too many hours without light, in this time of the year), hostile climate, melancholy and introversion... from where hard bands, with dark tones are born, from Children of Bodom to To/Die/For, Amorphis, Apocalyptica, Insomnium or HIM... What happens? Is it that whoever is not working in Nokia, does so on stages and at recording studios? It must be so, because some find in music a way to escape from negative feelings and ... Or that's what Negative singer, Jonne Aaron, told me among other stuff.

Welcome back to Spain. You're here promoting your album "Neon", which was released in June 2010. What can you say about it? 
Jonne: We took two years to have all the material, it was recorded in Los Angeles and it was definitely the most exciting recording in the history of Negative.

Why?
Jonne: Because we could go to Glendale, California and spend some months there. And if you think about Negative, our heroes, most of them are from Los Angeles, for example, Guns N'Roses. It was a dream come true. And working with such a talented producer as Jimmy Westerlund... something happened. Jimmy, to me, as a writer, as a singer, he gave me a new perspective: that you can do everything in this world, you know what I mean. The sky is the limit. If you listen to the whole Negative catalogue, you can hear the evolution, it's been huge and right now I think it's hard to beat that.

So you think with "Neon" a big door opens for you...

Jonne: It has been the first album recorded in a major label. So I think it will open new countries, new territories...

Is there any country left for you to conquer?

Jonne: United Kingdom and United States. But we're still young, we have a lot of time. We're going to do it as long as we can stand on stage. And if one day it's not possible, we can get some wheelchairs.

Even if you didn't enjoy it and it was just business?
Jonne: No, it's not that. Specially in this tour. Jay said one day "this is like being on holidays", and I agree with him.

Holidays! After many years, now that it's your duty to go on stage even if you're ill, or tired... You have to go out there and play and sing.

Jonne: I know, I know. That's the more exigent part. But you learn to handle it. At first it shocked me, when things really started with Negative and we had a first longer tour, in 2003 or 2004. I didn't know how to take it at first, but you have to grow with it, it's a long process. If you compare for example (Jonne points the stage) one hour and a half to a job 9 to 5 in a place you hate... I feel very lucky. I mean, this is not for everyone. Not everyone can play in a band and live on it, not everyone can be a model... In this society, in the world, everybody has their place: someone is good at driving buses, someon is good at digging graves, someone is good at... whatever. I feel this is the only thing I can do and I enjoy it. And we all do it, I think.

I guess it wouldn't work otherwise. There wouldn't be people out there waiting for you to come out.  Ok, you've said you like going on stage and play for your fans, and you enjoy it. But I imagine being a musician implies a lot more time (in the studio, songwriting at home and so on).

Jonne: Yes, recording is a long process, definitely. Writing songs is the first of all. If you are able to put out of yourself some beautiful tunes that you get shivers from them, then you have to find a good production for them, record them, do a great promo for it and cross your fingers so that it will sell enough to make a tour.

But doesn't it all take too much time? Wouldn't you prefer sometimes being with your family and friends? How do you deal with that?

Jonne: Hmm... randomly (laughs). My friends understand what I do and that I have to be sometimes really selfish and take a lot of time for myself, and I do something creative. But they understand. They've learnt it. At first they were like "you fucking asshole, what are you doing?" It's been always like that. In teenage years I had a nice girlfriend and I told her "sorry, it's either you or the band", and I made my decission: Negative's my girl.

I would say your sound it's still melodic as in the first albums, but from "Anorectic" it has progressively becoming somewhat heavier, more rocky. "Karma Killer" the most of them, but also "Neon".

Jonne: "Karma Killer" was much heavier. I think "War Of Love" was a collection of demos, like all the bands say when they put their first album out. It's usually like that. With "Sweet and Deceitful", all the songs were written for that album, so that's what you listen there. And I think it's the most beautiful Negative album. And "Anorectic"... we had the idea of showing our roots, the crunchy roots of Negative, and the history of when we were digging Nirvana and Seattle scene. With "Karma Killer" it was a new start for us, when the other guitarist left the band and the set up was finding its new place. Mikko Karmila, the producer of "Karma Killer", he's done very, very heavy bands, so... we told him "make it heavy", and he did.

So "Neon" is a combination of all those previous albums. That's how I see it. Somehow it's very '80s.

You say you sing about sad topics (broken hearts and so on) but you do it with hope, to make it sound more positive. How's that possible?
Jonne: I don't know. I think there is always hope, every day is different, to me, personally. Whenever I feel down I feel like... I discovered the freedom of listening to all kinds of music. For example, when I feel down,   I like to listen Tom Petty or something very melancholic, something acoustic, organic, and when I feel "party mood" I might listen to Kylie. Or Lady Gaga, it doesn't matter. It's like a therapy. And writing songs is the same.

A therapy.

Jonne: Yes, it's the same. I think it's best when you've been there. You can make it sound... I don't know, something starts to happen. Sometimes you have the key to yourself, then suddenly you're reading a story, all the time you are processing influences from your environment and the people you are meeting, for example this conversation... it probably stays in some place here (points his head) and at some point it comes out... That's it.

What kind of songs do you feel more comfortable with on stage: more rocky, heavier ones, or romantic ballads?
Jonne: Oh my God! (dramatic pause). Once again, it depends on your mood. There's no favourites. Everything depends on how you feel. Sometimes you feel with more energy than other days. When you haven't slept, you prefer faster songs. What I like about our set is that there are all sort of songs.

There's room for everything.
Jonne: Yes, exactly, that's what we want to give to the people. I want people to use all their instincts when they come to see the shows. Not like "ok, I've already listened to this another time", again and again.

And don't you feel tired of playing the same songs again and again?
Jonne: Not really, because everytime it's different, every day it's different.

Different people, different place...
Jonne: At first, I remember I started to think, for example "how many times have we played 'The Moment Of Our Love'?", and it was like "Oh my God...!" But that was in 2005 (laughs).

Ah... 2005, now it's 2011... I think you've played it a few more times! And even so, is it still different every time?
Jonne: Yes, it is. I don't know... It might be because of my body, how I use my voice, the audience... everything.

Now that you mention the audience, there's a lot of girls out there. It must be amazing that all those people know you and admire what you do. On the internet I've seen many, many Negative street team and fan club pages. What do you think of them?
Jonne: I appreciate that. I call it dedication. Because it's very nice that someone gets so involved in something, and some of them are really behind you. And for example on the internet, the good thing we're trying to do is Negative Legion, which is already in our website but it's still under construction. You have to enter, get the password and that stuff, and then you can be in touch with all the street teams and fan clubs in the world.

Do you know any of those people or were they friends of yours already? 
Jonne: I know the Finnish president of Negative Legion, Janni Eerola. She's been une of the people that started this idea. She's the organizer of everything related to Negative Legion. We'll see if it works... like Kiss Army.

I'm sure it will, you have a lot of dedicated people supporting you.
Jonne: Yeah, I hope so, I'm looking forward to it. And the idea is that once a year we'll have this 'Negative Legion Award' in Finland. We may broadcast it from our site, so people can get involved from their living-rooms. We'll see.

You wrote the lyrics for 'Fucking Worthless' basing it on one of the letters you receive from your fans. How did it happen?
Jonne: Oooh... I had that idea when I was reading the letter at home. I took a lot of those letters and one really caught my attention, because it said how that person saw me as a miserable person on stage. It caught my attention because somehow it was intelligent. It said... "You look so... perfect, but you're worthless", or something like that.

I suppose it was a very different letter among the many you receive.
Jonne: Yes, yes. I mean, it was very sincere, I took it that way. But of course, it wasn't that. You've already said it: even if you feel miserable or have a a bad day, you have to go on stage. That's why I felt like "My God, someone has sussed me!" I don't know, I just wrote those two lines, 'so fucking perfect, so fucking worthless', and it started to come alive.

From what you've said, there are days when emotions kind of take control. Days when you feel thrilled about something, nervous, angry... Can people notice that when you're singing? 
Jonne: I don't know, probably not.

Then, how do you do to pretend everything's alright and you're 'so perfect'?
Jonne: It's not about that. Music is the only way to get rid of your bad mood, that's it. It's the only place where you can't lie. And even if you have a bad day, faster songs give you a good kick in your ass, for example. And if you're tired, slow ones give you very intense energy.
For example, once I had a very bad day in Tampere, I was angry and very sad, it was one of the worst days I've had, and I knew it would be a bad rehearsal... My motivation was completely zero. But afterwards I went to the rehearsal room, saw the guys, we started playing and singing together... In an hour my mood had changed, and I told the guys. That's how it should be.

Music as a therapy itself.
Jonne: Yes, it is. I enjoy writing.

When did you write your first song?
Jonne: I was 12. It was an instrumental song, no lyrics, just melody.

You Finnish people have a very fluent English... Is it good enough to make writing lyrics more or less easy?
Jonne: I learnt from British music, Beatles and so on, and listening to Guns N'Roses, of course, The Eagles... all sort of music in English. And watching films. For me it's nto easy but I admit that maybe I see some trees as a forest, you know what I mean? It gives me a whole new perspective when it's not my mother tongue.

Have you ever thought about recording something in Finnish?
Jonne: We already have. 'Sinä ja minä'. It was a collection of music from TV or a radio station, I don't remember. And I also did another thing, 'Rakastella sinua', long time ago, on my own.

We've talked before about feelings when you're on stage. Do you still get nervous when you're about to start the show?
Jonne: Always.

Tonight the venue is very small...
Jonne: I know, the smaller, the more nervous you get. I think about how my voice is, how I'm going to give everything I can to the audience and to the songs.

What are Negative's future plans?
Jonne: Touring, touring, touring... We don't have other plans than making tours. I don't know. Tomorrow I'll be back home. That's my plan. We're going to take some time for promotion and tours, something I'm looking forward to. In spring we have dates in South America, and maybe in UK. We'll see, with a bit of luck we may be able to play new songs to the British this year.

Thank you very much for your time and attention, Jonne.
Jonne: You're welcome, it's been a pleasure.

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Interview with FATAL SMILE

Stockholm, 2002. Fatal Smile start their musical career as a hard rock band. Since then, several studio albums, tours and concerts that have reached even Japan, changes in the line up... Fatal Smile came to Spain for the third time, promoting their last album, "World Domination". Yxan (guitarist and founder of the band) sits for a while to answer some questions...

Q: Something has changed since your last visit... There's a new boy in the band!
A: Yeah, new boy, Philty.

Q: Where did you find him?
A: Well, we decided to go on without Zteff, so we put an ad on the website, that we were looking for a new drummer and we had like... don't know, about 150-170 people attending to the ad. From Austria, United States, Japan... It was worldwide, so it was really cool, which was great, but if you want to work it has to be in Sweden.

 Q: And among so many people, what made you pick him?

A: Because he was simply the best. He was the missing link in Fatal Smile, the missing drummer. He's really awesome, he's been in the band for a month and he's really great.

Q: The band's original line up changed completely (except you, of course) three years ago. I guess it was like a brand new beginning...

A: When I founded the band I had a wish about what to do, and on the road, the trips... If people don't want the same things you have to make a change, so doing it was something natural. It's been for the better, of course, otherwise I would be stupid.

Q: And would you say that change was also reflected on the sound of the band?

A: Yes, absolutely. For "World Domination" album I had already written all the music and the guys came in afterwards. Then Alx y Blade wrote the lyrics and the melodies for the songs. But for the next album we've been writing the songs together, so it's a different thing.

Q: You produced "World Domination" yourself. Was it because you didn't find the producer you wanted or because you thought you were the one who would do it best?
A: I've co-produced the last two albums. I realized I don't need to put in anyone else. Yes... I thought I was the guy to do it.

Q: What does Fatal Smile have that makes you different from other hard rock bands?
A: We have Philty (laughs) We all have the same wish and it's getting to the top. This is what I want to do and nothing else. We have the same objective and we've worked very have to make it.

Q: This is your second time in Spain with this album. It's obvious that you've written new material -in the show today we've listened to "For The Last In Line", tribute song to Dio. Do you have any other new song for the next album?
A: Yes, for the next album we're working on the new songs. It will be written between December and January and will be released next year in the spring time. Then we'll come back again to Spain with new songs.

Q: And hopefully there'll be more people!
A: Yes, hopefully!

Q: It's kind of strange because there weren't many people in the venue, which is a small one in Madrid, not many Spanish fans on your social networks, but still you have several dates in our country. 

A: Yes, six totally.

Q: Do you have any special relationship with Spain? ...Or is it just because of the weather? (laughs)
A: Heeey, we love Spanish women, and the "calamares", those are two of the reasons! (laughs) No, I mean, surely there weren't many people, but the ones that were here, they were really into it, we really appreciated to play. Hopefully for the next album it's gonna be better.

Q: Your previous visit to Spain was as Lordi's supporting band. Do you think touring supporting other bands (and some so different from you!) opens doors to you?

A: Yes, absolutely. We were with Lordi last year and before that we were in Spain with Winger, actually at the same venue, like four years ago. Yes, I think it's a good thing to do because we're an unknown band in Spain, that's the way to do it.

Q: Which other ways do you have to promote the band and make people in Spain and the rest of the world get interested in you?
A: Music business is fucked up, world economy is fucked up, nobody buys albums these days so you have to get out on tour, it's the only way to do it, since the big labels, they don't do anything to sell albums.
So, if you have a record deal, it doesn't matter nowadays. You have to get out, promote yourself, play... It's the only way to do it. It's a long way, but we like to do it and what we're going to do.

Q: People also like to see the bands are enjoying while playing on stage...

A: Yes, absolutely. You have to be true to yourself. If you go out and look fucking boring and don't like what you do, people are gonna see it in two seconds.

Q: What is the hardest part of being part of Fatal Smile? Looking always perfect, make sure your make up doesn't run, dealing with hangover the next day...? (laughs)
A: You have good questions there! Yes, being always perfect is very hard (more laughs). It's what you make of it, so it's nothing hard, this is what we want to do.  But of course, hangover is a big, huge problem, you know. But still, when you go on a stage, you have to make it 100%, otherwise, you're not there for the fans and the people that show up...

Q: So, when you're writing songs, do you write them for yourselves or for the fans?

A: We write them for ourselves, it's the most important part. If you don't like what you're doing, it's going to show up, so it's better to do it your way or no way.

Q: So, if maybe for the next album you feel like doing something like industrial with hip-hop or rock'n'roll with gregorian, you're not going to think about what people will say and go ahead anyway...

A: Yes, we're going to do it. We're going to bring some rappers and... You never know!!! (laughs). No, we don't want that. Still, it's only about rock'n'roll, it's what Fatal Smile has been into and what it's going to be also.

Q: Finally, "World Domination" is the title of your album. What would you do if you could rule the world?
A: It's a hard question... I'd "fatalize" the world!! Don't know... I'll have to come back with that answer.

Q: That was all, thank you for your time.

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