One Hundred Questions with Ronny Blylod of Destynation
(posted January 2007)
For the record, if you will please state your name, the date your started this interview, and the date you finished this interview.
Ronny Blylod - Startdate - April 19 2006 - Finished - [left blank but it was returned to LotFP on January 6 2007]
Promote your band or new album or webzine or whatever it is you do to participate in heavy metal, and do it right now, because this is the only question where you get to talk about it.
I play guitar in the Swedish heavy metal band DESTYNATION (ex. ETERNIA), signed to the greek label Sonic Age Records who recently released our album RISING UP which has gotten great reviews all over the world. Endorsed by the Polish manufacturer Mayones guitars & basses, which by the way makes the best damn guitars and basses in the world!
I believe that those who control the terms of a debate, control the debate. If we put no importance on the language surrounding heavy metal, or the term "heavy metal" itself, I believe that effectively means we put no importance on the meaning or music that "heavy metal" is supposed to represent. So to start with, let's define our terms.
Tell us what the term "heavy metal" means to you.
To me heavy metal is everything, the way I live, how it has made me as a person since I grew up with it, it's a way of life. Musically; to me it means something really heavy and/or fast like pounding double bass drums trying to rip you apart, screaming guitars trying to shred you to pieces, and mostly very talented musicians doing it, just pure exploding energy.
Tell us what makes heavy metal "heavy."
That has to be referring to the feeling like something mean and heavy hits you. Again and again and again until you embrace it.
Tell us what makes heavy metal "metal."
Well that has to be that mean & heavy thing (mentioned above) that hits you. And it's something solid, harder than anything, and it never breaks. It's heavy metal.
What makes classic heavy metal "classic?" Surely it's not just because it's old.
It's a combination of old songs and extremely good songs. Plain and simple "old hits". And they must've been pretty damn good to survive that long, in some cases like 40 years and sometimes even longer. Or like some songs are classics after 5 years, will they last another 35 years one might think? Are they truly fantastic songs? Or was it because the major labels/media got them aired repeatedly so people can't get them out of their heads? I guess we'll never know.
Post-rock. Post-metal. Post-hardcore. Are people trying to tell us that the real thing isn't good enough anymore, and that some new evolution (or perversion, if you like) of the art form is what the hip people really should be listening to?
I honestly don't know. I never listen to radio or watch music television no longer so I have no clue. I check out bands on internet or in CD stores and if it's good I'll buy it. I try to ignore everything I hear from media because they're mostly full of crap. And most of today's music don't really have a meaning like back in the 60s or 70s. It's just soulless music.
Tell us why "extreme metal" is not considered a redundant phrase. Wasn't the term supposed to represent extremity in the first place?
Hehe damn right. It's an extremely redundant phrase. But then again, time does not stand still, and what was extreme yesterday is breakfast today. For example W.A.S.P. isn't that extreme nowadays, but in some places people burned their albums. I mean back in the 80s it wasn't really ok to throw bloody meatslices and rats in the audience. Today that's nothing. I mean Elvis albums were also burned and (if I'm right) he was banished in some places, all because his shaking hips and looks. So in his time he was extreme.
"Death", "black", "power", "thrash", "doom", and many other words are used to describe specific types of heavy metal. Do you believe that it's all just heavy metal with no fundamental difference between them all? What purpose do all of these insular splinter scenes serve?
I don't know. Although, of course there are differences, you can see major differences within the bands in the same genre. All bands are different in one way or another. And what the hell does "power" mean? Power metal? Isn't that just heavy metal trying to give it a little edge? Our band Destynation is frequently reviewed as a "power metal band" though we are simply heavy metal. Death metal obviously supply us with songs about death and whatever comes with that. And as far as I know, so does "black", "doom", "satanic", "thrash", "power" and "heavy metal" also. Just different amount of death delivery.
Is genre drift (remember when Biohazard was metalcore and Mercyful Fate were black metal?) proof of heavy metal's constant creative growth, or proof that the heavy metal community has no clue what it's talking about? Explain.
Good question. I think that heavy metal is so much more than just music which makes it grow strong and lives on. And of course with new blood comes also new ideas. The little explorer within us all. Just like when our fathers were sick and tired of pop they developed something new. It's within the human nature to explore, develop and expand.
What the bloody hell does core mean? As in hardcore, metalcore, grindcore. What is so musically unique about it that it needs to stick on to other things like a lamprey? Seriously, it's just heavy metal with a different social agenda, right?
You're absolutely right, I've personally never understand the reason to this sudden imaginary leap which needs a whole new name for its unique genre though it's plain hard rock/heavy metal. I mean, anyone can hear that. I don't have a clue what "core" means. Why couldn't they just call it rebel-metal? Kind'a catchy, don't you think? As far as I know, that's what it's all about. Trying to make a statement.
Underground music, by its very definition, does not appear on the charts, does not appear on national cable or broadcast television, does not get signed or distributed by major record company or their subsidiaries, and does not appear on the shelves of retail chain stores. Or do you have other ideas about what "underground" means?
I guess that's it, and all of that makes it very hard for these bands to survive. You really have to have a will of steel, to keep going every time you get a "No", to keep trying every time you "fail". You must believe in yourself and ignore people in the music business every time they tell you to give up.
The term "underground" is just a way for socially inadequate people to not have to call themselves and their interests "unpopular," isn't it?
Yes, again you're right. Or semi-right. I believe an underground band can be very popular, but as it is the major labels who control most of the music stations and therefore tells us what to listen to, you can easily forget about the other million bands on this Earth. But there is something major labels doesn't control, and that is the free mind. Though they surely try to control that too. But once in a while some bands slip through their watching eyes and get their well deserved fame. And then the big labels sign them.
Discuss the similarities and differences between punk rock and heavy metal.
Both genres I believe were born out of rebellion, from a common "father". Both came alive around the 60s I think, by youngsters fed up by the lame poprock at that time using their creativity to start something they liked and could call their own music. I guess it also reflected on their lives, their situation, community... their music had a meaning, an expression, a statement. Not everyone has an opinion these days. I was going to say that both also has no "maximum age" for the listener/practician, but then I came to realize that punk rock is mostly seen within the youngsters and their private little societies. I don't know how and when but people seem to grow out of it. Like it's some sort of a passage. Heavy metal is for all ages.
Discuss the similarities and differences between progressive rock and heavy metal.
Sure, progressive rock is made by people who want to make the impression of having reached a higher level of their musicianship. Using all their knowledge to create something impressive and difficult to play. Though it isn't that difficult really, it's actually quite boring as it's used many times with a major lack of smart passages. In my opinion, the only band in heavy metal history doing it flawless and never bored the listener to death, is (was) Dream Theater on the Images and Words album. I think the major difference is that prog rock is not as easy listened as Heavy Metal is, which is much more basic style music, easier for the audience to follow the beat.
Discuss the similarities and differences between rock and roll and heavy metal.
When I think of rock and roll I think of Elvis. When I think rock and roll contra heavy metal I think Elvis contra Manowar, I think the the difference is significant and quite obvious. Still quite similar in the "rebel" way.
Discuss the similarities and differences between jazz and heavy metal.
I never listen to jazz so I wouldn't know any real difference other than jazz is boring and heavy metal is louder.
Discuss the similarities and differences between noise and heavy metal.
Sure, if you tell me what noise is.
Discuss the similarities and differences between hard music and/or loud music and/or loud rock and/or extreme rock and heavy metal.
Hard to say actually, many times it's a matter of taste. What someone might find loud might seem un-loud to me. It's just different as we're all individuals.
Discuss the similarities and differences between music and heavy metal.
Heavy Metal is the best of all. Heavy metal contains so much and you have to be really good to make your way to the stars. So you can say, music, in general, is a product made for the masses by big labels who want to make big money, and in heavy metal you can only earn your way to the top by being a very good band/musician. So the difference I think, is quality.
Which of these albums is best: Caress of Steel, Fighting, In Trance, or Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow? Why?
Rainbow - it's a true classic and I'm also a huge Dio fan.
Which of these albums is best: Angel Witch, Iron Maiden, On Through the Night, or Wheels of Steel? Why?
Iron Maiden - Undisputed rulers of the heavy metal world. No doubt.
Which of these albums is best: Ample Destruction, Battle Cry, King of the Dead, or Sign of the Hammer? Why?
Sign of the Hammer - It's the only album I've heard of those.
Which of these albums is best: Infernal Overkill, Obsessed by Cruelty, Pleasure to Kill, or To Mega Therion? Why?
I don't know, never listened to those albums but I like Celtic Frost so I would say To Mega Therion.
Which of these albums is best: Darkness Descends, Master of Puppets, Reign in Blood, or Peace Sells But Who's Buying? Why?
Master of Puppets - because it was during that time Metallica wrote the best music ever. Great songs with shredding solos, great melodies and that slight progressive touch.
Which of these albums is best: Cause of Death, Deicide, Eaten Back to Life, or The Ten Commandments? Why?
Deicide - becuase this is also a classic, the first album these satanic rockers shared with the rest of the world (I think?!), and for parents to gaze upon with fear and loathe. I love it!
Which of these albums is best: Into the Depths of Sorrow, The Obsessed, Storm Warning, or Trouble? Why?
Never heard them.
Which of these albums is best: Clandestine, Into the Grave, Like an Everflowing Stream, or Where No Life Dwells? Why?
Clandestine - Now there is a true classic and in my opinion their best album ever.
Which of these albums is best: Always?, As the Flower Withers, The Crestfallen, or Shades of God? Why?
Never heard them.
Which of these albums is best: Elements, Focus, Individual Thought Patterns, or Spheres?
Individual Thought Patterns - because of it's brilliant complexity, and it also has Andy LaRoque on guitar which is one of my biggest guitar heroes and a major influence.
Which of these albums is best: Burzum, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, Pure Holocaust, or Under a Funeral Moon? Why?
Never heard them.
Which of these albums is best: The Gallery, The Jester Race, Slaughter of the Soul, or Storm of the Light's Bane? Why?
Never heard them.
Which of these albums is best: Glory to the Brave, Iron Savior, Legendary Tales, or Somewhere Out in Space? Why?
Legendary Tales - It was the first time I heard a band with such big amount of fantasy weaved into the music. It was like J.R.R. Tolkien had started a band! Though the singer Fabio Leone's English vocabulary is non-existing, it still adds a mystic feeling to the whole concept.
Which of these albums is best: In This Room, La Masquerade Infernale, The Linear Scaffold, or Omnio? Why?
Never heard them.
Which of these albums is best: Gathered Around the Oaken Table, Midnattens Widunder, Sagovindars Boning, or Vintage Whine? Why?
Never heard them.
Tell us about your favorite album of all time.
Them by King Diamond - it's the best album he ever made (+ the sequel Conspiracy). The incredible creepy concept story is so scary and spooky, no other album has ever made that kind of impression on me. The guitars done by maestro Andy LaRoque is amazing, flawless complex progressive drumming by legendary Mikkey Dee, bass lines that blows you away by virtuoso Hal Patino, and the vocals... King was truly at his best!! what a band.
Tell us about your favorite album of right now.
Hair of the Dog by Nazareth - again a classic, from the 70s, but could've been recorded yesterday. Massive heavy rock songs with screaming melodic vocals. I grew up with the song Hair of the Dog, and I didn't get my own copy of the album until 1990, because I never knew the band name or the album name... just the phrase "Now you're messin with a son of a bitch" and I didn't wanna go into a CD store and sing that phrase...
Who are the ten most important musicians in the musical development of heavy metal?
I don't know. Ozzy Osbourne, Dio... Metallica has been a big influence for many bands. I'm not the right person to answer this question.
Don't you hate reading interviews where the person being interviewed obviously doesn't want to be doing it and doesn't put any thought or effort into the answers? Tell us about an interview you really were excited about reading but ended up being let down.
Yes I hate it. I hate reading it, I hate watching it on TV also... I mean, where is the interest? I'm afraid I can't tell you about any such thing. I get so irritated so I don't bother to remember it. I just think "what an asshole" and then I turn page or switch channel.
Tell us how a regular journalist is different than a music journalist.
Simple. A regular journalist is mainly interested in the article, getting a great story and the money that comes with it. A music journalist often seems to wanna go deeper, he/she seems more interested in the musician as well as his/her work.
Should the music journalist be serving, first and foremost, labels, bands, or fans? Do they best do this by promoting the music they are covering, or being critical and suspicious of it? Is the reality different than what they should be doing?
The reality is often one man's personal aspects or taste in music which decides if the review will be good or bad. That's a shame. They should always write interviews, reviews and live reports from another point of view with maybe a small amount of their own opinion. Because no one is really interested in their opinions, poeple want to read about the content, what it sounds like, what it feels like, how it looked etc... Otherwise I could start my own webzine or magazine and just down-rate every album I dislike and that's not the point. They should only describe the "product", so that people can understand what it is.
What should the minimum qualifications be for a person to write about heavy metal?
Maybe to have the gift of writing.
What detail do most music journalists ignore that you want to read about?
Personality, private life, what the musicians want to say. When you read a live review you mostly get to read; If the journalist himself is excited, how many people were there, which songs they performed (sometimes only some of them) and if the audience liked it. That's it. And in many cases the journalist go home before the show is over. What the hell is that about?
Which results in the best heavy metal: Musicians who are involved in the scene, reading magazines, keeping up on all of the big new releases, engaging in conversation with fans about the topics of the day... or musicians who isolate themselves from all of that?
I would say that "isolate themselves from all of that" is not the one to follow, at least not in order to create heavy metal. You cannot isolate yourself and be a part of a international soul community. It must be a mix of many different choices. You must be involved in the scene, sure - reading is educational so why not, keeping up with big releases isn't that important - that's what media wants you to do. But if you're interested you'll keep up careless what they say. Heavy metal unites people all over the world. You got to live it to understand it, understand it to live it, and both to create it, practice what you preach. But if you mean in order to create the heavy metal music? You can do anything or nothing. Though the best thing is probably to be enlightened by the many things above. This way you'll be more convincing and trustworthy in your metal...
Tell us about your favorite heavy metal album cover.
Kings of Metal. It displays a united world of pure heavy metal power.
Tell us about the worst song by your favorite heavy metal band.
Hmm....don't have any. And that's why they are my favorite band :)
Tell me about the relationship between heavy metal and long hair. Also discuss why Devin Townsend shows us the one true way of dealing with baldness.
Well, I don't know. In the beginning I guess it had something to do with being a rebel. The shaved skull... I think it's a great haircut if you're suffering from baldness like Devin Townsend (among others like Rob Halford) because it looks very raw and clean. It's also easy to maintain and handle, I shaved my head once. It was a feeling of freedom I tell you, although I missed my hair too much so I grew it back since I have no trouble with baldness (yet, that is).
Tell us about a heavy metal band that's absolutely awesome as long as you don't have to listen to them.
Tough question hehe. I only listen to bands I like, and if I don't listen to them I probably do not like them at all.
Tell us about the art of bass playing and how it is generally neglected in heavy metal.
Bass is a very cool instrument. Like the guitar or keyboard it can change the entire sound of one chord with just one different bass note. To hear the bass pumping the same note throughout a mid tempo metal song is one of the coolest things ever. I don't know why this instrument gets neglected so often, it should be the other way around. Listen to old Black Sabbath albums, I mean the bass lines there are absolutely awesome. In those days they could really play bass. Today it sounds like they're playing guitar on one string or something.
Tell us why the keyboard is an instrument of heavy metal.
I don't know the answer to that but I think it's something that came from the old school heavy metal in the 60s and 70s with bands like Deep Purple and such. And the keyboard can add very cool feelings and harmonies to the sound as it is a very versatile instruments with many different options in the sound. It can be a piano, organ, strings or maybe an entire orchestra. With all this you can create very bombastic sounds and this is extremely cool!
Tell us about the ways and means of heavy metal drumming.
OK. You got to hit the drums real hard to get that exploading attack in the sound, you also got to have very good technique in order to not suffer from injuries as the powerful drumming seems to wear out many drummers. You need to know how to play the double-pedal both slow and fast.
Tell us how a heavy metal vocalist works best.
He/She should always practice different techniques and always warm up before singing, this way they're always prepared and cannot blame anything or anyone else. A vocalist should never "hold back" because this gives a bad impression on the band, as the frontman represents the band and always gets most of the audience attention. Therefore he/she should also always put on a hell of a show, never stand still, never turn the back to the audience, keeping a very close contact with the audience, it doesn't matter how - just get the audience something interesting/fun/exciting to look/listen to otherwise maybe they will go see something else. This is my favourite part of watching a live show. A great vocalist performing like it was his only chance in a lifetime to be on stage, singing the absolute best he can.
Tell us why the guitar is the central and necessary focus for heavy metal. Discuss your views of guitar solos as well.
I really don't know. Maybe it's the raw distorted sound which can be used in many ways with many different sounds. It's a very powerful instrument with a very wide variety of useful features, like the whammy bar which can be used in many innovative ways, 2-3 pickups offer up to 5 different sounds with a 5-way switch, and the switch can also can be used as an effect. Guitar solos are an opportunity for the guitarist to show off with fast arpeggios or whatever and also to add some kind of lead-melody to enhance and focus the listener to some special part of the song.
People often say "I don't pay attention to lyrics" or some variation thereof. How many instrumental albums do you own? Explain how your answer correlates to the importance you put on lyrics.
I think the lyrics are medium-important. I myself don't pay any big attention to lyrics. I just think they are cool, or that they fit very well. I'm all about the melodies and how different words works differently with different melodies. I only have a few instrumental albums and they are guitar solo albums of Marty Friedman, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and classic music albums like Paganini and Vivaldi.
What should the minimum qualifications be for a person to be in a heavy metal band?
I think the minimum qualification is just simply to like heavy metal.
Should a band be a sonic concept in itself, with band members conforming to that concept, or should a band's sound change and be significantly influenced by any change in lineup according to the talents and preferences of new members?
I think a band should try to maintain as much of its characteristic concept and approach otherwise the originality around the band will disappear. A good example is Metallica. I don't know what the hell they are doing these days, although a band must re-new themselves and keep up with time doesn't mean that they must sound like everyone else or start writing crappy music only because it's in the fashion for the moment. On the other hand, some musicians stick to old methods and it seems like they're caught in a timewarp or something, but they still have that same sound. Also you cannot control a person's sound more than altering the sound from the amp, so if you have a lineup change you immediately get a slightly different sound due to his personal style of performing his instrument. And that's something you never shall try to change.
Let's talk songwriting. Let's start with verses and choruses. Chorii? Anyway. What is the point in having a repeating musical structure in the verse? Vocalists are gracious enough to change the words around from verse to verse but it's the same vocal patterns. The chorus is usually just identical no matter how many times it appears in a song. Then a lot of bands repeat the first verse after a guitar solo. Why are people so attached to this pop music lazy method of writing a song? Anybody else out there just skip a song after the guitar solo when they find out all that's left is a re-run of previously heard material?
Because it's simple and people who are non-musical can easily sing-a-long. Also because of the lack of inspiration. Maybe you cannot find words for a last verse that is as strong as the first one. Or it has this certain meaning which you wish to point out and clarify, maybe to those who didn't get it the first time. There's a lot of reasons to this phenomenon, which I don't really like myself and as far as I know I haven't repeated any verse yet. Same melody, yes but not lyrically. Choruses are what the song is all about, of course you want to repeat it over and over again. But you don't have to overdo it. I mean, after repeating the chorus two times in the end you're pretty much satisfied and if it comes again you're getting sick of it and change track. That's my personal opinion. When repeating the last chorus to infinity you need to make it interesting, maybe some ad lib. or guitar solo which keep your interest for such never ending parts.
In a world where Halford never left Priest and Dickinson never left Maiden, how would the 90s have looked for heavy metal?
There would be no wars!
What would have happened in Norway if Øystein Aarseth and Kristian Vikernes had remained on good terms and The Murder never happened?
I don't know anything about this story.
Spirit. Inventiveness. Ability. Tell us which one of those you would consider the most important quality for a heavy metal musician to possess, and why you came to that decision.
I think it's all about Spirit. If you have the right Spirit you can come a long way. Spirit encourage you to practice since you want to know everything...every little secret behind handling the guitar in magical ways, with practice comes ability, the ability to play more and more the way you want, maybe extremely complexed figures or incredible fast speed-picking? With ability comes Inventness. Because as your knowledge and wisdom for the instrument increases and you're starting to develop into a virtuoso, you also start searching for new ways to play, new exciting melodies, harmonies you never thought were possible to execute. Spirit also encourages you to never give up. And that's the most important quality a heavy metal musician must possess and treasure.
Bruce Dickinson wore spandex and studded bracers, and had bangs. Celtic Frost wore corpsepaint and leather... and spandex. Rob Halford looked like a gay biker in the glory days. Anthrax wore jams shorts as band fashion. Those fucking haircuts Destruction had back in the day... Why does everyone still give Manowar shit for their 1983 wardrobe?
You tell me. I don't have a clue. So they were dressed up as vikings or something. So?
Heavy metal is timeless, right? Then how is retro-metal even possible?
I don't know , I didn't know it even existed. Who told you this?
A little self-affirmation never hurt anybody, but what purpose does it serve for a heavy metal band to sing about heavy metal? Shouldn't they be showing us instead of telling us?
I think they do it all because they are heavy metal to the bone, not only musically put within the borders of heavy metal, but weaved into their whole lifestyle and therefore it's a normal behaviour to also sing about it, and they mostly do straight from the heart. And if they didn't sing about it, I think people would start asking why they never sing about heavy metal.
Why on Earth would a band release a special edition album with a bonus DVD of the band performing the album live in the studio... and overdub the performance? Is this really a bonus? A sign that a band has totally gone to shit? Or something different?
No, they just want it to sound good. You can see it as a different recording of the song, like a demo or something, but "live in studio" is nothing that attracts me to buy it.
What is the point of live albums? Heavy metal bands usually just play the songs as they are on the album anyway. Does hearing a drum solo or sing-along really justify buying another album? And they are never really live. Shouldn't somebody start a class-action lawsuit on the basis of false advertising against live albums where the vocals, the drums, and the guitars are all fixed up in a studio afterwards?
Same here. They want it to sound good in order to not let the fans down by performing crappy on live CDs and also to get more fans of course. I hate edited live recordings, they are false and fake. When I buy a live album I want to hear what they really sound like LIVE, if they manage to perform everything as good as on their studio album. I mean, they're only humans. When we someday deliver a live album, I can guarantee you it will be 100% live. No fake overdubs.
What does a listener have a right to expect from a musician?
To perform same things live as on studio album. And not to ruin the concert by being drunk or stoned and not being able to perform.
Tell me how making the protective case for a CD very fancy and deluxe increases the value of music.
In my opinion? It doesn't. But some say appearance is everything, and if you can't be there in person (which you obviously can't unless you sold only one CD) you must have the product speak for itself.
Explain to me how an album that takes hundreds of hours for an average of four people to write and record, at a cost of usually thousands of dollars, is too expensive if a copy costs as much as three or four hours of minimum wage pay.
Yeah, how can that be too expensive? I don't get it. And then they also complain if the album has a poor production. Well, it's not that easy to produce a full-length album with no money at all. But people only complain when they have to pay money. That's also the human nature.
Tell us which of these statements reflects your personal opinion, and why: A- A music listener should feel no pressure to buy music he listens to. B- A music listener should buy music he listens to in order to encourage future recordings by the artist. C- A music listener should buy music he listens to as a reward to the artist for making pleasing music. D- A music listener should buy music he listens to because it is an artist's right to demand payment for his work.
Statement B. A music listener should buy music he listens to in order to encourage future recordings of the artist. To help out his favorite artist by supporting in any way he can because he wants to and not because he's forced to pay. Music isn't about forcing people to pay.
I know someone that has an Exemplar Audio 5910 universal player, Boulder 1010 preamplifier, Classe CA-M400 monoblock amplifiers, Teres Audio 265 turntable, Cerious Technologies Ceramic Reference speakers, and Cerious Technologies cables/interconnects. Go look up how much that stuff costs. Hint: Just the one cable is $1000. Why are MP3s good enough for you?
They are not good enough. MP3's suck. I buy the CD.
Record companies and bands now provide samples of their releases on their websites as an almost universal policy. This is not good enough. People demand the right to have the whole album to "sample" it. Tell me how many times you feel they should get to listen to it before they are simply thieves taking somebody else's work for free.
Two times is enough. The first impression is not always the best, therefore they should get a second listening to see if something has changed.
Tell me the effect that the "download and sample" mentality has for musicians who make difficult, perhaps experimental work versus the effect it has on bands that write more immediate songs.
Songs for radio will probably sound the same through the entire song, therefore they only need a 15-20 sec. sample. Real music often consists of more complex things and might need some more time to get to the listener.
How would intellectual property and copyright laws work if you were In Charge?
Never thought about that but uhhm...let me get back to you on that one.
Is the album the basic unit of measure for judging heavy metal because it makes the most sense, or just because that's always been the most convenient way of packaging songs? What would the heavy metal world be like if bands released individual songs as they were completed and that was the standard way to receive and listen to music?
That would be normal as it would be the standard way. I watched a cartoon some days ago, they used cheeze as weapon and not to eat it, but they suffered from starvation until someone told them to eat the cheeze instead of fighting with it.
What should the minimum requirement be for a person to say they are a fan of a band?
To buy the albums instead of downloading it for free.
When you buy a heavy metal album, are you purchasing an entertainment product or are you being a patron of the arts? Explain your answer.
I love the artform of music and buy the album because the songs talks to me.
Where does the underground end and the mainstream begin? Is there a middle ground?
I don't know about the middle ground, but I think the underground ends when you're selling more than 30,000 CDs. At that point you're selling so much that there's always someone who's heard of your band.
A band, let's call them Gorefest, changes their style to add more 70s rock to their death metal, and even changes their vocal style from a strong death metal growl to a singing/growling hybrid that would even make Chris Boltendahl embarrassed. The band releases a video where they perform their new style in some small club and an open-minded fellow shows his friends, clad in more traditional death metal band shirts, that it's OK for death metal fans to still enjoy and headbang to this music! How sad is this? (Frank Harthoorn of Gorefest responds to this here)
Well, to some it might seem sad, to some it might feels great, fresh or whatever. To them, maybe they lost 10,000 fans, but gained 20,000 new younger fans who like this new style. And if it's like that, then it's sad because then it's all about the money and not making good music.
Explain to me, in terms that have nothing to do with promotion or marketing, the purpose of a music video.
To show everyone how cool you are.
Bruce Hall said "Do what you love, for the love, do what you do for money, for the money, If you sacrifice love for money, you're a whore." How does this relate to today's heavy metal scene?
I don't know.
Explain the relationship between the popularity of heavy metal and the quality of heavy metal.
Well, as it gets more popular there will pop up more bands and people start demanding bands with higher quality. It's as simple as that.
Do you think fans from countries where heavy metal hits the charts regularly views the concepts of commerciality and selling out in metal differently than people in countries where it rarely hits the charts? What about musicians?
Hmm...I don't get the question.
The availability of recording equipment and the low investment involved in pressing CDs, or the ease in hosting sound files for the futuristically inclined, in theory, allows the bright and talented musician to dodge layers of corporate approval and interference and deliver his vision directly to the masses. In reality, everybody still wants a record deal, the bigger the record company the better. Why?
I don't know, I think it's a "guy" thing. It's cool to say "oh yeah, we have a record deal" but it's mostly just crap. Every label sucks, some more than others. "They all try to screw your ass in supersonic so you never knew what hit you" as a friend of mine once stated. If you should release an album and I ask you: would you like to make a 10% profit or a 100% profit of each copy, let's say 10,000 copies. And just to make it easy we say that the CD price is $10. So what am I saying. Well, do you want $10,000 or do you want $100,000. Why the hell would someone think twice about this?? and then decide to go with the 10% profit... Jesus Christ...it's gotta be a guy thing. Although, you get higher ranked as musician to have achieved a record deal.
Record companies are said to be necessary because artists should not have to be businessmen and marketers, they should just be musicians. Yet they have to market themselves to record companies to get signed, and if they don't behave like businessmen with the record companies then they will get financially raped. What is a band supposed to do?
Fuck the labels. We don't need them, they try to convince us but the truth is we're better off without them. Good music spread fast. That's the way it's always been and will always be.
What are the minimum requirements that a band should demand of a record company before signing a contract?
To get a hell of a lot more money than they do. Never forget that it's the artist they're working for. Not the other way around.
What are the minimum requirements that a record company should demand of a band before signing a contract?
I don't think they have anything to demand other than the artist should follow the agreed contract and to be true to the label during the signing period.
Explain to me, without telling me "They are morons" or "They are desperate for a record contract", why a band would give up the rights to their music to anybody, at any time, in perpetuity.
Because a record contract is the most desired object for musicians who never experienced this before. Only "stars" get record deals. Those who have been through this before can probably agree to that it's basically crap. Sure, they can boost your career, but at what cost? Giving up the rights to your own created artworks, giving them all the money when you could've made 7-8 times more money... Or they didn't read the fine words in the contract, or just didn't understand the contract but was desperate to sign the "heavenly" piece of paper!
Die Apokalyptischen Reiter had to change/translate their name to get a US release. Do you think it was their idea, or Nuclear Blast's? Why didn't the US ever get Ramming Stone or Collapsing New Buildings? What is going on here?
Yeah I've heard a lot of bands having to change their band name in order to get in the US market. What the hell is that about?? The latest I heard was actually some friends of mine from my home town called Starfuck, they had to change it to Bloody April. But that wasn't good enough so they had to change it again, now I don't longer know what they're called. Something with "Wine" I think..
How easy would it be for a major record company in today's environment to make a good return on their investment by manufacturing a heavy metal band like a boy-band? Do you think it is already happening?
Yepp! Watched that already on TV. Didn't mind remembering the show name. Pure crap. But I'm convinced they will continue creating metal boy bands, but the metal listener is too aware of his music, compared to the average radio listener who couldn't tell the difference from Metallica to Iron Maiden, so it will be hard to capture that true metal spirit in a mass produced boy band in order to truly convince the metal listener.
Do you believe that major record companies hide their ownership of subsidiary, "independent" labels in order to market "alternative" bands to people suspicious of the major record companies, in order to build a "grassroots" following to build up to their "major label" debut? Tell me how this would work.
I don't know. I guess it's possible, and I've heard of some labels, you know "oh that label, they have a smaller division called bla bla bla" and stuff. So sure, they are reaching out everywhere trying to rip you off.
Why do you think it is that all these new metalcore bands are wearing brand new classic metal T-shirts in all of their photos?
They think they're so retro and cool. I've heard it's fashion right now, to wear old Motörhead t-shirts and stuff. Luckily I've never been into that, fashion thing. I wear whatever I want.
A reviewer/interviewer might receive three hundred or more promo CDs in a year. He might need to clear out some space every once in a while. Promo CDs aren't supposed to be sold, but is there any real difference to the band or record company if a promo CD is given away for free? Is throwing CDs away really the only ethical option that doesn't involve paying postage for returning 300 CDs to the sender?
Yes absolutely. Promo CDs are not for sale, which is stated very clear in the back. Artists and/or label has paid thousands of dollars printing these promo CDs for reviewer and radio stations. It cost us money, first to print them, then to send them to you. And then you sell it and make money on our product. Do you think it's fair? Maybe you should pay us royalties for the sold CDs.
What is more disturbing, real heavy metal bands adopting mainstream sounds to try to be more popular, or mainstream "heavy music" bands adopting heavy metal methods to try to be more cool and credible?
Both are equally annoying.
Is it more important for a band to impact a young listener like no other band has ever done, or to satisfy a more seasoned and mature listener?
None of the above. It's about making music your own music that you like and want to play. If others like it, that's just a bonus.
Why do bands talk about their fanbase as being "the kids"? Are they really writing music for children? Do you think a band referring to their fans in this manner is a big red warning flag for people seeking quality music? Is heavy metal really for children?
It's probably because they're getting old and everyone listening to their albums could be their kids. (laugh) No seriously, metal is for everyone. The fans being "the kids" is just a way of saying "those who look up to us" or maybe because the major part of the fans is actually younger than themself.
I think that metalheads writing music that can only possibly appeal to metalheads is kind of small-minded and lame. Yet metalheads writing music specifically to be appreciated by people who are not metalheads seems to be lacking integrity. What are your thoughts on the subject?
True word. Some paths or styles can be found very narrow although very true to the whole concept and its often well deserved loyal bunch of fans. I kind'a got stuck there :)
Is heavy metal more of a philosophy, a lifestyle, or a description of music?
Lifestyle, hell yeah!
Is heavy metal more of a reflection of reality, or an escape from reality?
In my opinion a reflection of reality, as I philosophically write about everyday situations.
At what point does a heavy metal band progress so much that it is no longer a heavy metal band?
When they lose either part of heavy metal.
Many people claim that "true" vs "untrue" music is unimportant, and "good" vs "bad" music is the only important distinction to be made. Tell us about three good heavy metal albums that are not "true".
uhm.. good question, I don't know any. I know the difference but I can't give any examples. I think most heavy metal bands are true in their own way. I guess Manowar would disagree.
One fifteen year old kid just discovered Trivium and Arch Enemy and System of a Down and has an emo haircut and thinks this heavy metal stuff kicks ass. Hates that old man shit like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest though. Another fifteen year old kid just discovered Venom and Omen and Angel Witch and wears lots of denim and wears poofy white sneakers. Who's the bigger poseur, and why?
The first one with the emo haircut (don't even know what that is) of course. He obviously doesn't understand the true essence of metal and cannot appreciate good music and probably just wants to be cool or something. He will grow out of it (we can only hope). But the other kid will probably always be hooked to the metal spirit to the end of his days. Metal will make you stay young forever. Not like you'll never grow up and stay a brat for the rest of your life. Hell no, but I mean, Look at Dio, Ozzy, Lemmy... they should've been goners a long time ago. But somehow they're still alive, and it's not thanks to their healthy lifestyle. It's something else making them staying young, and that is metal.
The average person does not listen to heavy metal. Do you believe that normal, everyday people can understand real heavy metal? If yes, why don't they? If no, is it because there is something wrong with average people, or with heavy metal?
Yes they absolutely can. The reason why is that they're probably afraid, afraid to what other people in their community will say if they start living the metal life, afraid to let metal guide your life cause they don't know what it is, afraid because of the Christian lies pointing out heavy metal as something bad - something diabolical, that's just all bullshit. Back in the days of Bach and Beethoven; Paganini was said to be in league with the devil. Today it's Deicide (I might even agree to that), but my point is, Maybe Paganini was the heavy metal artist of his time and therefore people feared him.
How does someone know that they're a real metalhead and not just some guy who happens to like listening to some heavy metal?
I think that a metalhead doesn't only like to listen to heavy metal. He attends shows, concerts, festivals. Keeps updated with the metal scene. Reads magazines, watches TV-shows. He is concerned about his idols.
Tell us how being heavy metal prevents a person from being a good citizen, as the average person would define "good citizen."
He doesn't really care too much. He doesn't mind others' business. And he doesn't look like the average good citizen is supposed to look like. Long hair, denim & leather etc...
Tell us about the last revelation you had just thinking about (not playing or listening to) heavy metal.
Impossible, there are too many. But as a songwriter there are thousands of ideas popping into my head during a day, and mostly at nights when I try to sleep. I get fragments of unwritten songs, visions of me performing those fragments on stage.
Tell us about the first time you were ever possessed by the spirit of heavy metal.
I never let anything possess me.
Tell us about the moment you realized that heavy metal was a bigger influence in your life than any friend or family member.
I never experienced that. Heavy metal means a lot to me and is the bigger part of my life but it can never be greater than a lifetime of love. If it gets bigger than everyone that matters, you no longer control your life. You cannot neglect your family and friends, then you're just a brat.
I don't understand people who complain about "elitists" in the heavy metal scene. If we were going to just accept things as they are and be happy with what the average person likes or would be likely to enjoy, we wouldn't be involved with heavy metal in the first place, right?
Right! Complains is plain and simple ENVY!
"Inside the power cage/I can feel the music of my age/It's paranoid... first degree/Tellin' me that I'm not free" Holocaust revealed a truth about heavy metal. Tell us how heavy metal helped you realize that you are not free.
Heavy metal helped me realize I'm always free no matter what.
Discuss the relationship between the concept of heavy metal and the concept of Satan.
Satan is just a symbol to defy Christianity. As everyone knows the Bible is just made up, like a children's story. There is no such thing as hell or sins, that's all been created by the religion and preachers to gain control and power. Heavy metal and Christianity don't walk hand in hand, as no one can control heavy metal. The church fears heavy metal as they cannot control those who are in it. So they "badmouth" heavy metal and heavy metal replies with satanic images and lyrics to keep them as far away as possible. And so this war keeps spinning. But remember, we're not afraid...they're the ones who's afraid.
Is heavy metal more about taking control and being in control, or being out of control?
Heavy metal is about taking control, control to do whatever you like.
On the DVD extra included with Strapping Young Lad's Alien, Gene Hoglan admits that some of his mistakes in the studio are fixed on a computer. We know this isn't an incident unique to Mr. Hoglan, or to drummers. What does this mean when even an acknowledged top drummer can't or won't even once correctly perform what we hear on the final product?
Yeah I know. I hate it, but it's interesting to see them all live. Because that's when it all counts. To separate the mouse from the men. It basically means technology is taking over.
Heavy metal is not feminine, and all of this frilly-dress music is an abomination to what heavy metal is about, right?
Wrong. Heavy metal is a guideline, a tool, giving you the strength to do whatever you want. If you wish to dress frilly, do it. But do it with pride, do it bigtime, let the whole world see you and hold your head high.
Tell me three truths about heavy metal.
Heavy metal is always there for you. Heavy metal will extend and prolong your life. Brothers of metal don't pick fights with each other, even if it's someone you've never met before, the metal will join you unconditionally.
Tell me three things about heavy metal that most metalheads think to be true, but you know to be false.
1. That you must always listen to metal no matter what - false
2. That you must always wear leather - false
3. That it's all about the long hair - false
"Heavy metal needs closed minds." If you're open to everything, you're really against nothing. How are personal standards possible with such a philosophy? Are closed-mindedness and integrity related concepts? Where is the line drawn between taking a firm stand and being a stupid, small-minded asshole?
I think you must be open to everything, though you cannot subdue to what you don't agree to. No, if you're open to everything does not mean you're against nothing. It just mean you have an open mind, not have a preconceived opinion. You need to have a wide perspective on things instead of focusing on one small detail in order to see the overall picture.
"The first time you heard growling vocals..." is a common topic of discussion I see on internet message boards. "I hated them at first, but grew to like them the more I listened to them" is a common statement in these discussions. Why are people listening to things they don't like so much? Is it a self-education process or a desire to be cool? Tell us about your experiences listening to music you at first found to be difficult until you found yourself enjoying it.
Proof of media trying to mindcontrol people. Playing it repeatedly will make peoples mind numb and suddenly people starts to like it. I couldn't stand Metallica back in -83 (Kill em All). That was too much growling for me. It was like a thick pile of muddy noise bursting my ears. In -89 I was listening to Deicide. Things change.
Beatrice Hall wrote in The Friends of Voltaire: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." The head of a lovely NSBM-oriented record company said: "We would export all the niggers, Jews, and newpaper reporters back to a little town called Tel Aviv where they would be forced to toss Ariel Sharon's salad." How do you feel about those quotes back to back?
I understand the idea of "the rights of free speech", but there are some things you shouldn't say in public and you might get what's comin to ya. We have a sayin here: If your head is stupid, your body gets hurt.
Why are there so few black people playing heavy metal?
Thats a really good question. And I sure as hell cannot answer it. But I guess they have to much soul on their mind and body. And there's nothing wrong with that. Look at Kings X.
Your girlfriend tells you, "I can't take it any more! All these CDs and old records! It's me or the heavy metal, you can't have both!" How would you dispose of her body?
Dispose? If she decides to stay she would have to be my slavegirl for the rest of her life for those blasphemeous words or it's straight out the door. There's no room for that kind'a talk in my home.
Somebody committed suicide after listening to Judas Priest, yet Judas Priest denied any involvement in court. Ozzy Osbourne has denied promoting suicide. Many death and black metal bands try to distance themselves from fans who commit violent crimes. Doesn't music have real power? If music can't change people and make them think and feel things they didn't think and feel before, doesn't that mean it sucks? How great can music be if it can't possess the soul?
Of course it can possess the soul, if you're weak. It's one thing to be carried away by the music but I mean, possess your soul to the point that it takes your life. That's just childish behaviour. How many commit suicide after listening to RnB, pop, mainstream rock?? Tons and tons but you never hear about them do you? In hip hop everything is about heavy drugs, guns and women as sex objects, but there's no arguing about that?? I say What the hell is that about?? Have you seen the kids today? walking around with their pants down, trying to look like their idols wearing guns and weapons and doing drugs. Stop picking on heavy metal and take care of the real problems. God dammit...
Half of Americans are on prescription medication. Every last discomfort and personal issue is a "syndrome" that needs professional treatment. Children raised on television and sugary foods from birth by absent parents are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder when they don't instantly adapt to a classroom environment and are treated with personality-altering medication as a first step. Tell us the role you think heavy metal will have on diagnosing aberrant, diseased personalities in this Brave New World.
I have no comment.
How do we fix what's wrong with heavy metal?
There's nothing wrong with heavy metal. It's Christianity who is to blame. If you hear anyone talk bad about heavy metal, ask this person immediately: Do you believe in god? are you a Christian? Then you will find out who is spreading lies, and that's what is wrong.
And to wrap this up:
Tell us about a few unsigned bands you recommend.
I don't have time to check up on such bands, I hardly get the time to listen to my own CDs at home. Most of the bands I know are signed.
Any final words? Something that perhaps we missed?
Nope...hehehe I think you covered it all and a little more.
You might also add to the interview, maybe at the bottom "Final words" or wherever suitable, that: It might sound as I'm against Christianity, and in a way I am. I have many Christian friends and though I might not approve to the religion itself I have no problem with people. Anyone can practice whatever they feel like or live their life anyway they want, it's not my business, but when the religion separate humans for ridiculous reasons and even commit murder in the name of God they definately cross the line. And Christianity has been doing this for centuries. How anyone can approve of such behaviour, is outrageous. I don't get it.