Rockezine.com interview with Force Of Evil on Apr 30, 2005

with Hank Shermann on Apr 30, 2005


		Why did you decide on releasing the “Evil Comes Alive” DVD, just after the debut album hit the stores? If I’m correct the DVD was filmed even before the first Force Of Evil release? This was a very easy decision, we got the offer to do a DVD from our label, and we of course said yes. It was filmed before the official release of our first CD. This gives our fans a chance to follow us from the very beginning. Imagine to have the 2nd show of let’s say Iron Maiden, wouldn’t that be something? ;-)
		In March “Black Empire”, the follow up hits the shops. Could you give some insight in the writing process? What does the writing of a song start with? Did you consider the concept as a blessing or a curse during the writing process? Mostly I am the one coming with the complete song structure or maybe a couple of good riffs, after that Martin, our singer, will treat the idea with vocal lines and lyrics, which is then recorded in our rehearsal room. Then everybody gives their opinion. At the very end before we do the actually recording, everybody contributes to the overall arrangements. Regarding the concept, that really did not influence my songwriting except “Days Of Damien” where I had “The Omen” in mind.
		Which of the tracks took most time writing and recording? I think it was “S.O.S.” that took the most time, since it has a little different rhythm structure and a more complex playing at the end for the drummer… Also “Days Of Damien” had to be worked out in the studio, because of the different guitars and sounds used.
		What is the biggest compliment you read about Force Of Evil and what is the biggest bullocks? It’s when people really welcome this style of metal, I guess… Regarding bullocks, hmm, maybe when some critics say that Martin sounds like Bon Jovi. ;-)
		The cover of “Black Empire” was made by Linda Bergkvist. Did she design the art work especially for Force Of Evil? Yes this was a painting she did especially for us. It is originally painted as a big poster in 100 * 70 cm but was cropped to fit a CD cover. We are planning to make the full size poster available for people to buy. It really looks amazing that big.
		You decided on using a producer for the first time in your career. Did the negative critics on the sound of the first album have anything to do with this? Are you pleased with the work of Neil Kernon? It was not based on any critics about our first CD , which everyone in the band still enjoys. But more because we wanted some new input added to the production, and I think it really came out that way. Neil Kernon was chosen because he has a very big span of production and experience in Metal… Including some of our favourites ourselves …also he seems a little more aggressive in his approach than others in the field.
		You guys recorded a video for “Back To Hell”. Can you tell us a nice anecdote about the recording? Why did you decide on shooting the video, in other words, what are your expectations? Well it was recorded during an 8 hour shoot, outdoors, in the middle of a forest. It was at some point snowing during the shoot, and everybody was freezing like hell.(?) And again we were given the opportunity to shoot this first promo video …and we of course were in on the idea. I think it’s also good for a band to have a video in order to reach new fans and new interest for the band ...and here you hear the music and see the band live at the same time. Expectations would be that just somebody somewhere will air it on their channel.
		Will we see Force of Evil on any of the festivals, this summer? Yes we are going to perform at The SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL on June 9th. We are still working on getting on other festivals, but so far nothing has been confirmed.
		You are in the business for quite some time now. How do you think the metal scene has changed during the last couple of years? Hmm… Maybe as a band you really need to have your shit together… I mean treat yourself as business. In general I think it has gotten tougher to get trough since so many bands are out there plus all the old ones. ;-) Welcome to the digital revolution. ;-) But hey, full speed ahead anyway…
		I saw that you have a special interest in photography. What do you think of the large amount of digital and mobile phone cameras on front row? It’s a natural development since it can be done… but also scary, the new generation of mobile phones now offers up to 5 M pixels, so you better behave well when you are out for a drink to check on the girls. ;-) Otherwise it makes it so much easier as a photographer since you can start to work with the pictures right after the shoot…
		Looking at your private CD collection, which album makes you blush in shame? Just looked trough my CDs and found a greatest hits with Demis Roussos, which is a famous singer from the 70s ...just admitting that... but he has a very nice tone to his voice though…
		Anything else you’d like to share? ..:: STAY METAL ::..
(Geert Oldenmenger)