Rockezine.com interview with Metalium on Apr 25, 2005

with Lars on Apr 25, 2005


		You are in the business for quite some time now. How do you think the (power) metal scene has changed during the last couple of years? I don’t know any “power metal” scene. I only care about METAL and leave it up to the people to give these categories. In general I don’t like these categories anyway. But definitely the scene has changed over the past 15 year. Unfortunately not in a good way. I can see more and more intolerance amongst the bands and styles, which is stupid and sad. In the worst case things happen like to the Hammerfall singer, when a fan of a different style of metal was shoving a glass into his face. Man THIS is SICK !
		You were responsible for the production of the new album. Are you pleased with the result? By producing the album, do you feel that you have more influence on the Metalium sound than the other band members? As I’m the producer of all Metalium outputs I always have the “last say” and so the most influence on the sound, but I listen as well to the other members’ opinions. It’s often not possible to make it okay for all haha.
		Are there any negative sides on producing the album? No we are all happy with the sound for the VERY FIRST time!
		What are your expectations of the album? Nothing really! I “hope” that the CD will do well in sales BUT way more important is that WE ARE satisfied and “proud” of the result.
		You managed to get Don Airey to play on the new album, as he did on the previous one. What exactly is his contribution to the sound, the songs and the album? Did the band actually record with Airey? He did the previous TWO, honey ;-) He always puts his sound last, and totally separately, so it’s always a blast to hear what this magician does.
		The album cover was made by Frans Mensink, who was also responsible for the artwork of the Metalium debut album. When and why was decided to let Frans do another Metalium cover (rather different in style). It’s always good for a change; both are great artists!
		I know that you own four unique basses, all handcrafted by yourself. Why did you ever decide on building you own instruments? Because this instrument exposes my personality, and my personality is “pretty strange” sometimes, so a normal bass from the series’ stock wouldn’t really fit my personality!
		Which one is your personal favorite? I love BOTH, my Monster I and Monster II Basses.
		Are you currently working on a new bass? No I don’t have time at the moment…but sometimes I would love to do a Monster III
		What is the biggest compliment you read about Metalium and what is the biggest bullocks? Biggest Compliment is that I’m “sooo sexy” and the worst is that Henning “can’t sing” haha.
		What do you prefer, supporting a band in front of a crowd of 5000 or headlining a show with just 250 people there? Both at the same weekend, first the club show and then killing 5000 the next day.
		On the band’s website www.metalium.de I saw that you are running a pole on most favorite Metalium songs. Are you surprised by the results? No, I feel okay with the fact that all people have their own opinion.
		On every single album, one track seems to stand out among the fans. Do you have any idea why that is and can you tell us which of the news songs you expect to turn out to be a favorite of your fans? Mostly it’s the opener, which all are written by me, but I think there are better and deeper songs on all Metalium CDs than the openers.
		What is the best feeling in the world? Standing on stage, selling out a club (first time Barcelona tour headlining in the year 2000) And have the fans going crazy because of your songs.

(Geert Oldenmenger)