| In 1999, Metalium released their incredible
debut “Millennium Metal-Chapter One.” Now it’s 2005,
and the fifth chapter is now being told… “Demons Of Insanity”
is possibly the bands finest work to date! I’d like to start
this interview off by thanking you for taking some time and answering
questions for us at Metal Fanatix, I’m sure you are keeping
busy. 1. Let’s start on a little band history before we get into the new disc. How did the band get started? How did you settle on the name Metalium? Michael Ehré: The band was found in 1998 by Matthias Lange and Lars Ratz. I´m in the band since 2001. Since then we´re playing in the same line-up. The name is a conclusion of the words “Metal” and “Millenium”, because the band started near the millenium. 2. What are the band’s major influences that contribute to your sound? Include anything from music, movies, books, environment, etc. What influence do you think your band has on music and metal today? Michael Ehré: That´s hard to say, because everyone in the band has his own musical favorites and influences. I´m a big “Judas Priest” fan and hear all the “old” stuff like “Rainbow” or “Deep Purple”. Lars f.e. likes “Kiss”, especially the way they presented themselves in the early days. Concerning the question which influences our music has I guess that´s hard to say, too, especially from the view of a musician, who´s involved in the band! We make music because we love to be creative, make records and play live. And as long as people like that, too, we´ll continue.... 3. On to the new disc, “Demons Of Insanity”!! First off, what are your and the band’s favorite tracks and elements on the disc? Michael Ehré: My favorite tracks are “Endless believer” and “Cyber horizon”, because they are very dynamic and have good melodies. And that´s what we like on the whole cd: the dynamic and the strong melodies. 4. From what I understand, the new disc is based mainly on social issues. How did this idea come up? Have you wanted to do this concept for a while? Michael Ehré: We wanted to make a record that´s very back to basic. And that included the lyrical part of the cd. We thought it was the right time to make that step. Away from these “science fiction” stories. 5. To me, “Demons Of Insanity” is a more progressive album then what you have done on the rest of your catalog…maybe even heavier at times too. Am I just hearing things, or did you add something to your music or do something different on this disc? Michael Ehré: You´re absolutely right! As I said: we wanted to make an album that´s very rough. We don´t wanted the songs to be kind of “over”-produced with many guitar-tracks and many vocals-tracks. So we reduced the songs and the production to those things that were absoultely necessary. 6. I see that you guys are playing at a few festivals this summer. Do you have any memorable experiences at festivals/shows that you can share with us? What are the chances of seeing Metalium in the United States in the near future? Michael Ehré: I hope we will play in the U.S. as soon as possible. There are some people interested in “Metalium”, so there seems to be a realistic chance to play in your country...My best experience was a gig we played in Italy at the “Gods of metal”-festival 2002. It was fantastic, because there have been many other big bands and heroes, like f.e. “Halford” and “Slayer”. 7. If you could do a tour with any band or musician, who would it be? Why? Michael Ehré: It would like to tour with “Judas Priest”, because I grew up with their music and they are one of my biggest musical influences. 8. Well, I think I’ve taken up enough of your time. I appreciated the interview, I just have one more questions for you...do you have anything else you want the metal world to know? Michael Ehré:: I hope to see you all when we play with Metalium in the U.S.! Thank you for your support! Stay Metal!!!! Thanks again for the interview! |
