SOURCE WEBZINE

SOURCEWEBZINE - The production of the “Armamentarium” must be commented on as it very good. Where was it recorded and what time-scales were you operating in ? Did you enjoy the recording process ?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - We recorded in about two weeks in April 07 in Denmark. As on our former album “Let The Tempest Come” we chose Jacob Hansen of the Hansen Studios to produce “Armamentarium”.
Thanks for your agreement on his good job. We are all very happy with his work. The sound fits our expectations and I guess the people also like it.

SOURCEWEBZINE - How did the album’s response compare to your expectations?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - As I said before we knew Jacob and his skills since we worked with him for the first time. So we expected a “killer” sound and knew he was the right person to fulfil this expectation. Most of the reactions in press and media agree on that.

We slowed down the tempo and tuned the guitars a bit down two. We wanted to have a more groove orientated and rolling kind of album. And I guess it is recognizably diverse compared to the former two.

SOURCEWEBZINE - This is the band’s 3rd full-length album. How do you feel the band has progressed and developed both musically and internally during the course of your career?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - We got the chance to tour a lot, get in touch with other bands of all kinds of genres in heavy music. So we learned much and I guess we know how to use that knowledge.
We write our songs in consideration for our own musical preferences and what the fans might like. We have grown on our instruments and we are very happy do be regarded by the fans and people that like our sound.

SOURCEWEBZINE - How did the band’s sound evolve from “Let The Tempest Come” to “Armamentarium”?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - There is less melody on “Armamentarium” but the songs are nevertheless heavier. The first two albums had a higher tempo. On “Armamentarium” we focused a bit more on groove and heavieness.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Do have any numbers on how much your albums have sold worldwide ?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - I don’t really know any numbers, but over here in Germany it is going quite successful. We even hit the charts in Germany on #65 with “Armamentarium” for a week.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Can you give us an idea of the working habits of the band’s members? What must be present in order for a song to be brought to life and how much say do the members have individually as to what goes on an album and what is left off?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - Usually both guitarists and me (Sebastian, drums) meet in the rehearsal room, which is not far to reach for any of us by bike.

When we work on new songs we meet twice a week. Basically Tobi and Stefan come along with a couple of new riffs and we see how to put them together and build the song’s foundation. After jamming on this foundation the ideas for fills, breaks or melodies come automatically. It takes us maybe two following rehearsals to agree on changes, and the song is done. For us it is the most effective way to write in threes. Because decisions can be made democratically without draws which keeps us from discussing to much, haha.

SOURCEWEBZINE - What life lessons have affected how you live today?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - I don’t know. We try to enjoy each moment, each concert we play. Because we know that it can end all to soon. We don’t take the success we have for granted and it keeps us working hard to make this cool time last as long as possible. We are proud to have people who like what we do and we always try to give something back to our fans. We love to talk to the people after shows and hang out at the merch or bar with them.

SOURCEWEBZINE - What’s the biggest misconception your fans or friends have about you?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - Hmmm. I think we are pretty much down to earth guys. We don’t care much about a certain stereotype image. We are just normal guys who like metal and love to bang heads on, or in front of the stage. So I guess the impression the people get of us doesn’t lead much to misconcenptions.

SOURCEWEBZINE - A little bit about your music taste. What kind of stuff are you currently listening to?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - As the summer returns now to Germany I’m a bit more into guitar rock and stuff. At the moment I’m listening to Minus The Bear, He Is Legend or The Ocean. But nevertheless the new Bolt Thrower always finds it’s way back into my player.

SOURCEWEBZINE - What are the largest and smallest crowds you’ve played in front of?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - The Smallest crowd was in France in the small Medieval town of Colmar.
That was two years ago on a tour with Caliban. I guess there where about 40 to 50 people showing up.
The largest crowd we ever had was last year on the Wacken festival. That was pretty much up to 8 to 10.000 People. That was amazing.

SOURCEWEBZINE - In Brazil there’s much fans listening your kind of music. What do you know about the Brazil ?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - Friends of us like Caliban or Heaven Shall Burn often tell us about how awesome shows in Brazil are. We are very curious about how people would react If we showed up there once. As far as I’m concerned you Brazilian guys rock. Hopefully it won’t be too long until we finally make it to Brazil. At least to escape the shitty weather here in Germany.

SOURCEWEBZINE - Is there anything else you would like to mention?
Sebastian Heldt (Drums) - Thank you for your interest in what we do. Hope to see you soon and have some beer with you guys in Brazil.

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