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FEAR MY THOUGHTS
is a melodic death metal band from Rheinfelden Germany, founded in 1997.
It was meant to be a funproject by some people who used to hang around
with each other and listened to Slayer, Integrity, Negative Approach and
Dismember but it resulted in a more serious approach when people seemed
to dig the band's musical output.
After 5 Full length Albums and 2 MCD/Split
Releases on labels like Let it Burn, Lifeforce, Scorchedearthpolicy and
recently Century Media Records, FEAR MY THOUGHTS will release
their next effort on July 18th 2008. With this 6th full-length
“Isolation”, FEAR MY THOUGHTS are uncompromisingly evolving from
their past efforts, daringly advancing into a way more organic, dynamic
and honest sound that proudly defies every trend and musically marks a
quantum leap beyond any stylistic limitation.
“Isolation” is the first studio opus featuring new singer Martin Fischer
who delivered a stunning live-debut on the Hell On Earth tour 2007 . On
the new album itself he succeeds in expanding the band’s sound with
nothing less than an entire new universe of versatility and
expressiveness. Driven by the desire to be their own masters and stick
to their DIY-ethic s , “Isolation” was recorded at the band’s own Black
Halo Studios by guitarist Patrick Hagmann, the artwork concept and
design was done by Markus Ruf (guitar) whereas vocalist Martin composed,
played and recorded all synthesizer and organ parts. Furthermore,
FEAR MY THOUGHTS were overjoyed to be able to work with legendary
producer Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames, Soilwork, Strapping
Young Lad), who handled mixing duties and vocal recordings.
Music’s history always profited from acts not submitting to conventions,
traditions, and stereotyped thinking and only accepting their own
inventiveness and ideas as the boundaries of their art . FEAR MY
THOUGHTS has both the guts and the conviction it takes to live out
this attitude and “Isolation” consists of ten statements in favour of
progress and unconstrained musicianship.
So, just before the release of
‘Isolation’ we mailed Patrick Hagman (Guitar) some questions, here you
can read what he had to say:
Your
latest album ‘Isolation’ will be released next month, so of course we’d
like to ask you a couple of questions about it!
First of all, how are you doing?
Thank
you, I'm fine!
How
did you launch into writing the material for ‘Isolation’ after your
previous album, did ideas come easily so that you just had to write them
down or was it more of a careful composing thing?
After
we released ‘Vulcanus’ (2007), we started to collect ideas for new
songs, jammed in the rehearsal room etc. After a while we realized that
most of our ideas were really different to our previous stuff. But we
liked the songs and kept on working on them. After a few months we
already had 8 songs. So the songwriting went really smooth.
What
were the goals you had in mind when you started writing the album? What
inspired you and did you have a certain idea of what you wanted to do on
your new album, any elements you definitely wanted to have on it?
The
goals were to have everything what we like in it. We don´t like
limitations. That means everything is possible. If someone would come up
with a cool electronic song, we would use it as long as we think it is
good enough.
Was
it a conscious decision to do it this way and how did your new singer
Martin Fischer influence the way you wrote the songs and the way you
worked on this album?
Like I
said before, it was a conscious decision to work on the songs without
any limitations. Everyone could bring in his ideas and his influences
,no matter if it was Jazz, Rock, Prog, Metal or Punk. When we decided to
work that way, our old singer Mathias didn´t want to go that path with
us any longer, so he decided to quit. Our old friend Martin was our
first choice and since he´s also a great Guitar and Piano player, he
also had an impact on the songwriting.
Last
year vocalist Martin Fischer joined the band, in which things/songs on
the new album can one clearly hear his vision and ideas? Can you tell me
a little about him?
Hmm,
there are no specific songs, I guess. When he joined us, we already had
5 songs. Indeed, we changed some parts cause his vocal style is totally
different to the old one. But there are no songs that are “Martins”
songs. Martin is a really special person. He teaches guitar and piano at
music-school and besides that he´s also a graphic artist! He´s really
dedicated and enthusiastic when it comes to music and arts.
How
hard was it to come up with a follow-up for the well-received album ‘Vulcanus’?
We felt
that there were some expectations, but tried not to think about it that
much. We just didn´t want to write a Vulcanus Pt. 2, cause that would be
really boring.
On
the new release you have switched from a more thrash orientated sound to
a more melo-death sound, was this change a conscious choice or was it
more of a natural thing?
When we
write songs it´s always a natural thing. We don´t think in business or
money terms. The only conscious choice was to do what we wanted without
limitations.
What
do you think are the main differences between your last album ´Vulcanus´
and the new one ‘Isolation’?
The
vocalstyle, indeed. And also the whole atmosphere is much warmer and
more alive, not as “cold” and sterile as on Vulcanus.
Who
was responsible for writing the songs and the lyrics on the new album?
Like
always, the songs were written by all bandmembers. Martin is responsible
for the lyrics.
How
important is it to you that people pay attention to the lyrics apart
from listening to the music?
The
lyrics are important, but they don´t transport a certain message. They
are supposed to support the atmosphere created by the music.
How
did the recording process proceed and how much time did you spend in the
studio?
We
recorded the album by ourselves in our own studio. So the recording went
kind of smooth. Sure, there are times of trouble and it´s a lot of work,
but on the other side it´s really cool to record the album in your area
and then go back home to your girl in the evening.
Was
the recording process for ‘Isolation’ different from the rest of the
albums you did and how can we imagine you’ve worked this time?
We
recorded the albums before far away from our homes. This can be really
cool but after a while you get homesick, and don´t want to hang around
with your band mates 24/7 in a small place. So this time it was really
cool to do it the other way.
Anything you didn' want on the album?
This
time we wanted to keep the album really basic and alive. That means no
4-6 layered rythmguitars and 5 layered vocaltrack, but just 2 guitars, 1
bass, a drumset and one voice.
What
is the utmost important ingredient for a song according to Fear My
Thoughts?
The
Hookline I would say. I love melodies, they´re the most important
ingredients for me.
Could
you please describe the implications of the title ‘Isolation’, what does
it stand for and is there a special meaning behind it?
The
title comes from some lyrics on the record, but there´s no special
meaning behind it.
So
tell us a little about yourself and the kinds of things that motivate
you in your writing? Are there any particular bands who’ve been a big
influence in your song writing, metal or otherwise?
My name
is Patrick, I play guitar and I´m 33 years old . Besides the band I'm
running a small studio and I'm also working part time as a social worker
with handicapped people. This is actually the job I studied for. Since 4
years I’m married to the most fantastic person in the world. Personally
I´m into many kinds of music and all these artists I like are indeed an
influence for my songwriting. Some of my favorite bands are: Neurosis,
Radiohead, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Mastodon, Porcupine Tree, Led Zeppelin,
Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Death.
What
was your incentive when you recorded ‘Isolation’ in a time where a fan
would rather download than buy an album?
Illegal
downloading is indeed a big problem for bands like us and I really don´t
know what the future will bring.
You
produced the album yourself this time, would
you ever work with a producer external to the band if your label asked
you to? who would be your first choice?
Yes, I
produced the album, but we´re always open to everything. If we would
have the chance to work for example with someone like Steve Albini with
the next album, why not?!
Did you
try to to preserve the vision you have for
Fear My
Thoughts
by taking
control of the production?
Having
control over production, layout, merchandise etc. is something we really
like!
The
album was mixed by Daniel Bergstrand, what made him the perfect man for
this job and are you satisfied with the result?
We are
really happy with the result. Daniel is a really special person with
tons of visions and ideas and an almost philosophical view on music and
art. He´s so great and dedicated. We love him!
Are
there things from the past that you would have done differently with
Fear My Thoughts if you had the chance to do it all again?
The
past is the past, so it wouldn´t make sense to think about that! That´s
how it is in your daily life. Every thing you do has a meaning .
Have
you received any feedback on the new album yet? How are fans responding
to it?
Some
fans are hating us now, haha. But we expected reactions like that. We ´ve
never been so happy with an album like we´re now. Sure, we´re also
writing music for the fans, but first we have to like what we do.
What
element of the CD are you most proud of? Do you have any favorites on
this album, songs that you think are somehow above the others?
No, I
don´t have favorites, I like all songs equally.
Where
does Fear My Thoughts go from here or do you not think of the future too
much?
We
don´t think about the future that much. We only want to play shows and
have fun.
Now
some questions to enable our readers to get to know you a little better:
How
did you get involved in the music business, what are your influences and
how difficult is it these days to sound original ?
I
started playing in a Thrash-Band 17 years ago. My influences back then
were bands like Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer, Voivod,
Metallica etc.
Every
bigger band back then had it´s own specific sound. Nowadays everything's
sound pretty much the same. That´s sad! It´s really difficult to sound
original in these times.
With
all the touring and several studio albums under your belt, how far has
Fear My Thoughts surpassed your original dreams and what would you say
is the most rewarding part of being in the band?
With
Fear My Thoughts I'm at the point I never imagined to get to. It is
still like a dream that we can release albums on a big label, go on tour
etc.. But there are also downers like the whole business thing and all
the fake trends and fashion people. In this case, the metal-scene is not
much different to the mainstream one.
What
songs and bands do you listen to these days?
Right
now I’m listening a lot to Radiohead, Thrice, High on Fire, Neurosis,
Mastodon, Opeth, Amplifier, Oceansize, Textures, The Ocean, The Mars
Volta.
Is
there anything you like to do besides your music?
Yes,
much more travelling and working as a producer.
What
is your opinion on the metal scene these days, is there anything
missing?
I´m
missing feeling, energy, innovation, progression and open-mindness.
Which album has been your biggest musical influence, one that made you
think “this is what I want to do!”?
RADIOHEAD-OK COMPUTER
Okay, if you could choose three bands to get on stage with, who would
they be?
Porcupine Tree
Pink
Floyd
Iron
Maiden
Any
last statement...
A
message to every music fan: Don´t limit yourself! Fuck Trends, cause
they come and go! Do what you want and listen to what you want!
Thanks for the interview and take care!
Thank
you too!
Bye,
pat
Current Members:
Markus Ruf - Guitar
Patrick Hagman - Guitar
Bartosz Wojciechowski - Bass
Norman Lonhard - Drums
Martin Fischer - Vocals (since 2007)
Former Members :
Marco Allenstein - Guitar
Lisa Graf - Violin
Alexander Kovats - Drums
Mathias Benedikt von Ockl - Vocals
(1998-2007)
Studio Albums :
Sapere Aude (EP, 1999)
23 (2001)
This Machine Runs on Fear (Split,
2002)
Vitriol (2003)
The Great Collapse (2004)
Hell Sweet Hell (2005)
Vulcanus (2007)
Isolation (2008) |
