ACCUSER, a pioneering force in German thrash metal since the '80s, reflects on their evolution, new album Rebirthless, and the impact of their latest lineup change as they continue to innovate and inspire.
1. ACCUSER has
been a cornerstone of German thrash metal since the 1980s. After 12 albums, how
do you keep pushing your sound forward while staying true to your thrash metal
roots?
It's an ongoing
process. Every time we're in the studio, we work differently and try out new
possibilities. We try to create a sound that suits the songs we've written and
then record them. Songwriting is, of course, fundamental to our style. We try
to create something new that still serves our typical thrash metal style.
Sometimes the songs write themselves and sometimes it really takes time until
we're satisfied.
2. Your
upcoming album Rebirthless is set for release soon. Can you tell us about the
creative process behind this record and how it differs from your previous
works?
We wrote the
songs long before we started working in the studio. Some songs came about
spontaneously and others took a little time. Sometimes they went off track and
disturbed the overall picture of the album. It was the overly complex parts
that were useless for our approach. If a song was great from start to finish,
then it was right for Rebirthless. The difference to the previous albums is
that we spent more time in the studio. With the album we found a good way to
work very precisely without sounding clinical.
3. With Sascha
Stange joining as the new lead guitarist, how has his influence impacted the
band's dynamic and the sound of Rebirthless?
He made the
harmony and solo parts sound melodic, but at a certain point they lead to
disharmony and gave the whole album a nasty or sinister feel. The collaboration
is great and I think that we will write many more great songs together.
4. Thrash
metal has evolved over the decades. How do you see ACCUSER fitting into the
modern metal scene while maintaining the legacy you’ve built over the years?
I think we have
found a good path that was not intended. Since albums like "Who Dominates
Who" already sounded very timeless or ahead of their time, the albums that
followed did not give the impression that they were music from the old days. There
is now such ultra-modern music that makes everything else seem old and grey.
That is of course a matter of taste. We are staying true to our path because
that is what we do best and will develop with us.
5. You’ve
played some iconic festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Summerbreeze, and
Metalfests in Poland and the Czech Republic. How do you prepare for these
large-scale performances, and how does it feel to play in front of such
passionate crowds?
We actually
always prepare the same way before every concert. We put together a live set
that fits the time and rehearse it. It's fantastic to play at big festivals and
a real honour to be in front of an enthusiastic audience. We've heard from some
people where they're from and that they really wanted to see us. That's great.
6. ACCUSER’s
music has always combined powerful riffs with thought-provoking lyrics. What
themes or messages are you exploring in Rebirthless?
It‘s about the
fact that eh ave eh ave about how we act here and now and that if we want to
change things, we can‘t put things off or wait for an afterlife that will bring
us salvation. During our lifetime, eh ave the opportunity to decide what we do
on our earth and how we treat our fellow human beings. We also take into
account our generations and global communication and everything that confuses
us, lies to us or drives us crazy.
7. After 13
albums, what still excites you about writing and recording new music? Is there
a particular track on Rebirthless that you’re especially proud of?
It's like a birth
every time. You start writing songs and see how it develops. Then you have
enough songs for an album and together they leave a certain impression. You
have several themes in your head and try to make connections. Then you go into
the studio and everything you've prepared is taken apart and put back together.
After a long time you have a result and give the whole thing a face. When
everything is ready it goes into production and at some point you hold it all
in your hands in the form of a CD or a record. And that's great every time. I
like all the songs on "Rebirthless" but "Faded Remorse" is
one of my favorites at the moment. But that could change.
8. Over the
years, you’ve influenced countless bands within the metal community. How does
it feel to be regarded as one of the pioneers of the German thrash scene?
It's a really
good feeling to inspire fans and musicians with what you've created yourself.
Over the years, I've heard anecdotes and stories from various well-known
musicians about how Accuser influenced them. That's a real accolade.
9. With your
extensive experience, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a
band, and how have you overcome them?
Actually, you're
always facing new challenges. There are always new ways of working that you
have to adapt to or different situations that you have to face. Working on two
albums in New York Ithaca with Alex Perialas was certainly one of the most
interesting experiences for us. Recording our own music in a studio far from
home with different equipment and the possibilities at the time was a challenge
but also an experience that you wouldn't want to miss. We also met some really
nice people there and had a really good time. Alex and Rob are great people.
10. Your music
often blends complex song structures with aggressive rhythms. How do you
balance technicality with the raw energy that thrash metal demands?
I think we've
found a good balance. We like to challenge ourselves on the instrument, but we
don't want to kill the song structure. In my opinion, it's best to use the
playing technique for the music and not to show what you can do or what is
possible. Of course there are bands where technique is the main focus and it's
justified in their style, but for us it's important that a song is just catchy.
For us, that's the best way to combine aggression with technical parts.
11. As
veterans in the metal scene, how do you see the role of live shows changing
with the current state of the music industry? Do you think live performances
are still as essential as they were in the 80s and 90s?
I think it's
still important to play and attend live shows. It's a fundamental part of being
a band. You record something in the studio and then go out and promote it.
That's it, really. Social media helps us advertise or announce something, but
it shouldn't be all entertainment at home. It's great when people, regardless
of age, experience something outside and don't spend their whole life in front
of a screen. Unfortunately, we spend far too much time in front of technical
devices and give social media too much attention and importance. You can't stop
that, but you can give yourself a break and experience something.
12. Finally, with the release of Rebirthless, what are ACCUSER’s plans for the future? Can fans expect a tour, and what can they look forward to in this new era of the band?
We are currently
rehearsing for the live shows and will start in January. In March we will go on
tour with Tankard in the Czech Republic and the summer festivals will follow.
Home - ACCU§ER - official website - german thrash metal band
Post a Comment