Despondency God on Acid Album Cover Art Revenge Productions

DESPONDENCY, peradventure the virtually farthermost Expiry Metallic band in the East Frisian / Oldenburgian (Germany) scene, has fabricated a first step to fame and therefore immortality from the deepest hugger-mugger to a record deal with an undercover characterization. Fourth dimension to contact guitar actor Steffen Ilm via email (he just lives as well far from my place, probably more than 5 miles!!!). Unfortunately, singer Konni wasn't interested in answering any questions about his Black Metal past (I won't say anything now so he doesn't trounce me upwards) but Steffen showed some professionalism: afterward we accidentally met in Oldenburg I persuaded him to do the interview nonetheless. The side by side mean solar day I found it in my inbox. That's the style I like it, baby! Alright now, finally I'1000 going to close upward and get out the talking to Steffen.

Do you retrieve the reason why you formed DESPONDENCY? What were your favorite bands back then and did that change over the years? When exactly did yous institute the band?
"How-do-you-do in that location! Dirk and I founded the band in spring 1999 to play simply the music nosotros liked and yet like most: Death Metallic! It was simply like, hey, we play instruments, let's beginning a band in this mode to exist as cool as Suffocation, Deeds of Flesh or Cryptopsy, simply like that! These were the bands we were mostly into back then, nothing wrong with them even nowadays although the focus of some band members has switched more than into the new school Death Metallic corner over the final years."

How did you get together? Who was in the beginning DESPONDENCY line upwards – how and when did you run into anybody? Please introduce your bandmates and yourself to us briefly, e. 1000.: former bands, function in DESPONDENCY autonomously from the instruments, etc. Wasn't Konni in a still active Black Metal ring called FUNERAL PROCESSION likewise? How did he audio in those days?
"The first line-up wasn't very dissimilar from the actual one: I and my buddy Dirk then asked Patrick Schwarz if he would exist interested in playing the bass. Patrick was in contact with a guy called Heiko who instantly became the other guitarist. And last we got to know Konni, vocalist for FUNERAL PROCESSION and GALLERY OF DARKNESS (R.I.P.), who joined united states due to his increasing lack of interest in Kiddy Black Metal. Well, how did he sound at that time, how a Decease Metal shouter has to audio like of course: a veeeerrrry deep voice similar to Ross Dolan and Joe Ptacek. He was likewise able of doing these high pitched Helheim / Burzum cries, but that's now history. The line-up inverse in the end of 2000 as Patrick had to leave, therefore Heiko picked upwardly the bass and a long time after Mike joined every bit a new guitar thespian. So DESPONDENCY at present consists of: Me (Steffen) on the outset guitar. I'm a student and style of a manager for the ring. Dirk, drummer and first assist man. Also played a curt time in Funeral Procession (studio task) and much longer in OF Trees AND ORCHIDS / INGURGITATING OBLIVION. Konstantin (Konni), singer and metal worker. Too sang in FUNERAL PROCESSION and GALLERY OF DARKNESS. Mike, other guitarplayer. Was agile in BANISHED, Plain-featured and VENESECTION. Works as a auto mechanic. Heiko, bassplayer and also student. Played as well in some kind of Party band years ago."

How did you find a proper name for the band? What fabricated you lot despondent? Didn't y'all listen to MANOWAR in those days? Courage, brother, courage!
"I came upward with the band proper name considering the proposals of the other guys were gay, hehe. We are despondent when nosotros look at the deeds of humankind and the condition of this planet. Man'south stupidity has just no limits… I've to acknowledge that I don't go your hint with MANOWAR (I'm not certain if I wanted to express something with this, either – Ramon) merely I experience it's the right time to country once and for all and public that I liked them every bit a immature teenager and now like them again and that I don't longer want to hide this passion. At present I feel better."

At least on "Extinction" the song titles seem to comport deeper thoughts than the usual hack and slay cliché. As at that place are no lyrics printed in the booklet (purposely or due to lack of money?), could Konni comment on the lyrics on that CD?
"Yep, lack of money and no interest in getting them public, at that time and still today. As for the lyrical contents, the songs are near our view on mankind'south misery and that what volition happen for sure in our stance -> the failure of the homo race, what we think about stupid humans who deny that, religious faggots , their ideology and what's left of real virtues and qualities. Thus it'due south very aroused stuff. Sad, the vocalist is temporarily unattainable because of heavy body edifice sessions combined with a most full rejection of food not of coffee, so these few sentences concerning the lyrics have to suffice."

Song titles such as 'Womb Of Shit' or '9mm Headfuck' on the new promo audio more than superficial. Does that imply a alter of direction or what are the songs about, Konni?
"It's me, and then no in depth comments possible once more. Just I recall the quintessence of the songs has not inverse but mere modified into a more aroused and hateful, thus besides more than straight and explicit management. Still antihuman feelings expressed in a more than gory way."

What inspires the lyrics to the songs and how important are they for the band and for Konni? I remember talking to him some fourth dimension ago and he regretted having published his lyrics for GALLERY OF DARKNESS (R. I. P.). What's the reason for it? Don't you think they're good enough or would you rather prefer some mystery around that? Is that still your opinion and will at that place never be lyrics in the upcoming CDs' booklets?
"As far equally I remember Konni is heavily inspired by some novels he read just I don't know the titles anymore, and then this "mystery" is my fault at the moment. Also everyday life and thoughts on humankind's developments may contribute to the lyrics. I just could assume he regretted that because he could have meliorate used the lyrics for DESPONDENCY very soon. But don't smash me on the aforementioned statements because I'thou non responsible for the lyrics and merely can state what I recall and know about Konni and his considerations. By the mode, the lyrics won't be printed in the booklet of the upcoming full length, either."

Equally far as I know your drummer Dirk created the DESPONDENCY logo. He doesn't have a computer, correct? Then that means he drew it past paw? Did he practice other logos every bit well? Can other bands contact him for making a logo for them as well?
"Haha, no he doesn't own such a crazy box! He is talented in drawing then as we needed a logo he drew one and it was OK for information technology'due south time. His logo recently was modified and transferred into the virtual worlds past Thomas of Necromaniac zine, also a highly talented guy regarding drawings and covers (except for the horns, goats and penises, haha). Dirk made some crude drafts of logos for idea-of side projects every bit far as I know just I don't think he has the time to describe for other bands. But I don't know really, in case of interest simply ask him."

Dirk used to play in OF Copse AND ORCHIDS (now INGURGITATING OBLIVION) too. What was the reason for him to concentrate on DESPONDENCY? Practice the guys from INGURGITATING all the same speak to you?
"The reason was just that he had to choose for i ring due to his lack of time. Both bands demand full devotion and commitment, so he concentrated on his ever main band DESPONDENCY. Don't know if in that location were other influences on his decision. As far every bit I experience it there are no hard feelings between the ii bands, they have always supported each other and so it should exist. We are also friends with some of the INGURGITATING guys for a long fourth dimension now."

How did your collaboration with F. Cthulhu E. (INGURGITATING) for that sick solo in 'Dogmatic Stranglehold' ("Extinction" mini CD) come to life? Did Dirk ask him? How do you handle that part in live situations nowadays? Maybe I should accept listened more advisedly at your last gig
"Every bit said, he supported and encouraged us since the starting time and after the difference of Patrick also agreed to help us out on the bass on four tracks during the "Extinction" recording sessions. If I remember correct he asked us if he could practise a solo for the MCD which we didn't refuse. No more solos neither in the studio nor live anymore, just concentration on the basics of brutal music. Were simply two in our songs and so far, though."

Was "Extinction" your commencement recording always or did you release any other demos before? How many copies of that CD did you sell and how many did you send out to labels? Did you lot become any response from the business side? How did the Decease Metallic fans answer?
"Yeah, the "Extinction" MCD was our first recording e'er. Information technology was financed, recorded and promoted all past ourselves. The 500 copies were transport to some labels in Germany and likewise abroad, as well every bit to mailorders, distributors and zines and are sold out for a long time at present. We even got ane or two offers from labels but that was nix nosotros searched for so nosotros refused and kept composing and waiting. The response from our contacts from all over the world was hardly believable for usa, we had never expected such overwhelming feedback on our first output!"

Where does that strange intro for 'Mocking The Blind' come up from and how does it fit into the record? Does that hateful y'all're mentally disturbed?
"Konni and I are fascinated by the Tv series and movie "Twin Peaks" by David Lynch, so we surfed the net and found two nice samples to use for the MCD. The third one is Charles Mason stating some unusual motto. I recall the samples are just weird and interesting and aren't specially linked to the respective rail. Merely crazy stuff! And if we wouldn't be mentally disturbed in a manner or another we wouldn't exist into farthermost Death Metallic, would we?"

You recorded the "Womb Of Shit" promo at the Soundlodge studio again, merely similar your debut mini CD. Did you consider other options likewise or was this your No. 1 choice? Some telephone call Jörg Uken the Peter Tägtgren of the underground as his productions always sound good but a footling faceless. Are y'all satisfied with his job and volition y'all record your showtime full length at that place equally well?
"Jörg Uken was always our first choice and then far. He's reliable, has skillful equipment, passion and knows how to handle his knobs. Non to mention the fair prices. Regarding his productions I can but say tastes differ. We were ever satisfied with the Audio of our records at the time we recorded them and got them produced, and then we recorded our first full length CD there again in late June. Expect the heaviest sound we got so far!"

The comprehend artwork for "Extinction" was created by the Clockwork Wizards – Tim from SENESCENCE, and so to speak – whereas Thomas Westphal (Necromaniac zine) is responsible for the "Womb Of Shit" cover. How come? Weren't you satisfied with Tim's piece of work or didn't he have the time? Who will create your next cover?
"Tim did a great chore for our kickoff offering but then moved to New Zealand presently after having layouted our stuff. Thomas is also a great artist and did a cracking job, too, although a bit different in way and expression. For both records nosotros came up with the concept and main ideas for cover and layout and Tim and Thomas and so experimented and put it together. Deather from Czech "In Deed Hell" zine made the cover for our upcoming "God On Acid" album, a stunning work as always and as we expected it from him."

I already mentioned your upcoming full length anthology. It will be released by Revenge Productions. How did you go the deal? What was your strategy? Was this your only offer or was there more than response? How many demos did yous send out? Why did you take the Revenge offering?
"We sent the "Womb Of Shit" Promo CD-R we recorded in October 2002 to numerous zines and labels again and got roundabout fifteen offers for cooperation back. Dani´south offering was i of the all-time merely what was almost decisive finally was the fact that he's situated in Frg then we have a meliorate control over what he'due south doing. We did a few trades and he showed interest in us, besides invited DESPONDENCY to his Ludwigshafen Deathfest concluding year where nosotros talked and negotiated about our expectations. Dani has a good reputation in the worldwide secret and endless contacts due to his long time presence in the scene and his underground work, so at last nosotros decided to cooperate with Revenge Prod.. Other interested labels were United Guttural, CDN and Deepsend Records among others."

You lot already played 2 new songs of that upcoming release live. Will in that location exist any old material on information technology, what can you tell usa nearly that CD today? Practice you already have a name for it? When will it be published? I guess it won't be out on vinyl? Does anybody in the band have a special relation to vinyl or exercise yous prefer the CD?
"'God On Acid' volition be out in late September 2003 and will consist of ix songs / ca. 33 minutes of hyper fast, brutal and heavy Death Metal in the most American way. The three Promo tracks volition be included again in new versions because they weren't published officially; we only sold some Promos on our concerts to cover our expenses. In that location will besides appear a new version of 'Highest Class Of Brutality' from the "Extinction" MCD so y'all go five "new" tracks, although to most people all songs will be totally unknown of class. As mentioned, Deather was responsible for the embrace, Thomas Westphal again for the layout and both did a hell of a good job! In that location will also be an on 500 copies limited vinyl version of the album out on Harry´s Autopsy Stench Records from Germany! We are very proud of that albeit (hither: "although" – I already looked up this word as a service for our readers, haha – Ramon) nosotros don't have a very special relationship to LPs and normally prefer CDs, I call back that's because of our rather young age. But it volition exist a very special feeling to agree my own LP anthology in my hands for sure!"

By the manner, you've get a lot ameliorate in alive situations over the last 15 months: Konni looks more self-confident and aggressive and y'all movement a lot more (although information technology could exist fifty-fifty better). When did y'all drop your despondency? And what about a decent tour? There were people from The netherlands at your gig in Leer!
"Thanks for your kind words, that's since the Ludwigshafen Deathfest I think, there we did a great bear witness ´cause we had rehearsed a lot before. There was a little bout planned throughout Europe this fall which unfortunately didn't work out, but Dani tries to organize something for side by side year. We try to play some festivals again next spring and summer, nosotros already got offers regarding that, and we will definitely try to go to the United states of america next year to play some shows! So fourth dimension will tell, we attempt everything. Adjacent gigs are at the NRW Deathfest on September 20th, Ludwigshafen again on October 25th and the Gothenburg Deathfest on Nov 1st."

With people similar Dirk and Konni in your ring I'thousand sure you accept a funny story for us?
"Mike and Dirk always talking silly shit in "Arschkrampen" style (a German comedy), I mean when they're not discussing well-nigh pussies at the moment. Konni permanently adores himself and his strength and states his abilities every bit a lover and Heiko hardly says annihilation. I feel like the only intelligent person on globe standing inbetween this show and endeavor to get through the rehearsal as quick every bit possible to finally come under people with brains once more, hehe (remember who's doing this intie!)."

Famous last words?
"Thanks for this interview with very special and unusual questions Ramon, and the space and support in the earth famous Voices mag! Hope my English language didn't drive y'all crazy. All the fans of brutal and fast US way Decease Metal should check us out on the web www.despondency.de and leave a note in the guestbook! Also check out our upcoming album on Revenge Prod. in late September, you won't regret information technology! And at that place are T-shirts available! Just contact DESPONDENCY at: Steffen Ilm, Pferdemarkt 16 three/09, 26121 Oldenburg, Frg, Email: deadilm@web.de, www.despondency.de, www.revengeproductions.de Cheerz, Steffen / Despondency!"

Interview & pics: Ramon Claassen

smithmabovery.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interview/despondency/

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