|
THE ARCHIVES
|
Morrigan's Pit has closed down as of November 2006. The site and its articles will stay online as an archive until September at least, but probably longer.
The Archives
2002-2006
» CD REVIEWS
» INTERVIEWS
» LIVE REVIEWS
» SPECIALS
|
|
|
|
|
WIZARD
|
Sven D'Anna
August 2005
http://www.legion-of-doom.de
I wish everyone would listen to some real, pure metal every now and then, for I believe that many who call themselves metalhead don't even really know what pure metal is. Wizard would be a good choice and they are also blessed with one of the best singers in the scene! With their 6th album "Magic Circle" they introduce new guitarist Dano Boland, he replaces Michael "Massi" Maass who won't participate in the band for the next few years for professional reasons. Singer Sven D'Anna took some time to answers my questions:
"Magic Circle" is your 6th album, is it hard to find inspiration for a new album each time? After all your style hasn't changed over the years. It can't be easy to keep it all interesting.
At the moment I don't see any problems there yet. Volker (bass) alone has so many ideas in his head, that I'm afraid we won't have enough time on this earth to realize them all. With Dano, our new addition, we get some fresh blood in the band after more than 15 years.
To us it's important that we like the songs that we write. And I have to admit that to me it's everything but boring to listen to our albums. If several metal fans see that differently, that's OK too, but as I said, first of all our own personal satisfaction counts. Each band that tells you differently lies! There is no band in this world that makes music just for their fans, that can't be, that wouldn't be fun at all.
Can you elaborate on Michael Maass' 3 year break for "personal and professional reasons"? How did you find Dano Boland?
Massi had to take some time off, because he started a training next to his job. That means he has to work from 7am to 5pm and additionally go to school 3 nights a week. He also has to study and has a family. That doesn't leave much space for the music. We are glad Massi spoke to us openly and gave us the chance to carry on. Like I said Dano brings new blood to the band and I'm very happy we have him. Even more I look forward to the day Massi and Dano will be on stage together, that will be killer!
Ah so you'll continue with two guitarist when Massi comes back? That's cool :)
Is "Don't Say Goodbye" for Massi by any chance??
Yes, we wrote this song solely for Massi. I personally have shed many tears and I'll be very happy when he gets back. The song means a lot to me.
Did Dano already contribute in the songwriting on "Magic Circle"?
Yes, Dano didn't write much yet, but he did participate in some songs. He has a thrash background and I think he embeds that very well. We are already writing new songs and we can all be curious what it will sound like this time :)
I haven't seen the video of "Warriors Of The Night" yet, can you tell us something about that?
It's about filming the story - many fight scenes, several segments with the band etc. can be seen in it. It took a lot of time and effort to film this video, but it was worth it.
What do you think of the constant comparisons to Manowar? I mean, I'm guilty too, I also made a reference to them in my review, but you guys certainly have too much your own style to be called the "German answer to Manowar".
Ah, I don't want to hear this Manowar talk anymore. In your next Manowar interview you should ask why they are the American answer to Wizard ha ha ha… I can see only few resemblances, but in the end I don't really care. People should say whatever they wish….
I think you are easily one of the best singers in the metal scene, has any band ever tried to steal you away?
Oh thank you, you managed to get me blushing at this hour (11.14pm) :) I have helped out several bands, but never for long. Wizard is and will always be my life and I don't think I would ever seriously do anything else.
I saw you in Bochum with Symphorce and Grave Digger, great show! How was that tour for you?
Next to meeting my wife and the birth of my son, that tour was the absolutely coolest thing in my life. We got along great with the other bands and the fans were very enthusiastic each night, that was really a dream! It was a big honour to tour with Grave Digger and Symphorce and my biggest wish would be to tour again with that package.
One of the funniest moments of the gig was the Uruk-Hai "uh! uh! uh!" chants Volker made us do. Now there is this song "Uruk-Hai" with the chants. You didn't play that then though, or did I miss something?
No, the idea for that song was born on that tour. After I told Volker he should start thinking of new metal speeches for a change, he came up with the Uruk-Hai chants and that lead to the song. It was really great how the fans welcomed Grave Digger on the stage with a loud "uh! uh! uh!" ha ha ha....
Do you have any tourplans to support "Magic Circle"?
No, this year we'll only do some gigs at the weekends. Unfortunately we don't have the money right now to do a complete tour. We are planning a tour for 2006 however. Let's see how that works out.
With which band would you really love to go on tour?
I don't have a specific wish, the main thing is that it's fun.
Wouldn't it be time for a cool live CD or even DVD after 6 studio albums?
We have a lot of material, but unfortunately we again don't have enough money and time to produce a good DVD. But I hope that day will come.
Is anyone of you involved with other bands or projects next to Wizard?
I sing in a coverband, we play songs of Maiden, Anthrax, Dio, Accept etc., but that's just for fun. Volker is working on a project at the moment, the others aren't doing anything like that.
What CDs have you been listening to lately? Do you listen to other styles of metal or music in general, that your fans may not expect of you?
Oh I'm quite open when it comes to musical taste. To me fun is important. My favorite at the moment is the new Brainstorm.
Excellent choice haha (I'm their webmaster ;)).
Thanks for your time! Any last words for our readers?
I thank you for this interview and I hope we'll play in Holland and Belgium soon. Thanks to all the fans that supported us all these years. For information check www.legion-of-doom.de.
IN THE SIGN OF THE WIZARD
Sven
submitted by Marlies 24.10.2005
|
|
|
|
|
