|
For some reason I should take over the interview with the German youngsters The Claymore which I just had heard about... But okay, no big deal, coz I should get the CD and stuff before the interview. Unfortunately the mail didn't delivered it in time and so I just knew the 2 tracks from their homepage when bassist Christian called me punctually. I explained the situation and we started a little chit-chat. First I asked Christian to give a short overlook about the beginning of the band. "Actually I played for a few years in a band with our guitarist Kai Schwittek and drummer Hardy Kölzer. We were looking for a singer and finally found Andy. Then the other guitarist left and we were looking for another one. And so Sebastian Busacker came in. We decided to re-start and searched for a new name. That was in August 2000." It took awhile and they named Claymore, but soon learnt that there is another band and so they added the article and became The Claymore. Next step was to the domain for their website and to register the name, at least in Germany. And they already started to make themselves known with playing live in the area they are living. "Next we play at the Westfalenfestival in Dortmund on October 12th." There they will share the stage with Squealer and Tankard. The band played live a lot, especially in 2001, but most are local shows. The last bigger thing was the Steel Meets Steel festival which they organized and where Angel Dust headlined. Playing live is essential for the quintet, coz it helps them to choose their songs or at least gives them an idea, if they should change something. "The best shows we had when we played at a pub here in Castrop-Rauxel. It is sized for about 150 people and often there are about 200! The reactions of the audience made us choose the songs for the demo. If a song couldn't stand that test, we kick it, take out the best part and create something new." And so 10 songs ended up at the demo. Songwriting is a band thing, everybody is involved and if someone doesn't like it, they overdo it. For the five-piece it's important that everybody feels comfortable. But what kind of music is it, you might ask... "I don't know... It's pretty hard for me to describe it, but I heard several times that people say it has an American touch. And name Nevermore..." When I listened to the 2 mp3 tracks my first impression was something about Nevermore and Iced Earth... But that can't explain their sound at all. It's just a hint. They have power, melody and some complex parts...
The 10 songs kinda documented the developing of the band, coz it has the first song they have written as well as latest material. With this demo the band is now looking for a deal. "It seems that the labels aren't interested in signing a German newcomer." But the Germans have hope, especially because their demand of quality they have for themselves is extremely high. It's their aim and the belief in themselves. "Perhaps we are a little to idealistic..." For a band it not necessarily has to be bad to be idealistic, but the person who is doing business should be more realistic.... "Actually we found someone who takes over the business part yet. He will take over the management and already started to shop around for a deal." At the moment Christian couldn't say more then they are hoping to sign a deal and release a CD in spring 2003. "I don't know, if we will re-record the songs, coz the demo - even if it has a good quality - hasn't the sound to put it on disk. Perhaps they want us to add a track or two, perhaps they want us to record something brand-new." Then it might happen that their demo which was limited to 500 copies become rare... After the release the band hope that they can play some more shows all over Germany and perhaps some in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Meanwhile they play one more show in their area. "On Friday - August 30th - we play at the Datteln Kanalfestival. We play at 9 pm at the stage at the harbour which is called Rock am Hafen and we are opening the event on that stage." The festival is lasting the whole weekend, but isn't presenting just metal. "It will be the last time we play at events which are not just metal, even if it's funny to read in a newspaper you bands name next to Klaus Lage (German rock singer - ed.)." Also the band decided to play no longer cover versions, coz their are tired of the comments and comparisons they get afterwards. "I think we have enough material and our own sound that we need cover versions no longer. Even if it's nice, if people compare you with Iron Maiden..."
At least I should mention that it was a well thought decision to put the badly drawn cover on the demo. "We wanted to make sure that the listener - if journalist or A&R - pays attention to the music and not just because of a nice cover!" The music is what they want to sell and hopefully soon a record label will pay attention... There are quite a few bands signed which can't compete with the quintet... But at least, if they believe in themselves and in what they are doing, then they will make it sooner or later... Good luck!
|
|
