Deathchain Interview

1. Introduce yourself, and what is the hidden symbolism behind the name?

Hi, my name is Cult and I play in Deathchain. My stage name is referring to my other side, to put it brief. “The side that is hidden.”

2. Do you feel you are portraying a message to the masses that we can all relate to?

Yes, we have a message, definitely. But not everyone can or will relate to it, since the majority of the human race is very ignorant. The message is: Don't accept ready doctrines, think for you and only Metal and Death are real.

3. Do you have any favorite tracks off any of your albums?

My all time favorite Deathchain song is probably "Return of the Nemesis". The energy level on that one is just amazing! I enjoy playing to all Deathchain material, though and I think the best songs are yet to come. The new album has the strongest overall selection of songs.

4. What's the process behind "Death Eternal"? Are you satisfied with its final artwork, song work etc.

Actually, we are very satisfied with "Death Eternal"! Personally, it was my first album with Deathchain, so this whole year has been a process of becoming used of being a part of Deathchain. The recording itself went great, the atmosphere was very good all the time, maybe because we recorded the album out in the woods in the summer, down by the lake, away from distractions hehehe. The artwork is amazing as you might have noticed, I love it! I think "Death Eternal" shows the condition of Deathchain in the year 2008 very well.

5. I was listening to your musical style and the band that came to my mind was Katakylsm have you heard of them? I think the vocals really nail it right on. Especially with "Serpent of the Deep," this sounds similar to Katalysm’s “Slither”.
No, I haven't heard of them before, maybe the name of the band is familiar to me? I hope they sound great, haha!

6. What is music for you? Does it bring you some new emotions or it helps you to get ride of some negative emotions?

It's both of those things and more. Of course, music is a channel to get rid of frustrations and negative things. You can let off steam instead of keeping it all inside, you know? And music can be used as a tool, also. As a ritual.

7. Why do you think the 80s has enjoyed such a huge comeback? Have you had a chance to listen to the new AC/DC or Metallica albums, opinions on them?

You could already see the 80s coming back almost a decade ago. Many metal genres such as black metal, death metal and thrash metal were born in the 80s, so I guess it is a "back to the roots" thing, the aggression and the feeling was more pure, rawer back in the old days. I've heard the new Metallica album, and I really dislike it. But it don't bother me at all, I've given up on them ages ago anyway.

8. You guys recently did the video for "Serpent of the Deep," how did that work out and who did you shoot that with?

The video was made a little bit before I joined the band, so I don't know that much about the making of it. Our video crew did a great job, 'cause I think it's a very good music video! I always prefer the videos where they just show the band playing the song, instead of cheap effects or a cheap plot. Special effects and storylines can be impressive also, but they have to be done with good taste and with effort.

9. Noticed that "Death Eternal," hit number 13 on the Finnish charts what were your reactions? Especially the number, being "13".

Well, it's of course a great thing to know that people are actually listening to our music. And in Deathchain history, this was the best chart position so far, so I could say that things are going in the right direction. Hehe, lucky number "13", hopefully it's a good omen....

10. When do we plan to see DeathChain hit the U.S.?

Ohh how I'd like to visit California! We hope to go touring Europe and the States, as soon as possible and as much as possible! Lot of things is still open concerning next year, so let's see if we could hit the road soon again. We certainly are ready!

11. How are the holidays treating you? Any New Year's Resolutions?

Unfortunately I have to say that "no rest for the wicked", since I'm very busy with a million practical things. I try to relax a bit while doing cool stuff, like right now; I'm having a cold can of Budweiser while doing this interview, hehe....

12. I noticed your list has some major hitters on it ranging from Cannibal Corpse to Slayer, have you had a chance to tour with them or anything? What do these bands you listed mean to you?

Last year Deathchain supported Nile on their Finnish tour, and in 2005 Deathchain was touring Europe with Destruction and Candlemass. It's always great to meet someone who has influenced you musically or otherwise. For example, Rotting Christ from Greece has been one of my favorite bands for me since the 90s, so it was great to perform in the same festival with them and to talk a little bit with Sakis.

13. What do you think about the economy and recession we're currently facing right now, I'm not sure if your terrain is but I know the U.S. is going through it and it’s really rough right now during the holidays?

I think the recession will hit other parts of Europe harder than the North. The structure of economic and society everywhere is meant to go to a certain direction, big corporations taking over. And there's not much we can do individually, except to resist it. Unless you wanna believe that your vote counts, maybe it does, who knows?

14. If you could describe your music to a stranger in 3 words, what would they be?
Aggressive, painful slaughter.

15. Any other final thoughts or comments?

Yeah, LIFE INFERNAL, DEATH ETERNAL! Have a great year 2009 and hope to seeya on gigs someday! Thanks for the interview!

http://www.deathchain.com/