- Interviews -

Guido Brieke - vocals
Karsten Knüppel - guitar
Holger Simon - guitar
Jens Schröder - bass
Ron Michel - keys
Chris Klapper - drums

We interviewed CUSTARD from Germany. A not so new band who finally receives the recognition they diserve after the release of their great album "For my King". They are now writing songs for the new album which is being awaited by the metal fans worldwide. Here´s what Jens Schröder, bass player of CUSTARD answered in name of the band.

1.-How and when did Custard begin?
I guess it was in 1987 / 1988 when we decided to found a group. It was a little bit funny because none of us could play an instrument.

2.- Who were you influenced by?
It differs from person to person, we listened to the same music like all metal "freaks". I don´t know which bands influenced each of us, it's difficult to say. I think it changes from time to time cause the style of the bands changes also. Bands continusly change and develop .

3.- Are your lyrics based on any specifical topic?
Yes, they have one "main topic" like every kind of music: freedom, justice and liberty. That are the things for which we "fight" in our songs. But please don't take it too serious.

-Custard

4.- What´s about the new line-up?
It is not easy to find a proper replacement for a good musician.In summer of 2001 Chris told me that Micha will leave Custard and that he would be pleased if I could join them. But he did not tell me that I would then have a hard job to do cause there were gigs four or five weeks ahead and I had to be 100 per cent fit!!! Now I know that before enjoying it you have to work hard. Holger is a real good replacement for Dirk. Besides the musical part it is almost more important to get along with each other well. Finally you spend a lot of time together. It is more difficult for Hoger than for me. He has to learn all the solos...I am glad not having to do his job...he,he

5. -What represented to the band to be included in several Nuclear Blast tributes(ABBA,Scorpions, Accept)?
It is great to be on a CD with so many other bands. But ABBA for example is not really our thing, but if you have 3 older sisters like Chris and me you know ABBA inside out.

6. - Did you expected such success with "For my King"?
When "FMK" was released I was no member of CUSTARD. The others hoped for more attention, also appreciation for the improvement compared to the preceding releases.

7.-When does the band plans to release their next album?
At the moment we are writing new songs, it takes some time until you have enough good material for a new CD. Of course we are very interested in releasing a new CD asap.

8.-Which has been your biggest show ´till today?
From my point of view, the Wacken gig. Unfortunately, I was just the driver of the equipment car at that time.

9.-Are you planning any tour (europe or abroad)?
Last year we had the possibility to go on tour with Paul Dianno at the same time Dirk quited and Karsten was waiting for the birth of his son and so on...It did not work and as far as I know Paul did not go on tour as well. Now we have another possibility to go on tour but nothing is firm yet.

10. - Today there are lots of bands involved with power metal with epic lyrics do you think it´s becoming a trend?
I think it really fits. The powerful music and the heroical texts with their wish for justice and so on. I think the music of „SIGNS" with a text of Tits and Whiskey might be kind of ridiculous.

11.-Any final words for our readers?
I just want to thank all those folks that bought our CD! TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG, WE ARE THE FIGHTING SONS.


Interviewed by Jerec