Could you as an introduction, tell something about how you got started and how did everyone in the current line-up meet? Which was your motivation to create the band?

After long musical-discussions with my singer in THE SYGNET, I decided not to work with him any longer. At this point, I already had recorded all the basics for a new album. So I was looking for a new singer. I really liked DC's solo album and I contacted him over my management. He was interested and a few weeks later we've met in my living room. We started working on the vocal lines for the material and became friends, which is very important. Then we went to Brazil to play some shows...... He with his solo band and I with PRIMAL FEAR. At this point, nobody knew, that we are working together and we kept the secret. After the Brazil shows we continued working in the studio and finished the record. The other guys, André and Totte has been also involved in the whole recording progress. After the release we went to Japan to do a little acoustic tour. And we did a lot of promo in Europe. Then we went on tour all over Europe with STRATOVARIUS, which was a great gig!!! My motivation..... hmm, after being for 12 years in SINNER, I needed to do something by my own. I'm since 12 years in the shadow of Mat (I don't mean this bad, but people just don't care who is playing guitar in Sinner) and I was tired to be in somebody's shadow. I'm talented enough to have my own shadow :)

You're currently working on your second album "Infatuator", can you give us a hint of how it will be like? What will be the basic idea behind the concept?

It is faster, heavier, straighter, more in your face. There will be a Trilogy about the Roman Empire.... but this time it is not a concept album.

How would you describe the sound of your new album and how different it will be from your previous release?

Like I said, heavier, faster, straighter.......

What influences, besides other music, helps the development of the music and lyrics?

The music, the melody is always around you..... it flows around your head and it is always in the room. You just have to get the vibe for it and then.....pick it! And of course you are influenced by the social life... watch TV and get sick of it!! The lyrics..... I don't know how DC is doing that. He just thinks a few minutes, then he is talking to himself....and then he starts writing. It is amazing.

Are there any colaborations/special guests on the album?

We are trying to get Tobias Sammet (Edguy) for one song... but nothing is confirmed yet.

How the work of composition is divided in the band? Are you still writing most of the music, or will any of the other members participate with it?

I wrote some of the material at home.... and the rest we did with the whole band in the rehearsal room. This was also great.... we had a good vibe in the practice room and we came up with great melodies. It was really important to work as a team together.

Can you describe the personalities of each band member, what are their qualities which makes them unique?

We are so different, totally different characters, but when we play together, there is something magic. André is a very talented drummer, sometimes he really surprises me with his ideas. If I'm stocked in a composing progress, he looks at me and then he just sings a melodie... and it is there....!! Jürgen is the one with a lot of theoretic skills. He is always transposing notes and chanching keys.....also very important for neo-classical things. And he is Mr. Organizer... if something is not working, he fixes it. That's why we call him Mc.Gyver. Totte is very enthusiastic, with very good skills. When he starts playing Moog Solos... I love him to death. He is full of talent... DC... well I think there is not enough space to talk about his amazing voice. And he is a great performer on stage. Whenever he is on stage, he is 100% alive...

How important is the guitar player for a band? Do you think that he is an equal member or a leading personality and why?

I'm sorry to say that, but most of the time the guitarplayers are the leaders in a band....sharing the position with the singer. We try to work as a team, but if there is to much of a discussion you need somebody who is able to end the discussion... It also depends on how good you are as a musician. Everybody has respect if you are a good musician...

Something about you, Alex... which guitarists influence you today? And which are the most inspirational in terms of style and technique?

Today, nobody influences me anymore... Actually I hate all this new stuff like NU Metal. The guitar work is nothing special... Where are the real guitar heroes in these days??? But I'm influenced by Randy Rhoads (I saw him live with Ozzy when I was 15...... and it changed my life), Georg Lynch, John Sykes, Gary Moore, Blackmore and....... Yngwie! The most inspirational for me were .......hm....... Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen.

You have worked as a producer for The Sygnet and as far as I know you're always involved in the Sinner productions, right? What are you looking for in the bands that you produce?

Yes, that's right. Well I'm looking for the right moment to catch the best spirit of the musician... And the band has to be able to give me goosebumps. And they have to be believers!!!

Besides Silent Force you are a member of Sinner. In your opinion, which are the differences and similarities between the two bands?

The difference is, that Silent Force is more classical influenced. Sinner is more German Style, more straight... The similarities are... both bands kickin live like a Hammer!!

How were the recent NTS and Pittsburgh festivals? Any exciting or funny stories you'd like to share?

Phew... the NTS festival was a big sucess for us. There is no funny story about it.... it was a really good organized festival and I hope there will be more festivals like this for us in the near future. Pittsburgh was a bit different. We had so much troubles with customs and other shit. The whole story you'll find HERE.

Did you find any differences between the fans over here and in the States?

The fans in Europe are more lucky... because they are able to listen to a lot of real Metal. In the States it is really hard to find a good Metal Band... it is almost dead. But it comes back!! And I think the European fans are more agressive in a good way.

What do you enjoy the most about playing in festivals? Do you prefer playing festivals, in front of a sea of fans, or headlining smaller shows, more intimate places?

Hard to say. I had some of my best moments in front of 4000 - 6000 people, but it is also great to play for 400 people... If the mood is there it doesn't matter.

How was the tour with Stratovarius and Heavenly last year? How people react in your lives and what those that haven't seen you before should expect?

We had so much fun with these guys. Heavenly and we were sharing the bus... we had alot of parties. Check the Tour-Report on our page... you're gonna laugh your ass of: www.silent-force.rocks.de/empire.html Check also the gallery. There are many pictures of the crowd, backstage, live, in the bus and more!!! They should expect a very powerfull show of 5 musicians with big balls. And one thing is sure... we are moving on stage, rockin, smokin. Not like other bands which are standing one hour on the same spot!!!!

Where are the places that gives more response to SF? Where would you say the band is the most popular?

I would say Japan and France are leading right now. But the statistics of our homepage shows many hits from all over the world. Germany is also huge right now.

Finally, what do you think about the internet as medium for Heavy Metal-bands, for promotion, information and all of that?

As long as you don't use MP3 and all this shit... it is great. The whole scene is self organized from people who loves this type of music from the bottom of their heart, and that's great

OK Alex, the space is yours if you wanna leave a message for the readers...

Easy to say... come to Wacken and see us play! And hope to see you soon on tour. May the force be with you...

That's all, my friend. It was a great pleasure!! ;) Thanx & good luck with the new CD.

Thanks for the interview. Take care and I hope to see you soon on tour -Alex-

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