Convictors Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

First of all thank you for the interview and greets to the underground. In 1985 -86 a group of metal heads came together with same interests on music. At that time Destruction, Slayer, Kreator, Sodom, Metallica published their album and Possessed published the legendary "Seven Churches". For four metal heads out of this group it was clear they must establish their own band. Convictors was born. Atom "drums" and Lasse "guitar" at that time had training lessons on their instrument. Based on that the roles were finally allotted (Fabian, vocals, Atom, drums, Lasse, guitar and Thomas, bass). After finding a rehearsal room the equipment was organized and the adventure of creating own metal songs could begin. After the finalization of three songs the demo tape "The last Judgment" was recorded in the rehearsal room. The demo tape was published and sold in some magazines. A few months later the band split up. Regardless of this new band situation still most of the metal heads together were visiting concerts. These metal heads are still existing and today are called: "Convictors Crew". Yeah with the band the story went on again in 2008 when Fabian and Lasse asked Atom and Zimmi to join the band for new songs. They jumped in and new songs were created. The EP "Abdication of Humanity" was recorded and mastered from Christoph Brandes in the Iguana Studios. After playing some gigs and the publication of the new EP Zimmi and Atom left due to some musical differences. That was the time when Zufi (drums) and Samuel (bass, backing vocals) joined the band. Both were good known also as friends from the Metal Maniacs in Lörrach. A new rehearsal room was found and shared with Destination Hell. New songs were created and some gigs were played. For the 25th anniversary of Convictors the song "Epitome of Decay" was recorded and published as a video. In 2014 Convictors went back to Christoph Brandes in the Iguana Studios for recording the first 8 track CD. Now it is the time that the audience should listen to the new CD. One song "Proclivity" was selected to produce the new video which was published on Youtube ---- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3otMgcKHyxo

2.You have a new album coming out in October, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

The 2009 EP differs in quiet some of points to the 2014 CD. For example the guitars are tuned down, the vocals are more brutal and the drums often heavier additionally faster. Yeah it is still Old School Death Metal but with more volume and power. The production is modern comparing to the former one. All in all the CD sounds exactly how we have expected it. Let's wait and see the reaction of the fans. We move since years on this way and we still go further in this direction. Very likely that the in the future new songs will sound again more brutal with some more extreme slowdowns. Convictors is still developing…

3.This is the first recording to be released in 5 years, can you tell us a little bit more about the gap between releases?

The time in between was used to reorganize the band. That includes creating new songs and playing a few gigs and visiting festivals with friends and other metal heads, just keep on moving.

4.The band was broken up for 21 years, what was the decision behind the split and also the decision to reform? Yes the split was quite long time ago… But all in all there were circumstances like no money, different interests especially in music, missing opportunities in finding new members and last but not least the professional education. During all the years after the split the friendship of most of the members were still existent. After an interesting article about Convictors which were found on a website, the reunion was done quite fast. Zimmi joined the band as a new bassist. Since Zimmi and Atom were playing together in another band a rehearsal room was also available.

5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Our lyrics reflect the dark side of society their effects and as it mentioned on the title of the CD "Envoys of Extinction".

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Convictors'?

In 1986 the band was looking for a non-existing word. The band name should contain something with conviction and victory. So e.g a human being was sentenced to death and got after the judgment his freedom. It was a kind of "German Thinking" for contriving a new word.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Every show had something special, e.g one concert was in a cave and the atmosphere there was awesome.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?

Honestly the feedback differs. In some countries they really like our music in others they prefer the more brutal death metal style. But hopefully we will find some more new folks which share our fervidness for Old School Death Metal and support us in the underground with the new CD.

However, we keep our style and remain true to ourselves.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Zufis Thrash Metal Band Pessimist released the last album in 2013 in the meantime they played also several shows e.g. Beastival where also Destruction, Kreator, Sodom performed their shows. One year earlier Samuels Melodic Death Metal Band Maersung released their debut album. After a few shows and a half year break they are back on stage.

10.I noticed on the album while the music was mostly old school death metal, there where a couple of tracks that had a more modern sound along with one song having pig squeal's, is this something that you plan on experimenting more with in the future or will the music be mostly in the old school death metal tradition?

That's correct, we play the old style of Death Metal mixed with new elements. All in all it was recorded and mastered in a more modern style. That's the mix of the new CD. The best example here is the song "Diabolical Female" which is a remake of the original song "Diabolic Female" from the 86 demo version or the song "Epitome of Decay" which is modern. Also brilliant is the realization of modern cover and booklet artwork with the old "end of the world" story. Altogether the complete package is straight forward.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Just to mention some of the bands: Dissection, Destruction, Cannibal Corpse, Slayer, Kreator, Kataklysm, Insomnium, Sodom, In Flames, Misfits, Death, Suffocation, Possessed, Children of Bodom and many more…

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

First of all we have jobs to earn money. We also produce movies on level of trash films. Not long time ago the new movie was published to the audience. Some of us like doing sports and of course we do like visiting metal parties, festivals and underground sessions. In the border triangle (South Germany, North Switzerland and Elsass (France)) there is an active underground scene. Last but not least to mention our families and friends where we are spending our time.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? 

Remain true oneself and belong to the underground metal scene. Thanks' for giving us the opportunity to communicate to you. Stay Evil and see you all on festivals and concerts! Keep a cool head.