Can you guys describe your blend of music for those who are not familiar with your sound?
It's a kind of blend of noises, harsh guitar and gnarling, fuzzed voices - and by saying something like this we have only repeated what's written in Testify- infos and reviews. It's a pity. Always you end up in some worn-out standards.
How did decide to marry metal and electronic music together?
It was to a time (early 90's) when we found out that the new aesthetic of metal guitars would wonderfully fit in our electronical constructions- the somehow thicker, deeper, broader guitar-sound of latter times. So we set them into our EBM-arrangements - and lo! - Testify was born.
Were all of you into the metal scene before Testify?
As you may guess by now: some Testifylers come from the electronic fields, where samplers and noise-sounds rule. All of the founder members, to be honest. But nowadays the metal-section is strong in the Testify-circle, with all those crazy guitar-players and drummers and what not.
In America, people tend to associate industrial music with the sound of Nine Inch Nail, Skinny Puppy and older acts like Front 242. How has the industrial scene evolved, and, or different from that of America?
I think in fact there are two Industrial definitions, at least here in Europe: the older version from the eighties meaning pure Noise Industrial like Cabaret Voltaire or The Art Of Noise - and the younger definition initiated by stuff like Ministy's Psalm 69-album: the more guitar-oriented Industrial.
What do you think about the current state of industrial music in the United States?
I fear we Testifylers are too far off from the US-scene to comment on it, at least I am for the time being: so crushed by ever making Noise-constuctions that I rarely listen to other groups, even not to the far closer European scene...
In your opinion, do you think Europeans are more open to different kinds of music?
I think there are two kinds of listeners, probably through out the whole globe: those who are open to numerous different kinds of music, but often not a real fan of something - and those who are narrowed to one single style-phenomenon. But only out off this second party comes the hard-core-fans. That love and adore - and condemn - for example if a band changes the sound a bit.
Why do you like to make industrial music instead of straight on metal?
We really prefer this combining of noise-atmosphere with guitars to metal pure - must be somehow in our veins or so.
What artists are having an impact on your music?
Most people suspect Ministry - and they are not too far from truth I fear; but besides we copy two or three more similiar acts.
How do you get inspired and contruct you music?
I get inspired by watching MTV: seeing other bands in their glorious shine of success makes me envious beyond compare - so I rush up into the home-studio to put together the next arrangement promising the breakthrough, har -
Do you have any special messages in your last release?
The message is: don't let yourself get eaten up by envy!
TESTIFY PAGE | NEXT INTERVIEW 