One of the main things that I hear in SIELWOLF's sound is the mind-numbing quality of the rhythms, which mesh with the heavy guitars to give a very distinctive feel. I was wondering how you would describe SIELWOLF for those that have yet to hear the band? What qualities do you feel make SIELWOLF unique?
Its a mixture between a sampling concept (electronical sound) and life sound with industrial influences . Characteristic are that the aggressive parts change with the more introvert quiet parts.
It seems like the vocals are treated more as an additional instrument, an additi onal layer of the wall of sound, rather than the focal point of the band. What sort of effect do you feel that this has on the music?
You are right, they are used as an additional instrument but the lyrics are very personal for Peter. He shows much of his inside , inner conflicts and fears. Its very difficult to translate them in english because most sentences are associations of feelings in a symbolized way.
Give us some details about your album, MAGNUM FORCE. I understand that the song, "Magnum Force", has met with a lot of success in Europe.
Magnum Force was made before the Ministry album Psalm 69 came out, so many people asked if we copied Ministry. Our record company ran out of money so it took them quite a while to bring it out (we paied the studio ourselves, because we really wanted to bring it out as soon as possible). It became a indie hit in German clubs. The samples are choosed by a concept: the first sample is of Dirty Harry (German synchronizer), Apocalypse Now's Marlon Brando, Public Enemy. It's a parody about violence.
Describe SIELWOLF's songwriting process. How has it evolved, and where do you s ee it going in the future? Do you have any sort of goal in mind whenever you are writing new material?
In the past we had the samples first and built everything else around. That made the concept! We were using loops of sounds most of the times with our old sampler (Fz1). Now it's less work with the Akai. Lyrics were written seperately of the songs not for them. Now we work more with rythms and sounds first. Peter used to be a drummer in the past.
What can we expect in the future from SIELWOLF? Can you give any details on your upcoming album, NACHSTROM? In what musical direction does this album seem to be doing? Are there any new songs or ideas that you are particularly excited ab out?
Nachtstrom is the follow up album of Magnum force and the concept is simular to Magnum force. We brought out two more albums in Germany, more slow and introvert and produced by Mick Harris/Scorn (the albums are called 4 and remixes 1996/1997).
Is there anything about SIELWOLF that tends to get overlooked or misinterpreted?
Sometimes this harder, faster, louder image gets on our nerves. We are not just a heavy band. It wouldn't satisfy us at all. We like to experiment with different styles.
How would you describe SIELWOLF in a live environment? Do you feel that SIELWOLF is primarily an in-the-studio or a live band? Do you have a specific goal in mind when you set foot on stage? What sort of audience do you tend to attract t o your live performances?
Both, we love to play live because you can express much better what the music describes. Sometimes we add little art performances on stage to make it more visual.
Is there a prevalent philosophy behind the band in regards to religion, society, or politics? How do you feel about extremist groups? Is there ever any disagreement between bandmembers in this regard? How do you feel that this affects SIELWOLF's musical output?
No certain philosophy behind the band but we don't like extreme groups like skinheads or very conservative people with no ideas and aims except money. It's quite healthy if people live out their sexuality even if it is extreme. There is not much disagreement between bandmembers, Peter and me agree most of the times and the others are good musicians who are competent in realising the concept, especially live.
What lyrical themes are dealt with on MAGNUM FORCE?
Lyrical themes are about television communication, Videodrome, the movie that you can change in a physical way, mutate and destroy yourself with getting too much into your fantasies, especially if you isolate yourself on a point where you have to make a decision between inner world and real world.
One of the most interesting parts of the album for me was the conclusion to "Das Neue Fleisch", where what sounds like a really messed-up, ghostly choir sound is used. I was wondering if you could give any details behind this song - for instance, what does that choir-like sound represent or what the song is about.
It's translated as "the new flesh", (again /Videodrome). The chorus is a sample of Christoph Pendereckie about the victims of Hiroshima, apocalyptic version in the brain.
It has often been said that the heavy use of electronics takes the humanity out of music - how would you respond to this?
We use sounds but we sound organic, in general I think thats a conservative opinion, every artist should use what he thinks it expresses most, by the way it's very realistic to take to keep humanity out sometimes.
What are some of the best and worst features of being an underground band?
Best is that you are not under pressure to make hit and you can expess yourself much better in an underground way. You meet much more interesting people, who help you to develope. Worst features are that you always have to hope that there is money for the next record. Underground labels have less money.
Any closing comments?
I find it a little difficult to answer an interview if I don't see the person. I am always interested who is behind it. Computer takes the humanity out of life. But it's reality !
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