POWERWOLF – Interview with Falk Maria Schlegel (Organist)

Being on tour with Nocturnal Rites and Gamma Ray, organist Falk Maria Schlegel has got a few things to tell. And what about the upcoming album? Check this:

Hello Falk! Nice that you bring a little time. In April 2005 you have released your album “Return in bloodred”. Indeed, I am a little late in it, but it is still absolutely interesting to talk about this amazing album… Tell me, where do you come from, who are you and how where and when did the history of POWERWOLF begin?

The band was founded by the brothers Greywolf. The boys have already played music for many years, however, never found the right people to begin a band like POWERWOLF and to celebrate their dream of Heavy Metal of such type. With a short trip in Romania, I believe this is destiny, they met Attila in a bar. Attila still studies at the moment classical vocals at the Academy in Bucharest. He is or, however, was a time in search of new challenges, so that he didn´t hesitate long to audition with the Greywolfs. Anyhow it has fit directly, thus Matthew called me and Stéfane to take part in the new band. I for my part can say that this was the best decision of my life. I have done a long time “Metal Keyboard” with the usual Dream Theater/Gothic sounds. Now I use only a murderous Hammond, YEAH, this is cool!

Where did you record „Return in Bloodred“?

We recorded the disc in Gothenburg in the studio Fredman. You surely know it. Bands like Soilwork, In Flames or also HammerFall get their sound there. But in particular the “The Crown” sound has get us to take the wide way to the cool north.

Who of you is responsible for the Songwriting? Is there group dynamism with you or do have a main songwriter who is responsible for all tracks?

I think, we do not differ there splendidly from other bands. The different band members bring a basic idea for a song. In times of modern computer technology you can preproduce the song virtually at home a little. Then in the rehearsal room, everybody adds his mustard and thus originate the songs. Useful refrains are important to us and here Attila has a gigantic influence. Sometimes it has advantages if a singer comes only late to the metal, he is not used with melodies so. This is exactly the reason, why the Greywolfs wanted no typically German Metal Shouter without kicking Michael Kiske too near now, ha, ha.

How does the songwriting process develop in detail? How is it begun, what comes first what follows afterwards?

Mostly one starts with a guitar or organ riff. However, Attila gives certain moods by his lyrics, which we must catch as an instrumentalist then. During such days it is important not to expose yourself too long to the sunlight.

Where do you get all your creativity?

From the wolves in the outdoor enclosures.

How did you end up using “POWERWOLF” for a band name? Which meaning does it have?

On the one hand, the surname of the brothers is involved in it, on the other hand Attilas fascination for Romanian legends and the wolf, as a mystic and powerful animal. It plays a big role in Romanian legends. I mean, here meet two cultures, the German one and the Transsylvanian. You can hear it, when you listen to the music very well and this also stands exactly for our music, the power of the classical Heavy Metals infers with a mystic, “doomy” mood.

Why did you call your album “Return in bloodred”? In the end, it is no return, because it shows your first work …

We wanted to play this kind of music already our whole life long. Nevertheless, there never was the right band constellation. Now this is the case! Thus this album is rather a “Return” than one beginning. A “Return” to our internal musical roots. In addition, is “Blood-red” the colour of the wolf who waits hidden in the bush for its “bloody meat”. Yeah!

You played a European tour with Nocturnal Rites and Gamma Ray in the end of the last year. Which experiences could you collect? How has the tour life changed you? How have you got by with the other bands? Can you get in touch with the cities and countries you tour?

I say only teaching years are no man's years. No, we could collect a lot of new experiences. Many of us have already been on tour, however, it is different over and over again. Especially being a support act. No, it a brilliant thing playing such a big tour with the first album. We are very grateful: Gamma Ray, Schrörg and Metal Blade.

On tour you are a completely different person. You wake up every morning being in another city and you know that you be on stage that evening again. A very exciting and nice feeling. We have got by with Noc and Gamma Ray very well. Because we shared the Nightliner with Nocturnal Rites, it was normal that we spent more time with the guys than with the Gammas. With announced very nice parties with the Swedes. Cheers Friedrich and crew!

What concerns the respective cities: We had time enough and tried to see as much as possible in Madrid, Barcelona or Paris. But during some days you feel suboptimal and then a coach bunk is the ideal place of residence.

How is the Metal scene where you live? Are there many metalheads?

Well, there are different answers in the band, because we live differently. Attila would say something else than me certainly. I think that the Metal scene have moved all together again more self-confidently and more public consciousness. Look at the Metal parties in every city. There was a time there were maybe Mille Petrozza, Ventor and I were there… Today the respective clubs are filled well.

What about concerts in the near future?

We will play some festivals in summer and in fall a few shows. However, priority has our new album

How would you describe your music? Which influence do you process?

An interviewer from Hungary has called our style “Old school heavy metal with a huge doom feeling”. Man, this sounds good!

Why would you recommend your album to anyone?

See question 11 … No seriously. I think the album spreads out an immense energy and the catchy songs just stay in your ears…

What is „Return in bloodred“ about?

This is a special subject of Attila. There you are able to an extra – interview with him do … ha, ha …

Which is your favourite track on your album?

I like the whole album, ha, ha. No, but if I would have to choose a favorite song, I would choose “The Kiss of the Cobra King”. The organ is especially great there, an absolute catchy refrain and a Metal Choir that is directed by Attila with a sword. What else do you want?.

How far do you want to go with POWERWOLF? Is POWERWOLF a fun band or anything serious?

THE WOLF NEVER JOKES!!

Who has been responsible for the great cover artwork?

For the complete artwork, Benjamin Buss is responsible. He is very good in it. Maybe you know him from a different well-known Gothic band … (yes, I know him from a cool Gothic band 😉 – Remark Tanja)

Unfortunately, it is a little quiet around you right now. What do you POWERWOLVES at the moment? Are you diligent again with new songs? Will there probably even be a new album of you in the near future?

Yes, we are right in the middle. We also consider to record a first song in the studio. Thus we can catch a better the mood… It becomes more mystically and maybe also a little heavier. There are already some titles as for example “Bloodfever”, “We take it from the living” or “Carpathos the great”. But the wolf cannot tell any more …

Your words to the metalheads:

Raise your Metal fist and be proud like a battle horse!!

Website:
www.powerwolf.net
Line-Up:
Attila Dorn – Vocals
Matthew Greywolf – Guitar
Charles Greywolf – Bass Guitar
Falk Maria Schlegel – Organ
Stéfane Funčbre – Drums
Contact:
mail@powerwolf.net
Discographie:
Return in Bloodred – 2005
FANCLUB:
www.people.freenet.de/wolfstribe
wolfstribe@aol.com