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MY DYING BRIDEWOEFUL KINGS
My Dying Bride gave a present to their loyal fans in form of their latest live release „An Ode To Woe“ and we caught up with Hamish for a brief and informative chat. We will most certainly have another conversation with them in the near future when they release the new album, until then – enjoy!
Hi there! So let’s start with the latest news – on April 28th you have released you new live CD+DVD “An Ode To Woe”. Since I haven’t received it yet, tell us something more about it.Hi there. An Ode to Woe was recorded in Amsterdam at the wonderful Paradiso venue, which provided a wonderful backdrop of stained glass window class and beauty to our set. It was one of the first shows with our new rhythm section and was a special night that has now become a part of our history. Album was recorded at the club Paradiso in Amsterdam, Holland, in April 2007. Why did you decided to do it there? Is Holland good country for you guys? By the way, in what countries do you prefer playing? We have a strong connection with Holland – we have a great fan base out there and always have a great time there. Some of our crew actually come from Holland too, so it is somewhere we have spent a lot of time. The Paradiso venue has a great history of bands having played there, and adds an additional visual spectacle to our show. Set list features some songs off your latest album “A Line of Deathless Kings” as well as some old cult favorites. Since you have such a strong and rich back catalogue, how do you decide which songs should be played live? Is there any particular song without which you cannot imagine MDB, also do you guys have some favorites? With each album it becomes increasingly difficult to decide what songs to do! We have so many songs now, and everyone has their favorites that they love to play. From the set on the DVD, there is The Blue Lotus, which is a favorite of mine, plus She Is The Dark, which is one of Andrew’s favorites. It would be hard to imagine a My Dying Bride live show without The Cry of Mankind – that seems to be the one staple of every set. I have your “Voice of the Wretched” live album, also “For Darkest Eyes” and “Sinamorata” DVDs, it seems to me that in live setting you are a bit wilder than in studio(well, that is quite natural, with adrenaline rush and everything…). Please compare those two aspects. Do you ever intentionally put in songs some parts that you know will sound good live f. ex. heavy headbangable guitar parts (believe it or not, I have read that some bands do that…)? There are some subtle differences in some songs that we play live compared to the albums – maybe an additional harmony, or more keyboards, but we try to be true to the original songs as much as possible. I believe it is true though, as you say, that there is an energy in live performances that makes the songs so different to the albums. This is a good thing, as it makes the show more personable to fans I feel. This is you fourth live release, do you like live albums in general? Some people think that they are just cash in projects… Do you think that it is interesting pieces of music only for the die hard fans? I view them as landmarks for the band – they are a true representation of the band at that particular point in time, presented in a very honest fashion. You have changed your drummer recently; the new member of the band is Dan Mullins. Is he official member of MDB? How are you satisfied with him? Dan is great; we are so pleased with the work so far from him and also the new bass player Lena. They have brought a passion and enthusiasm into the band that I believe is showcased in the live release. We are working on the new album at the moment, and their performances have been exceptional. My Dying Bride used to change its sound considerably during the course of years. Which era of the band is the best in your opinion? Every era has its strengths, and many fans have their favorites. I personally am always excited by the future. Since the beginning of your carrier, you have been signed to Peaceville so I guess you are feeling good there. Have you ever wanted to leave them? I’ve heard that you had some problems when they were under contract of Music For Nations. Hamish: My Dying Bride and Peaceville have always had a good relationship. It is always more beneficial to all parties when you all have the same goals. Also can you clear me one fact out – some people are saying that “34.788%... Complete” was forced album, that Peaceville and MFN wanted from you more commercial stuff. Is that rumor true? That album is clearly different from the rest of your works, how do you feel about it today? Hamish: That was an album created in pretty turbulent times – it is a very important part in the band’s history; a lot of people were simply put off by the artwork and different logo. We have been playing songs off that album for years alongside other My Dying Bride songs and they have worked great. MDB exists for 18 years now and it is one, if not the most influential doom band ever. It's been a long career, and you have released many great albums (some are even considered timeless metal classics) and the band must wonder whether they will be able to top such a solid legacy next time. Does that kind of thoughts ever occur in MDB camp? Hamish: As I said before, we are focused upon continuing to create new music and forge new angles for what we do. We have a massive respect for our past, and appreciate the love that so many people have for it, but we aren’t a nostalgia act, and have continued to write and release music throughout the entire existence of the band. Back in the beginning of nineties, you invented a new genre of romantic doom metal, along with Anathema and Paradise Lost. Hundreds of bands are following your footsteps. Does it personally bother you to see the existence of groups who are just mere copies of MDB or do you feel flattered? I think bands all start from somewhere – and that often is a result of their influences. The key thing is to develop into something original from that original influence, and many bands do achieve that. Good for them. While we’re at it, what do you think about Paradise Lost and Anathema of today? PL went heavier again, and I have read some very bad statements about you from Anathema guys, accusing you that you are playing it safe and that you do the same style over and over again… I think that PL have done great music throughout their career regardless of what genre they were being associated with. It’s been quite a while since I listened to new Anathema material, much as I’m sure they haven’t really been listening to what we’ve been doing. I found information that you are in talks and plans of creating some kind of classical music, and even bring Martin back on violin. Can you share some information about it with us? Will that be purely orchestral piece or you will mix it with metal? It was an idea that was spoken about a while ago, and could yet see the light of day, but right now we’re concentrating on our next album which may yet feature some violin mixed in with our metal…  Are there any touring plans in the near future? Also, everyone is probably interested when you will release your new album… Any plans about it, are some songs already done perhaps…? Hamish: We’re in the middle of the summer festival appearances at the moment, so that is going great. It’s hard work though, playing these shows and then in between recording the album, but I think it will add a great energy to what we do. We have a whole bunch of new songs and I’m sure you’re going to love them. OK, that would be all for now, I hope that we can have another conversation when you release the new album. All the best, and thy last words… Thank you. Best wishes!
Slobodan Trifunović |
PUBLISHED ISSUESMETAL SOUND #mpu vorbereitung |
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