The German thrash metal band Necronomicon led by Freddy (guitar/vocals) has always been one of my favorites. So, with this interesting conversation, another bucket list interview was completed. Read below to find out exactly what we actually talked about.
Greetings Freddy. First of all, let me congratulate you on the 11th Necronomicon LP. The material of the "Constant to Death" album turned out to be really magnificent. What is the feedback like so far? And secondly, what drives the band forward in these difficult times, because frankly it's hard to keep a thrash metal band going smoothly these days, don't you think?
- Hi Kornel, thanks for the praise; and yes, the response has been overwhelming. Above all, we've also received outstanding praise and reviews from the really big magazines, which wasn't always the case in the older past. Because thrash metal doesn't exactly have an easy time finding broad appeal these days. And that brings me to your second question. Yes, the days of the glorious 80s are over. As a classic thrash metal band, you have to prove yourself on the market. And that's not easy. I only know one band that has ALWAYS managed that and that is and was... Slayer. That's why we've gone back to our punk roots a bit, which suits us very well and gives the band a more multi-faceted image.
You have been associated with Achim Köhler (producer, engineer and owner of Indiscreet Audio) since the release of "Construction of Evil" (2004). How did this close relationship develop? How long does it usually take to mix and master a record? For example, in the case of the new album.
- For me, Achim Köhler is one of the best producers and sound engineers there is in Germany... and he's a good friend of mine. But here too, times and the approach have changed a bit... at least for us. Since the "Invictus" album, we've been recording the drums, guitars and vocals in our own studio, so that Achim (who, of course, coaches the whole thing) has enough time for mixing and mastering, which as you know is most of the work. This has proven to be much less stressful for us than going into a studio and having to work under time pressure.
Your last three albums were released by El Puerto Records. Have you finally found the right label? What is your relationship like, how is it different from the previous record labels you worked with?
- Well, basically many labels are all the same. Spend as little money as possible and get a lot in return. Unfortunately, that's the way it is today. In the near future, we will think about how we want to and will do this for ourselves in the future. I don't want to say any more about that yet. But El Puerto Rec. is ok.......
As of 2019, the Necronomicon line-up is also stable, which was mostly typical of the early era of the band. Is the atmosphere similar among the band members if you compare the lineups of these two eras? If not, how is one different or better than the other? In addition to the band, do you have a permanent job or do you only focus on music?
- It's not easy to find the right musicians; above all, they have to have the right people and character. It is quite normal for changes to occur over the years. Family or perhaps other interests often play a role. I'm no longer think in the long term. That sounds brutal, but in the end I have to decide who I want to work with. People come and go... it's the same in any other profession.
And yes, I have a second job. I produce videos and have my own small company while I'm not traveling or working with Necronomicon.
Do you keep in touch with your former bandmates (Jürgen Weltin, Axel Strickstrock & Lars Honeck)? What are they up to lately?
- I still see Jogi more often, as we meet regularly for a beer or wine and talk about the good old days... hahahahaha. I still have occasional contact with Lala via WhatsApp. With Axel, unfortunately, not at all.
The cover art for "Constant to Death" was designed by Kattrin Peter of Kudulounge GmbH. It's pretty cool for sure. How does this relate to the album's lyrical content? Is there any symbolic meaning behind it?
- Yes, the album is not called "Constant to Death" for nothing. The lyrics are very dark this time and tell of what is happening in the world. The brutal war of aggression by Putin and his terror regime, violence against children in the church, global poverty and the consequences... these are all things that concern me and that I want to express. Kattrin has realized this very well and styled a gloomy end-time cover.
What motivates and inspires you to write lyrics these days?
- Just look around you at what's happening in the world. It's complete madness. Humanity is broken. Government representatives are puppets of industry and corrupt or strive for brutal goals. Where is this going to lead? The environment is being increasingly destroyed and there is a seething conflict everywhere and brutal wars are being waged. That's enough material...
How does a new Necronomicon song usually come about? You come up with the main structural riffs of the song and then you all create the final version together or there is a completely different routine?
- I wrote the last few albums completely on my own. The riffs have to harmonize with the vocals; that is absolutely paramount for me. Then I give the "framework" to the guys, who then have to implement my ideas. Of course, everyone has their own freedom and can realize their own ideas, but I set the framework.
What is the situation with gigs and tours these days? Do you play live a lot? Are there any special concerts or tours planned for the 40th anniversary? What setlist can fans expect at such an event?
- We won't be going on tour until next fall. I'm currently planning my long-awaited "punk project", which I really want to realize. I just don't know yet whether I'll do it as "Necronomicon" or under a different name. The fact is that I will invite several different musicians. My former drummer Chris will definitely be part of it, because he loves punk more than anything, and probably Jogi too... if he has time.
Your classic first records have recently been re-released by labels such as Battle Cry Records, Metal Command Records and High Roller Records. Which version do you like best and why? I personally prefer how HRR reissued your classics.
- HRR are doing an amazing job. I like how they realize and reissue our classic stuff. Really, really good and professional. I love it.
Okay, Freddy, that's all I could think of right now. Thank you for the interview. Please send your final necronomical wishes to all die-hard thrashers of Ukraine.
- Hey guys, I know you got hard times these days. I hope you will kick this fucker out of your country and will get your freedom back. We have a fantastic fanbase in Ukraine and I hope I can come back asap. Stay hard. With thrashy greetz, Freddy.
