Swiss thrashers from Poltergeist have recently faced some member changes, but are 100% ready to hit the stage pretty soon and there have been some killer reissues too, so I've asked André Grieder (vocals) to provide us all the latest news. Now scroll down and be informed about everything!!!
Hey André, how are you? Is there anything new cooking in the Poltergeist camp lately? If so, please share all the details to the readers. What will be the musical/lyrical directions of the new material?
- I'm fine. The biggest news is that we have two new members in the band. Sven Vormann is back to beat the drums and our new bassist is Pat Müller, who also plays guitar in Gurd and Klaw. A little incest in our bands as you can see. I can't tell you much news about our next album, because there are no new songs made so far. First we had to learn our old songs with the new lineup.
Your lattermost record was "Feather of Truth" in 2020. It was released by Massacre Records in CD & LP formats. What have been the reactions of the fans and the media to it like? How did it sell?
- The reactions were almost positive, but I don't know the exact sales, because that's V.O.'s thing. I'm not good with numbers.
There have been some special re-releases issued this year by Vic Records and MDD Records. The first label took care of your first two demos, while the second label decided to revamp your first two LPs. Could you please go into details and transfer as many infos as possible regarding these reissues?
- Obviously there was an interest in releasing our demos. Vic Records asked us if they can release the old stuff, and the artist who made our last two covers, Roberto Toderico, made a cool new cover for this reissue. About the "Depression" and the "Behind My Mask" reissues, I don't know much details to be honest, that was also made with V.O.'s help.
You've not played live a while. Do you have any future shows or festivals fixed yet? Where can we see you play live next?
- We start again in October with a show in Switzerland and in December we play the Ruhrpott Metal Masters in Oberhausen, Germany.
Since 2017 you have a stable membership. Would you please introduce each member of the band to the readers? I mean, besides playing in Poltergeist, are they involved in other bands & projects, what kind of daily jobs do they have at the moment and say something about their hobbies.
- We had a stable membership until Corona showed up. Our bass player Ralph decided to move to Ireland, because of the medical problems of his wife, so he sadly left the band. And Reto, our drummer, had some problems finding time for us, besides his other bands and his own business, so he left us too. We're still friends and wish them all the best for the future. So the band is me, André Grieder, who has only one band at the moment and that's my profession. My hobbies are sports (watch not practice) and playing some games. Then there is V.O. Pulver on the guitar who also is our producer with his own Little Creek Studios, and he produces other bands like Destruction or Burning Witches. He also plays the guitar and sings in Gurd and plays the guitar for Messiah and his own band Pulver, with his wife Inga. Then we have Chasper Wanner on the guitars, who also has his own bands, called Klaw and an acoustic project with his girlfriend named Soulmates. He also works as a guitar teacher. Next is Pat Müller, our new bassist, who also plays guitar in Gurd and Klaw. Last but definitely not least, Sven Vormann on the drums, who also plays with Megora. He also has his own business with an online wine delivery.
What's the real story behind the song called "Never Again" from your third long play "Nothing Lasts Forever"? It was deliberately omitted from all the recent reissues.
- To be honest, we were not happy with that song at all. Back in '89, we wrote this tune in half an hour, to have a last filler on our "Nothing Lasts Forever" album. So we decided to cancel the song for our remastered version. So all who have the original press, still have something special.
There was a special show of Destruction held at the Baden in Blut Open Air Festival on July 22, 2022. To be more precise the band's 40th anniversary live performance. You've also been announced to do guest vocals for Destruction's "Cracked Brain" song there, but unfortunately it didn't happen due to the severe storm. However, tell us your impressions from that event and how the other guest musicians (Harry, Sven, V.O. and Thomas) performed there.
- Well, we had a great time there. It was like a family meeting, because we have known each other for more than twenty years. There are plans to give it another try, so Tommy and myself finally can make our appearance. The other four had a great show with the band, 'til the storm showed up. Bummer.
I have one more Destruction related question to you and it is connected to the vocal parts and the recording process of the "Cracked Brain" album. I personally feel your vocals were pretty aggressive, angry and brutal there. How did you manage to sing that way? I mean, was it all because of the actual songs or you felt inside that you have to sing that way? Apropos, how long did it take for you to record all the vocals for the "Cracked Brain" album?
- That was a natural process. Olly wrote the lyrics and we recorded instantly. I recorded the whole album in five days in Berlin. It was Olly's wish that I have to sing it that aggressively and I did so. I'm still happy with the result.
How often do you have rehearsals with Poltergeist these days? How long do you rehearse and do you play some covers along your own tracks as well? If so, please name us which covers you prefer to play and why?
- We do not rehearse that much, to be honest. Once in a month or so. When we have a show, we try to intensify our rehearsals. But it's always a tricky time management, when everyone has two or more bands and a profession besides.
You live in Basel, Switzerland. How's the underground life over there? Which places are your most beloved to visit? What bands would you recommend to us from that area?
- Basel is a nice city, but the scene is not that big. We have other thrash bands here, like Total Annihilation or Mnemocide and the famous Z7 is here in the agglomeration. It's a relaxed life here in Switzerland.
Thank you very much for the interview. Send in your greetings for all the Poltergeist fans and thrash metal maniacs of Ukraine.
- You're welcome and I want to say hello to our Ukrainian fans. Stay strong and heavy. Our thoughts are always with you. Thanks for having me and Polter 'til death.
