ACCEPT (Eng.)
– Hi Mark, thank you so much for accepting this interviw. Though it has been a while since you released your latest «Blood of the Nations», I would like anyway to get a bit into it… How did arise the idea of releasing it still with the name “Accept”? And in which moment did the band decide you should do that?
I don’t believe the thought ever crossed anyone’s mind to call it anything other than Accept. Wolf and Peter have been the backbone of Accept since day one. Herman and Stefan have a long history with the band as well.
– It seems the album has got really good reviews, is it done as you expected or do you think is lacking something?
I think the album was received better than any of us could have hoped for.
– Changing the band’s singer tends to be a risky change for any group in terms of the fans reaction. How could you say has been this time? It seems most people has taken it pretty well.
In the beginning, there were a lot of naysayers, and even name callers… but it seems that most of them have come around. The music has to do the talking, and in the end, it did.
– This time, as in 1989, the band has a new singer. Do you think the band was looking for a concrete voice and you fit their view on that?
They weren’t looking for anyone. We just kind of stumbled upon each other. They were, however, aware that I would be able to sing the old catalog, and I think that made a big difference.
– I remember you because of the period with TT QUICK, you voice was less aggressive but quite raw. Now, in this new release, you seem to sing higher… what have you been up to during these years and how did you hook up with the whole band?
Following TT Quick’s INK release, I’d had enough of the music industry. I’ve been working in electrical construction ever since. In 2009, I got a phone call from Peter Baltes. He and Wolf were working in a studio in New Jersey, and the engineer suggested they give me a call. None of us knew what to expect, but that was the beginning of the new Accept.
– The cover artwork caught my attention; is it a nod to the famous “Sign of Victory” of the song “Balls to the Wall”?
In some ways, yes. But basically, it’s meant to symbolize that there is no peace without bloodshed.
– And why such title, “Blood of the Nations”?
Out of all the titles on the album, it seemed the most appropriate for an album title.
– Looking to the past, in 1989 ACCEPT also changed their vocalist and it seemed they looked for a different sound agree with that time. As a, back at the time, «outisder», who do you see the impact of that album? I mean, do you think/know if it was a good moment for a change or it didn’t work as they expected?
They were attempting to go in a different direction. I think it’s a good record and it was commercially successful in the US. I’m not sure that it accomplished what they were hoping for however.
– And coming back to the present; is this the sound you were seeking for ACCEPT nowadays?
Yes! We wanted to try and recapture what we felt Accept was best known for. The sound of the early eighties records, but with current sounding production and songs. Andy Sneap was instrumental in helping us achieve this.
– How do you see the currently Metal scene? Specially during those years when ACCEPT was not an active band.
My son listens to many of the newer bands, so I am familiar with a lot of new metal, like it or not. Don’t get me wrong, there is a ton of talent out there, but I prefer the old school. I feel that there is a resurgence of the classic metal sound that was started by Black Sabbath and bands of that era, which is where my roots are. And I think we fit into this category.
– ACCEPT reunited some years ago and did some festivals. Do you know if, during that time, the guys already had in mind bringing out the project once more?
I think they had a great time in 2005, and they wanted to continue at that time, but in the end, Udo did not want to participate.
– And now thinking about the future; what can we expect from ACCEPT from now on?
More records, bigger tours, more metal!
– Have you thought keep on recording or are you some kind of comet that passes each proper time?
Our tour is ending in July 2011, and we will immediately start the writing/recording process for a new album. We are hoping for an early 2012 release.
– Some months ago we could see you in Spain, what are your memories from those shows?
We’ve played multiple shows in Spain since the tour began, and the crowds in Spain are some of the best in the world as far as I’m concerned! They sing their asses off! The energy we get from them is incredible! We can’t ask for more than that.
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I guess in an ACCEPT tour you may play a lot of classics; does this prevent you of playing more new tracks or, on the contrary, could you say your shows are focused on the band’s new period?
We’ve been playing at least five songs off the new album every show. Sometimes more. That’s quite unheard of. Most bands will play one or two off of a new release. I think that says a lot about the impact this record is having on us and the fans. But, we still deliver the classics as well. All in all, I think it’s a great mix.
– And, to finish, the question I always do ask as last: why the name ACCEPT?
You’ll have to ask one of the original members about that, because I don’t know the answer. Let me know when you find out!
– That’s all, now I just have to thank you for the interview and my best wishes for this new era. If you want to add any final thoughts, last words are yours.
Just want to say THANK YOU to all of the fans for your support and we hope to see you all on the road soon!!! Rock on!
